Chicken Parmesan looks simple on paper, but anyone who’s ordered a disappointing version knows how quickly it can go sideways. Soggy breading, dry chicken, sauce doing way too much, cheese doing not enough. It’s one of those Italian restaurant staples that sounds safe, yet somehow feels risky when ordering at a chain.
That’s why a recent Eat This, Not That! chef survey caught my attention. Chefs were asked which chain restaurants actually get chicken Parmesan right consistently, not just on a good night, but every time. While several chains made the national list, only two currently operate in Illinois, narrowing things down in a way that’s actually helpful if you’re ordering locally.
Before revealing the picks, chefs agreed on one thing: good chicken parm is about balance. Tender chicken that stays juicy, breading that holds up, sauce that complements instead of overwhelms, and cheese that finishes the job without drowning everything underneath.
Why Chicken Parmesan Is Easy to Mess Up
Too much sauce leads to soggy breading. Too little cheese leaves the dish flat. And once the chicken dries out, there’s no saving it.
What Chefs Look for in a Great Chicken Parm
According to chefs, the best versions strike a clean balance: crisp but tender chicken, well-seasoned sauce, and restraint across the plate.
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The Illinois Chain Restaurants Chefs Recommend
Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano via Facebook
Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano via Facebook
Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano earns praise for its tender chicken and balanced sauce that enhances instead of hides the dish. Chefs note it’s rich without being heavy, proving a chain can still respect the classic.
Maggiano’s via Facebook
Maggiano’s via Facebook
Maggiano’s stands out for portion size and execution. Thick, well-breaded chicken, fresh mozzarella, and basil make it feel more like a neighborhood Italian spot than a mall-adjacent chain.
Why These Picks Still Matter for Illinois Diners
Illinois is full of great Italian restaurants, both local favorites and chains that do an excellent job with classic dishes. This list isn’t meant to crown a single winner or suggest there aren’t plenty of other solid chicken parm options out there. Instead, it highlights two chain restaurant chefs consistently trusted to deliver a well-balanced, dependable version of a dish that’s surprisingly easy to mess up. When you’re ordering chicken Parmesan and want something familiar, comforting, and done right, these chef-backed picks are a good place to start.
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50 Most Popular Chain Restaurants in America
YouGov investigated the most popular dining brands in the country, and Stacker compiled the list to give readers context on the findings. Read on to look through America’s vast and divergent variety of restaurants—maybe you’ll even find a favorite or two.
Gallery Credit: Paul Feinstein
Dining and Cooking