Introduction:
Chicken Parmesan is a classic Italian-American dish that’s loved for its crispy, golden-brown breaded chicken, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese. It’s a comforting and indulgent meal that’s perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. While the recipe involves a few steps, the result is well worth the effort: crispy chicken paired with tangy marinara and melty mozzarella, all baked to perfection. Whether served with spaghetti, a side salad, or simply on its own, Chicken Parmesan is sure to be a hit.
Ingredients:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
2 large eggs, beaten
1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-style)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil (for frying)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
Prepare the chicken: If the chicken breasts are too thick, slice them horizontally to create thinner cutlets (about 1/2 inch thick). Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and optional garlic powder for extra flavor.
Set up the breading station: Place the flour in one shallow bowl, beaten eggs in another, and mix the breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese in a third shallow bowl.
Bread the chicken: Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off excess. Dip it in the egg, then coat it with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs stick evenly.
Fry the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the breaded chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked through, as it will bake in the oven later.
Assemble the Chicken Parmesan: Place the fried chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Spoon about 1/4 cup of marinara sauce over each piece of chicken. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley. Serve immediately with your choice of pasta, salad, or crusty bread.
Description:
Chicken Parmesan is a rich, comforting dish that features tender, crispy chicken breasts coated in a flavorful breadcrumb mixture, then topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella. The result is a satisfying balance of textures—crispy, tender, cheesy, and savory. The dish is versatile and can be served with pasta, on its own, or in a sandwich. Whether enjoyed on a busy weeknight or for a weekend dinner, Chicken Parmesan is a beloved dish that never goes out of style.
Tips:
Use panko breadcrumbs for an even crunchier coating.
Make ahead: You can bread the chicken and freeze it for later use. Just freeze the breaded chicken on a baking sheet and once frozen, transfer it to a zip-top bag. When you’re ready to cook, just bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Flavor boost: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a slight kick of heat.
If you want extra cheesy Chicken Parmesan, sprinkle some extra mozzarella cheese on top during the last 5 minutes of baking.
Substitute the marinara: Try using a homemade marinara or any tomato-based sauce you prefer, like arrabbiata for a spicy variation.
Variations:
Eggplant Parmesan: Swap the chicken for thin slices of eggplant for a vegetarian version.
Chicken Parmesan Sandwich: Serve the chicken with marinara and melted cheese on a toasted roll or bun for a delicious sandwich.
Baked Chicken Parmesan: Skip the frying step and bake the breaded chicken in the oven for a lighter, healthier version of the dish.
Spicy Chicken Parmesan: Add some hot sauce or crushed red pepper to the marinara sauce for a spicy kick.
Correction:
Make sure to fry the chicken only until golden and crispy before baking, as the chicken will cook fully in the oven. If you overcook the chicken while frying, it could become dry during the baking step.
Enjoy:
Once your Chicken Parmesan is out of the oven, enjoy the perfect combination of crispy chicken, savory marinara sauce, and melted cheese. It’s a dish that’s sure to bring comfort and satisfaction with every bite. Whether served with pasta or enjoyed on its own, it’s a meal everyone will love!