Skip to main content
Cooking With Anadi
RecipesCollectionsTechniquesFree ResourcesAbout
✦ Join the Kitchen
Sign in
Home / Recipes / Italian / Classic Chicken Parmesan Recipe with Spaghetti Marinara

Classic Chicken Parmesan Recipe with Spaghetti Marinara

Chicken Parmesan topped with melted cheese and fresh chives, served with spaghetti marinara on a white plate.
Classic Chicken Parmesan Recipe with Spaghetti Marinara
Anadi Misra

By Anadi Misra · April 7, 2021

Italian

About this recipe

Crispy, golden chicken topped with rich marinara and melted cheese over spaghetti. Our classic Chicken Parmesan recipe is the ultimate Italian comfort dinner the whole family will love.

↓ Jump to Recipe

This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy

Watch the recipe

Every now and then, I get this insatiable craving in my stomach that can only be fulfilled with this meal! The crispy chicken is so satisfying, along with the molten cheese, mozzarella, sour cream and Parmesan. And let’s not forget about al dente Spaghetti, and my classic marinara sauce. This dish makes me proud to say I’m a pasta lover.

So on days that I feel like treating myself, I know where to go and I love the entire process.

What Makes This Chicken Parmesan Recipe So Irresistible?

The crispy chicken cutlet makes for a great base recipe for anything crispy chicken. However, this isn’t to be confused by a classic crispy fried chicken! The recipe and style very closely resembles a chicken schnitzel.

The exciting part for me is always topping the crispy chicken. I use a combination of sour cream, marinara sauce, mozzarella and Parmesan. I find the sour cream adds a delicious creaminess to the cheesy top and really brings this dish together.

Of course there is the classic marinara and spaghetti to create the ultimate pasta indulgence.

Crispy chicken Parmesan topped with melted mozzarella and green onions, served with spaghetti marinara.

How to Make Classic Chicken Parmesan

If using a large chicken breast (>150 g) cut the chicken into smaller portions by cutting it diagonally in two equal halves. Place the portions in a Ziploc bag or between two plastic wraps and pound thin using a meat tenderizer (about 1/4 inch thickness) or a heavy object.

Three raw chicken breasts on a red cutting board, ready for preparation.
Raw chicken breasts on a red cutting board, ready for preparation.

In this recipe, I am using small chicken breasts which do not need to be portioned in half.

To Prepare the Crispy Chicken

Put the flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs in separate plates. Season the breadcrumbs with salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, and oregano.

Dredge the chicken in the flour, then in the eggs, and then in the breadcrumbs, ensuring to shake off the excess throughout. Also adding pressure on the chicken while covering with breadcrumbs helps create the ultimate crispy crust.

Breaded chicken cutlet dredged in egg batter in a white octagonal dish, ready for frying.
Raw chicken breast being coated in seasoned flour on a white plate for breading.
Seasoned breadcrumb mixture in a shallow white plate with a hand pressing down on it during chicken Parmesan preparation.

In a pan, heat about 1/2 cup of oil on medium heat and fry the cutlets for 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Once done cooking, set chicken aside on a baking sheet lined with a wire rack. The wire rack will help prevent the crispy crust from turning soggy.

The chicken can also be baked in the oven for a delicious Baked Chicken Parmesan recipe.

Olive oil heating in a stainless steel pan on medium heat for frying chicken cutlets.
Three breaded chicken cutlets cooling on a wire rack lined with a red tray after frying.
Breaded chicken cutlets on a cooling rack being brushed with oil, showing golden-brown coating.
Breaded chicken cutlet frying in golden oil in a stainless steel pan, golden brown on top.

Preparing the Baked Chicken Parmesan with Spaghetti Marinara

Boil the water for pasta in a large pot and season generously with salt. Once water starts to boil, add pasta and cook until al dente, 7-8 minutes. With 4 minutes remaining for the pasta, warm up the marinara sauce in a large saucepan or pot, reserving 1/4 cup for the chicken parmesan.

Spaghetti being added to a pot of boiling salted water for cooking.
Cooked spaghetti pasta draining in a colander after boiling until al dente.
Marinara sauce simmering in a dark pan with visible bubbles and a glossy red surface.
Pot of boiling salted water with pasta cooking, bubbling vigorously on the stovetop.

Toss the pasta with the sauce and keep warm until the chicken finishes cooking.

Spaghetti tossed with marinara sauce in a pan, ready to be served with chicken parmesan.

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pan and place on a wire rack. Top each crispy chicken with 2 Tbsp of marinara sauce on each chicken cutlet, followed by sour cream, mozzarella and Parmesan.

Three breaded chicken cutlets on a wire rack topped with marinara sauce, cooling after cooking.
Three breaded chicken cutlets topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese on a wire cooling rack.
Three chicken cutlets topped with marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese on a wire rack, ready for broiling.
Breaded chicken cutlet topped with marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese on a cooling rack.
Two breaded chicken cutlets topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese on a cooling rack.

Turn on the broiler and place baking tray back in the oven on the top-most rack and cook until the cheese is bubbly and a light golden brown, about 1-2 minutes. Remove the chicken parmesan from the oven.

Chicken Parmesan with melted cheese and marinara sauce on a wire cooling rack, golden and bubbly from broiling.
Baked chicken Parmesan with melted cheese and golden brown top on a cooling rack.

Roll up 3-4 leaves of basil into a cigar and slice to make chiffonade.

Sprinkle 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese to the spaghetti marinara and mix well. Serve pasta in a bowl or plate and serve with the freshly baked chicken Parmesan with a garnish of basil chiffonade and extra Parmesan.

Spaghetti marinara with shredded Parmesan cheese mixed in, cooking in a dark pan with red tomato sauce
Chicken Parmesan with spaghetti marinara topped with melted cheese, Parmesan, and basil chiffonade on a white plate.
How to Store the Breaded Chicken Cutlets▼

You can bread the chicken in advance and store them in the refrigerator to save time at dinner. Tear two pieces of parchment paper and trim to about the size of each cutlet. Place the chicken between the parchment and wrap with plastic wrap.These breaded cutlets freeze really well too, which makes them ideal for make ahead meals or weeknight dinners. To freeze, Simple place the wrapped up portions in a freezer Ziploc bag and freeze.

37 min
2 plates
hard
Chicken Parmesan topped with melted cheese and fresh chives, served with spaghetti marinara on a white plate.
Classic Chicken Parmesan Recipe with Spaghetti Marinara
Anadi Misra

By Anadi Misra · April 7, 2021

Italian37 min2 plateshard
Classic Chicken Parmesan Recipe with Spaghetti Marinara
Anadi Misra

By Anadi Misra · April 7, 2021

Italian37 min2 plateshard
Chicken Parmesan with melted cheese and green onions served alongside spaghetti marinara on a white plate.

Let me know what you think of this recipe in the comments! If you’ve tried this recipe, be sure to post it on social media and tag it with #cookingwithanadi and mention me @cooking.with.anadi. Thank you!

Recipe by Anadi Misra

Classic Chicken Parmesan Recipe with Spaghetti Marinara

Crispy, golden chicken topped with rich marinara and melted cheese over spaghetti. Our classic Chicken Parmesan recipe is the ultimate Italian comfort dinner the whole family will love.

Be the first to rate ✦

Saved to your collection
··
·
·

25 min

Prep

12 min

Cook

37 min

Total

2

plates

hard

Level

Ingredients

··
·
·

Ingredients

Tap any quantity to scale

For breading the chicken

  • small chicken breasts or 1 large chicken breast
  • large egg, lightly whipped
  • (31 g) all-purpose flourShop →
  • (30 g) panko breadcrumbsShop →
  • (1 g) oreganoShop →
  • salt(to taste)Shop →
  • pepper(to taste)Shop →

For the pasta

  • Classic Italian Marinara Sauce , reserved to top chicken Parmesan · make your own
  • (170 g) spaghettiShop →
  • fresh basil for garnish
  • (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for topping
  • (14 g) butter (optional)Shop →

For preparing the chicken parmesan

  • (60 ml) Classic Italian Marinara Sauce · make your own
  • (30 ml) sour cream
  • (75 g) part-skim mozzarella
  • (13 g) Parmesan
  • fresh basil for garnish
  • oil for shallow fryingShop →
  • salt(to taste (optional))Shop →
  • pepper(to taste (optional))Shop →

Instructions

For the crispy chicken

  1. 1

    If using a large chicken breast (>5.5 oz) cut the chicken into smaller portions by cutting it diagonally in two equal halves. Place the portions in a Ziploc bag or between two plastic wraps and pound thin using a meat tenderizer (about 1/4 inch thickness).

    If using a large chicken breast (>5.5 oz) cut the chicken into smaller portions by cutting it diagonally in two equal halves. Place the portions in a Ziploc bag or between two plastic wraps and pound thin using a meat tenderizer (about 1/4 inch thickness).

  2. 2

    Measure out flour, egg and breadcrumb in different plates/large bowls. Season flour with salt and pepper, lightly whisk the egg and sprinkle oregano on the breadcrumbs.

    Measure out flour, egg and breadcrumb in different plates/large bowls. Season flour with salt and pepper, lightly whisk the egg and sprinkle oregano on the breadcrumbs.

  3. 3

    Working with once chicken portion at a time, dredge the chicken in flour, shake off excess. Dip the chicken in the egg and evenly coat both sides. Let excess drip off and coat the chicken in the breadcrumbs. Make sure to press the breadcrumbs on the chicken for an extra crispy chicken.

    Working with once chicken portion at a time, dredge the chicken in flour, shake off excess. Dip the chicken in the egg and evenly coat both sides. Let excess drip off and coat the chicken in the breadcrumbs. Make sure to press the breadcrumbs on the chicken for an extra crispy chicken.

  4. 4

    In a pan, heat about ½ cup of oil on medium heat and fry the cutlets for 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Once the chicken has finished cooking, set chicken aside on a baking sheet lined with a wire rack. The wire rack will help prevent the crispy crust from turning soggy. Optionally, season with additional salt and pepper to taste.

    In a pan, heat about ½ cup of oil on medium heat and fry the cutlets for 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Once the chicken has finished cooking, set chicken aside on a baking sheet lined with a wire rack. The wire rack will help prevent the crispy crust from turning soggy. Optionally, season with additional salt and pepper to taste.

For the pasta

  1. 1

    In the meanwhile, boil water for pasta in a large pot and season generously with salt.

    In the meanwhile, boil water for pasta in a large pot and season generously with salt.

  2. 2

    Once water starts to boil, add pasta and cook until al dente, 7-8 minutes. With 4 minutes remaining for the pasta, warm up the marinara sauce in a large saucepan or pot, reserving ¼ cup for the chicken parmesan.

    Once water starts to boil, add pasta and cook until al dente, 7-8 minutes. With 4 minutes remaining for the pasta, warm up the marinara sauce in a large saucepan or pot, reserving ¼ cup for the chicken parmesan.

  3. 3

    Toss the pasta with the sauce and keep warm until the chicken finishes cooking. Optionally, mix in butter with the pasta and sauce.

    Toss the pasta with the sauce and keep warm until the chicken finishes cooking. Optionally, mix in butter with the pasta and sauce.

For preparing the chicken parmesan

  1. 1

    Top the chicken with marinara sauce, sour cream, mozzarella and parmesan directly on the wire rack.

    Top the chicken with marinara sauce, sour cream, mozzarella and parmesan directly on the wire rack.

  2. 2

    Turn on the broiler and place baking tray back in the oven on the top-most rack and cook until the cheese is bubbly and a light golden brown, about 1-2 minutes. Remove the chicken parmesan from the oven.

    Turn on the broiler and place baking tray back in the oven on the top-most rack and cook until the cheese is bubbly and a light golden brown, about 1-2 minutes. Remove the chicken parmesan from the oven.

  3. 3

    Roll up 3-4 leaves of basil into a cigar and slice to make chiffonade.

    Roll up 3-4 leaves of basil into a cigar and slice to make chiffonade.

  4. 4

    Sprinkle ¼ cup of parmesan cheese to the spaghetti marinara and mix well. Serve pasta in a bowl or plate and serve with the freshly baked chicken parmesan with a garnish of basil chiffonade and extra Parmesan.

    Sprinkle ¼ cup of parmesan cheese to the spaghetti marinara and mix well. Serve pasta in a bowl or plate and serve with the freshly baked chicken parmesan with a garnish of basil chiffonade and extra Parmesan.

Nutrition per serving

1236

Calories

60g

Protein

119g

Carbs

58g

Fat

9g

Fiber

17g

Sugar

3828mg

Sodium

Share This Recipe

Did you make this recipe? Tag @cooking.with.anadi on Instagram and hashtag it #cookingwithanadi

Anadi Misra, signed

Tested & written in Anadi’s kitchen


Free weekly newsletter

Like this recipe? Get more every week.

New recipes, cooking tips, and behind-the-scenes from Anadi's kitchen.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Filed under

classic chicken parmesan recipedelicious chicken parmesan recipechicken parmesan with spaghetticlassic chicken parmesanpastaitalianpoultrydinnerlunchmeat & seafood

You might also like

Crispy air fryer chicken parmesan with melted cheese and marinara sauce, served with spaghetti on a white plate.
Italian

Crispy & Cheesy Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

Crispy, cheesy, and made in the air fryer — this classic Chicken Parmesan is faster and easier than ever. Serve it over spaghetti for a perfect Italian dinner the whole family will love.

45 minHard2 pieces
crispy chicken parmesan
how to make chicken parmesan
how to make easy chicken parmesan
Baked chicken parmesan with melted cheese and green onions served alongside spaghetti marinara on white plate.
Italian

Baked Chicken Parmesan with Spaghetti Marinara

Crispy, golden chicken parmesan baked to perfection and served over spaghetti marinara. This easy, healthier take on a classic Italian favorite is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner the whole family will love.

45 minMedium2 servings
Orecchiette pasta with spicy Italian chicken sausage topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil in a white bowl.
Italian

Orecchiette with Spicy Italian Chicken Sausage

Orecchiette with Spicy Italian Chicken Sausage is a quick, bold pasta dish packed with flavor. Ready in under 30 minutes, it is the perfect easy weeknight dinner the whole family will love.

37 minMedium2 servings
Garlic oil cream cheese tomato chicken pasta with grated cheese and fresh herbs on a white plate.
Italian

Garlic Oil Cream Cheese Tomato Chicken Pasta

Creamy, garlicky, and ready in no time, this tomato chicken pasta with cream cheese is the ultimate quick dinner. Rich, satisfying flavors the whole family will love.

35 minEasy3 servings
Creamy spicy chicken penne pasta garnished with fresh herbs on a white plate
Italian

Easy Spicy Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta Recipe

Creamy, spicy, and ready in no time — this Easy Spicy Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta is the perfect quick dinner. Packed with bold flavors, it is a satisfying meal the whole family will love.

30 minEasy2 bowls
Slice of creamy white sauce chicken lasagna with melted cheese top on a white plate, checkered tablecloth background.
Italian

Creamy White Sauce Chicken Lasagna Recipe

Creamy white sauce chicken lasagna made with tender layers of pasta, rich bechamel, and savory chicken. A hearty Italian dinner the whole family will love. Easy steps included.

1 hr 30 minHard4 servings

Comments

No comments yet — be the first to share your thoughts!

Leave a comment

Made it? Add a rating (optional)
1000 left

Follow Along

@cooking.with.anadi

Follow
My new favourite dressing: soy + toasted sesame for a savoury base, a pinch of sugar to balance, and Calabrian bomba for
One jar of dressing: soy, sesame, garlic, rice vinegar and Calabrian bomba. This dressing is going to add so much flavou
Week one of the new site, and I’m so happy you showed up! 🙌

 Thank you all for visiting and rating your favourite reci
Spontaneous Sunday: no plan, no recipe - just a jacket potato and whatever's in the fridge.

Crispy skin, fluffy middle,
The classic British jacket potato done right.

Crispy salted skin, fluffy middle, plenty of butter, and baked beans. The

Tag your makes with #cookingwithanadi