If you’re craving a cozy, comforting dinner that feels like it came straight from your favorite Italian restaurant, this Crispy Chicken Parmesan is about to become your new obsession. It’s golden, crunchy, cheesy, saucy… pretty much everything a perfect chicken parm should be, and it all comes together with everyday ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

This recipe has been a long-time favorite in my home because it’s comfort food done right. The chicken is perfectly seasoned, marinated for flavor, pan-fried for crispy edges, smothered with marinara, and finished with bubbly, golden mozzarella. It’s one of those dinners that makes everyone around the table instantly happy.

Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal-prepping for the week, or trying to recreate a restaurant classic at home, this recipe is truly foolproof — and the leftovers (if there are any!) are even better the next day.

This Crispy Chicken Parmesan is the best! It is so crispy and covered in marinara sauce and melty mozzerla cheese. 

⭐ Why You’ll Love This Chicken Parmesan

✔ Super crispy + juicy

Marinating the chicken and using a panko/breadcrumb mix gives you an extra-crispy coating while keeping the meat tender and juicy.

✔ Easy to make

Even though it looks restaurant-level fancy, this chicken parm uses basic ingredients and simple steps.

✔ Family-friendly

Kids LOVE it. Adults LOVE it. It’s a guaranteed clean-plate dinner.

✔ Budget-friendly

Feeds the whole family at a fraction of the cost of takeout or restaurant prices.

✔ Perfect for pasta night

Serve it over spaghetti, on its own, with garlic bread, or even tucked into a toasted sandwich roll.

✔ Great leftovers

Stay crispy enough for lunch the next day (air fryer reheating = magic).

⭐ Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s your complete ingredient list, rewritten for clarity + SEO while keeping your original recipe fully intact:

• 2 large eggs
• 3 garlic cloves, grated
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley
• 6 chicken cutlets
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• ½ cup traditional breadcrumbs
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup avocado oil
• 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella
• Fresh basil or parsley, for topping

⭐ How to Make Crispy Chicken Parmesan

This method keeps your recipe exactly the same but rewritten to be clear, tight, and SEO-rich.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a baking dish or rimmed baking sheet.

This helps preserve crispiness after baking.

Step 2: Make the Egg Mixture

In a shallow bowl, whisk together:

• eggs
• grated garlic
• chopped parsley
• salt & pepper

Dip each chicken cutlet into the mixture and place them in a shallow dish.

Let the chicken marinate for 15–45 minutes.

This step adds flavor and keeps the chicken juicy.

Step 3: Prepare the Crispy Breading

In a second bowl, combine:

• panko
• breadcrumbs
• grated Parmesan
• dried basil
• dried oregano
• garlic powder
• pinch of salt

Stir well to evenly distribute the seasoning.

Step 4: Bread the Chicken

Lift each cutlet from the egg mixture and press it firmly into the breadcrumb mixture.

Coat all sides evenly — pressing helps it stick and creates that golden crust.

Step 5: Pan-Fry the Chicken

Heat ½ cup avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Once the oil is hot and shimmering, fry the cutlets for about 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown.

Transfer them to your prepared baking sheet.

Step 6: Add Sauce + Cheese

Top each cutlet with:

• about ¼ cup marinara
• a handful of shredded mozzarella

Step 7: Bake

Bake for 17–20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (165°F internal temp) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Finish with fresh parsley or basil and serve hot.

⭐ 

Pro Tips for Crispiest Chicken Parmesan

✨ Use panko + regular breadcrumbs together

This combo gives you golden crunch AND structure.

✨ Don’t skip the marinating step

Garlic, parsley, eggs → the chicken stays juicy inside while staying crispy outside.

✨ Press the breading into the chicken

This ensures a thick, even coating.

✨ Fry in a single layer

Overcrowding cools the oil and leads to soggy breading.

✨ Finish in the oven for perfect texture

This melts the cheese and locks in crispiness.

⭐ What to Serve With Chicken Parmesan

Pair your crispy chicken parmesan with:

• Spaghetti or linguine
• Roasted vegetables
• Garlic bread
• Caesar salad
• Caprese salad
• Buttered noodles
• Sautéed spinach

Or make sandwiches the next day so good.

⭐ Storing + Reheating

Fridge

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.

Freezer

Freeze baked chicken parmesan cutlets (without sauce) for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Air fryer: 375°F for 5–6 minutes

Oven: 350°F for 8–10 minutes

Avoid microwaving — it softens the breading.

⭐ Variations

✔ Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches

Serve on toasted ciabatta with fresh basil.

✔ Spicy Chicken Parmesan

Add red pepper flakes to marinara.

✔ Extra Crispy Version

Double-dredge with panko.

✔ Gluten-Free

Use GF breadcrumbs + panko.

⭐ Helpful Tools (Affiliate Block)

Add your Amazon affiliate links inside WP Recipe Maker for:

• Large skillet
• Baking sheet
• Tongs
• Meat thermometer
• Shallow bowls
• Wire rack (optional for crisping)

FAQ

More Easy Dinner Recipes You’ll Love

If your family loved this Crispy Chicken Parmesan, try one of these next:

• 🍗 Cilantro Lime Chicken
• 🔥 Chipotle Chicken Copycat
• 🥣 Instant Pot Lentil & Sausage Soup
• 🥗 Fall Harvest Bowls
• 🍛 White Chicken Chili