Weeknight Chicken Parmesan Simplified
All the cozy, cheesy Chicken Parmesan vibes—without the fuss. This 30-minute version uses thin cutlets, a quick stovetop sear, and a fast broil to melt the mozzarella so dinner hits the table on a real weeknight.
Chicken Parmesan is the kind of dinner everyone cheers for—until you remember the dredging, frying, and mountain of dishes. This simplified version keeps the flavor and crunch but trims the steps so it’s actually doable after work. Serve it over pasta, with a bagged salad, or on toasted rolls for an easy family win.
Total Time
28 min
Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
18 min
Servings
6
Ingredients
Chicken
- •1 1/2 lb thin-sliced chicken cutlets (about 6 cutlets)
- •1 tsp kosher salt
- •1/2 tsp black pepper
- •1 tsp Italian seasoning
- •2 tbsp olive oil
Coating
- •1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- •2 large eggs
- •1 tbsp water
- •1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs (or panko)
- •1/3 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- •1/2 tsp garlic powder
Sauce & Cheese
- •1 1/2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought is perfect)
- •1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella (or 6 slices)
- •2 tbsp chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional)
For serving (optional)
- •Cooked spaghetti or your favorite pasta
- •Extra marinara, warmed
Instructions
- 1
Set an oven rack about 6 inches from the broiler and preheat the broiler. Line a sheet pan with foil for easy cleanup.
- 2
Pat chicken dry. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- 3
Set up a quick breading station: flour in a shallow bowl; eggs whisked with water in a second bowl; breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan and garlic powder in a third bowl.
- 4
Working with one cutlet at a time, lightly coat in flour (shake off excess), dip in egg, then press into breadcrumb mixture to coat.
- 5
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken in batches (don’t crowd the pan) until golden and cooked through, 3–4 minutes per side. Transfer to the prepared sheet pan.
- 6
Spoon 2–3 tablespoons marinara over each cutlet (don’t drown it—just a nice layer), then top with mozzarella.
- 7
Broil until the cheese is melted and bubbly with a few golden spots, 1–3 minutes (watch closely).
- 8
Finish with basil or parsley if you’d like. Serve over pasta with extra warmed marinara, or alongside a quick salad.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Nutrition calculated automatically from ingredients.