Chicken Parmesan - delicious Canadian chicken recipe
Easy

Chicken Parmesan

(575)
35 min4530 cal

By Chef Marco Deluca·Red Seal Certified Chef|January 15, 2024

This Chicken Parmesan recipe is a Canadian favourite that brings incredible flavour to your dinner table with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekend cooking, this dish features tender, juicy chicken paired with carefully balanced seasonings that the whole family will love. Whether you are meal prepping for the week or cooking for guests, this recipe delivers consistent, restaurant-quality results every time. Every step has been tested in Canadian kitchens using ingredients available at your local grocery store. With a prep time of just 15 minutes, you can have this delicious meal ready without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of simple techniques and bold flavours makes this one of the most requested chicken recipes on our site. Bookmark this page and add it to your regular rotation — you will not be disappointed.

sandwiches-wrapschicken-parmigiana-with-thighschicken-parmesan-in-ovenchicken-parm-in-the-oven

Ingredients

Servings:
4

Instructions

👨‍🍳Chef's Notes

Mise en Place Saves Time

Even for quick recipes, spend 3 minutes measuring and prepping everything before you turn on the heat. It sounds counterintuitive, but it actually speeds up cooking because you're never scrambling mid-recipe.

Season Generously

Most home cooks under-season their chicken. I use about 1 teaspoon of kosher salt per pound of chicken, applied at least 30 minutes before cooking for the deepest flavour penetration.

About This Recipe

Chicken Parmesan has become a beloved staple in Canadian kitchens, offering a delightful twist on traditional comfort food. With its crispy, golden-brown chicken breasts smothered in rich marinara sauce and topped with melted cheese, this dish creates a symphony of textures and flavours that everyone can appreciate. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual weekend gatherings, allowing you to whip up something impressive without spending hours in the kitchen.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. By using boneless, skinless chicken breasts, you can achieve juicy meat that can be easily paired with fresh toppings, like shredded lettuce and ripe tomatoes, all nestled in a soft burger bun or tortilla. Canadian home cooks adore this recipe because it’s not just quick and easy; it also brings the family together for a satisfying meal everyone will love.

Tips for the Best Chicken Parmesan

To ensure your Chicken Parmesan is perfectly cooked, aim for an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F). This guarantees that the chicken remains juicy and tender. After pan-frying, consider finishing it in the oven for a few minutes to allow the cheese to melt beautifully without overcooking the chicken. Don't rush the resting period; letting the chicken sit for a few minutes after cooking helps retain its moisture.

What to Serve With It

Serve your Chicken Parmesan in a soft burger bun or wrap it in a tortilla, topped with fresh shredded lettuce and slices of juicy tomato for added crunch. A side of crispy sweet potato fries or a light Caesar salad complements the dish beautifully, bringing a Canadian flair to your meal. For a fun twist, consider adding some pickles for extra zing!

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, do so in the oven at 175°C (350°F) to maintain crispiness—avoid the microwave, which can make the chicken dry. If you want to freeze it, wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap; they will keep for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Nutrition Per Serving

530
Calories
40g
Protein
21g
Fat
46g
Carbs
Fiber5g
Sugar5g
Sodium559mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?+

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will yield a richer flavour and remain moist due to their higher fat content. Just be mindful of adjusting the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.

What kind of cheese works best for topping?+

While mozzarella is the classic choice for Chicken Parmesan, you can also use provolone or a mix of both for added flavour. If you want a bit more kick, try adding some freshly grated Parmesan on top before serving.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?+

To make Chicken Parmesan gluten-free, simply substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Ensure that your sauces and buns are also gluten-free to keep the entire meal compliant.

Can I prepare the chicken in advance?+

Yes! You can bread the chicken and refrigerate it for a few hours before cooking. This allows the breadcrumbs to adhere better and can enhance the flavour as the seasonings soak in.

What can I use as a sauce alternative?+

If you're looking for a different flavour profile, try using pesto or a roasted red pepper sauce instead of marinara. Both add a delicious twist and pair wonderfully with the crispy chicken.

Reviews

4.5 / 5 (575 reviews)
Sarah S.
Sep 18, 2025

Made this for a dinner party and everyone asked for the recipe.

Michelle A.
Aug 17, 2025

Made this twice already this month. So delicious!

Sarah S.
Aug 3, 2025

Great recipe! Even my picky kids loved it.

Recipe at a Glance

Prep:
15 min
Cook:
20 min
Total:
35 min
Servings:
4
Difficulty:
Easy

Pro Tips

  • 1Always pat chicken dry before cooking for the best sear and crispiest skin.
  • 2Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 74°C (165°F) for food safety.
  • 3Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute.

Variations

  • Substitute chicken thighs for breast for a juicier, more forgiving result.
  • Add your favourite seasonal vegetables to make it a complete one-dish meal.
  • Adjust spice levels to your personal preference — start mild and add more heat gradually.

Chicken Sandwiches & Wraps

Chicken Parmesan

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by ChickenRecipes.ca

Chicken Parmesan - delicious Canadian chicken recipe
Chef Marco Deluca

Chef Marco Deluca

Head Chef & Recipe Developer

Marco is a Red Seal certified chef with over 15 years of professional kitchen experience across Canada. After training at George Brown College in Toronto and working in acclaimed restaurants from Vancouver to Montreal, he founded ChickenRecipes.ca to share his expertise with home cooks. Marco specializes in making restaurant-quality chicken dishes accessible for everyday Canadian kitchens.

Red Seal Certified ChefGeorge Brown College Culinary Arts Graduate15+ years professional kitchen experience

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