Crispy Chicken Parmesan: Easy and Inexpensive Family Recipe

Chicken Parmesan is a classic comfort food that nearly everyone loves. With just two chicken breasts and a few basic ingredients, you can make a great family meal for four. To make the chicken cutlets extra tender and juicy yet still crispy, this recipe calls for a buttermilk marinade, then coating them in Panko breadcrumbs. The sauce can be homemade or a simple bottle of marinara sauce. With just two chicken breasts, a bottle of sauce, and a bit of cheese, you have the best meal in town at your table.

Crispy Chicken Parmesan for four.

Ingredients for Crispy Chicken Parm

2 large whole boneless skinless chicken breasts

1 cup of buttermilk, plus 3 additional tablespoons, separated

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 cup Panko bread crumbs

1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

2 eggs

1/2 cup neutral oil (such as canola) for frying

1 quart marinara sauce, either bottled or homemade

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Additional chicken parmesan

Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Prepared chicken cutlets and ingredients for chicken parm.

Preparing the Chicken for Maximum Flavor and Tenderness

Start by cutting each large boneless, skinless chicken breast in half horizontally. This creates four thinner pieces, which cook evenly and quickly. Place the chicken pieces in a gallon freezer bag in a single layer. Add 1 cup of buttermilk, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper to the bag. Seal it tightly and shake gently to mix the marinade.

The buttermilk tenderizes the chicken while the garlic powder and seasoning infuse it with flavor. Refrigerate the bag for at least two hours or overnight for the best results. This step ensures your chicken will be juicy and flavorful after cooking.

Creating the Perfect Crispy Coating

While the chicken marinates, prepare the breading station. Combine 1 cup of Panko bread crumbs with 4 ounces of grated Parmesan cheese in a bowl. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of buttermilk over the mixture and gently work it through with your hands. This slightly moistens the crumbs, helping them adhere better to the chicken.

On a separate plate, spread 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour. In a bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs with a splash of buttermilk. This three-step breading process—flour, egg wash, and crumb mixture—creates a thick, crunchy crust that holds up well during frying and baking.

Breading and Frying the Chicken

Remove each piece of chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Coat it first in the flour, turning to cover evenly. Next, dip it into the egg mixture, letting any excess drip off. Finally, press the chicken into the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture, making sure the coating sticks well.

Place the breaded chicken on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. This prevents sogginess and keeps the crust crisp.

Heat 1/2 cup of vegetable or canola oil in a heavy skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat until very hot but not smoking. Carefully add two pieces of chicken at a time to the pan. Fry for about 2 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Use a spatula to gently loosen the cutlets from the pan to avoid tearing the crust.

Transfer the fried chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Repeat with the remaining pieces.

Assembling and Baking the Chicken Parmesan

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a casserole dish, spread 1/2 cup of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom. Place the fried chicken cutlets on top of the sauce. Spoon more marinara sauce over each piece, covering them generously.

Sprinkle 1 cup of grated mozzarella cheese evenly over the chicken, then add extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

Chicken Parm is assembled and ready to go in the oven.

Bake the assembled dish for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling and the sauce is hot. The oven finish ensures the cheese melts perfectly and the chicken stays crispy. For a fresh touch, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of minced fresh parsley and 1 tablespoon of torn fresh basil on top.

Tips for Serving and Enjoying Your Chicken Parmesan

Serve your Chicken Parmesan with a side of spaghetti, garlic bread, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. The recipe generously feeds four people, making it perfect for family dinners or small gatherings.

A plate of hot, delicious Chicken Parmesan!

Final Thoughts on Making Chicken Parmesan at Home

This Chicken Parmesan recipe proves that you don’t need a lot of chicken breasts to feed a family of four generously. The key lies in pounding the chicken thin, marinating it well, and using a layered breading technique for a crispy crust. Frying the chicken before baking locks in moisture and flavor, while the marinara and cheese create a comforting, cheesy finish.