Pan-Fried Chicken Parmesan with Fresh Mozzarella and Marinara

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Thinly pounded chicken cutlets are coated in Parmesan and breadcrumbs, pan-fried in butter, then topped with marinara and fresh mozzarella and broiled until bubbly. Served over spaghetti for a classic Italian comfort meal. This italian-inspired chicken ready in about 45 minutes pairs divided salt, all-purpose flour, beaten large eggs for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

★ 4.4 (9 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound with a meat mallet or rolling pin until about 1/4 inch thick. Season both sides with 1/2 tsp salt.
  2. Step 2: Set up three shallow dishes: one with 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, one with 2 beaten large eggs, and one with a mixture of 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese and 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs. Dredge each chicken cutlet first in flour, shaking off excess, then dip into beaten eggs, and finally coat evenly with the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture.
  3. Step 3: Heat 3 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat until foaming. Add the breaded chicken cutlets and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer cutlets to a baking sheet.
  4. Step 4: Spoon about 2 tbsp marinara sauce evenly over each chicken cutlet, then top with slices from 4 oz fresh mozzarella cheese. Set your oven broiler to high and place the baking sheet about 6 inches from the heat source. Broil for 3-5 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to brown.
  5. Step 5: While broiling, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain well.
  6. Step 6: Serve the chicken Parmesan over the hot spaghetti, spooning extra marinara sauce from the pan if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Fried Chicken Parmesan with Fresh Mozzarella and Marinara take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Pan-Fried Chicken Parmesan with Fresh Mozzarella and Marinara?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep divided salt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Fried Chicken Parmesan with Fresh Mozzarella and Marinara?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Pan-Fried Chicken Parmesan with Fresh Mozzarella and Marinara for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Pan-Fried Chicken Parmesan with Fresh Mozzarella and Marinara?

Italian chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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