Picture this: golden, crispy chicken cutlets smothered in tangy marinara sauce and topped with gooey, melted cheese. That’s right, we’re talking about Chicken Parmesan, the ultimate Italian-American comfort food that’s sure to make your taste buds dance with joy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy Perfection: The combination of panko and regular breadcrumbs creates an irresistibly crunchy exterior that’ll have you coming back for more.
- Flavor Explosion: The marinara sauce and melted cheese create a perfect harmony of flavors that’ll transport you straight to Italy.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a family dinner or a dinner party, this dish is guaranteed to impress everyone at the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Chicken breasts: The star of the show, pounded thin for even cooking and maximum crispiness.
- Flour: For dredging, it helps the egg mixture stick to the chicken.
- Eggs: Acts as the glue that holds the breading together.
- Breadcrumbs: A mix of panko and regular breadcrumbs for the ultimate crispy coating.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor to the breading and topping.
- Vegetable or olive oil: For frying, choose your preferred oil.
- Marinara sauce: The tangy, savory sauce that brings it all together.
- Mozzarella cheese: For that irresistible cheesy pull.
- Basil: Fresh basil adds a pop of color and freshness.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Variations
- Eggplant Parmesan: Swap the chicken for sliced eggplant for a vegetarian version.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy twist.
- Cheese Lover’s Dream: Try using a blend of cheeses like provolone, fontina, and mozzarella.
How to Make Chicken Parmesan
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Pound those chicken breasts until they’re nice and thin. This is key for even cooking and maximum crispiness.
Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station
Get your flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumb mixture ready in separate shallow dishes. It’s like an assembly line for deliciousness!
Step 3: Bread the Chicken
Dredge each piece of chicken in flour, then egg, then the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure it’s well-coated on all sides.
Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat that oil and fry those chicken cutlets until they’re golden brown and crispy. It’s like music to your ears when you hear that sizzle!
Step 5: Top and Bake
Layer on the marinara sauce and cheeses, then pop it in the oven. When that cheese is melted and bubbly, you know it’s go-time!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Let the breaded chicken rest before frying. This helps the coating stick better.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying. Give those cutlets some space to get crispy.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
How to Serve
Serve your Chicken Parmesan over a bed of spaghetti or alongside a crisp green salad. A slice of garlic bread on the side wouldn’t hurt either!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing
You can freeze the breaded, uncooked chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before cooking.
Reheating
Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through and crispy again.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work great and stay juicier. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
How can I make this dish healthier?
Try baking the chicken instead of frying. Coat with cooking spray and bake at 425°F until golden and cooked through.
Can I make my own marinara sauce?
Of course! Homemade marinara sauce can take this dish to the next level. Use your favorite recipe or try a quick version with canned tomatoes, garlic, and herbs.
What’s the best way to pound the chicken?
Place the chicken between two pieces of plastic wrap or parchment paper and use the flat side of a meat mallet. This prevents mess and ensures even thickness.
This Chicken Parmesan recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that’s easier to make than you might think. With its crispy exterior, juicy interior, and that irresistible combination of tangy sauce and melty cheese, it’s bound to become a regular in your dinner rotation. So grab those ingredients and get cooking – your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Chicken Parmesan Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Indulge in the classic Italian-American comfort food with this delicious Chicken Parmesan recipe. Tender chicken breasts are coated in a crispy breadcrumb mixture, fried to golden perfection, and topped with tangy marinara sauce and melted cheese. This hearty and satisfying dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 chicken breast halves, boneless and skinless
Coating:
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil or olive oil for frying
Breadcrumb mixture:
- 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 3/4 cup regular breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper, or to taste
Toppings:
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 leaves basil, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). This ensures that the oven is hot and ready when it’s time to melt the cheese and finish cooking the chicken. - Prepare the chicken
Place each chicken breast between two pieces of parchment paper. Using the flat side of a meat mallet, pound the chicken until it’s about ½ inch (1 cm) thick. This step ensures even cooking and a tender result. - Set up the breading station
Place the flour in one shallow plate, beaten eggs in another, and combine the breadcrumb mixture in a third plate. This assembly line makes the breading process more efficient. - Bread the chicken
Dredge each chicken breast in flour, then dip in egg, and finally coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
Ensure each piece is fully coated. Place the breaded chicken on a baking sheet. - Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). This ensures that the oven is hot and ready when it’s time to melt the cheese and finish cooking the chicken. - Prepare the chicken
Place each chicken breast between two pieces of parchment paper. Using the flat side of a meat mallet, pound the chicken until it’s about ½ inch (1 cm) thick. This step ensures even cooking and a tender result. - Set up the breading station
Place the flour in one shallow plate, beaten eggs in another, and combine the breadcrumb mixture in a third plate. This assembly line makes the breading process more efficient. - Bread the chicken
Dredge each chicken breast in flour, then dip in egg, and finally coat with the breadcrumb mixture. Ensure each piece is fully coated. Place the breaded chicken on a baking sheet.
Notes
- For a crispier crust, let the breaded chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before frying.
- For a lighter version, bake the breaded chicken instead of frying.
- Use a chunky marinara sauce for better texture.
- Fresh basil is preferred, but 1 teaspoon of dried basil can be substituted.
- Adjust cooking time based on chicken thickness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 95
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 30
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 58
- Cholesterol: 180
