Chicken Parmesan Recipe

There's something magical about a plate of Chicken Parmesan fresh out of the oven. The crispy, golden breading, gooey melted cheese, and rich marinara sauce create a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave everyone at the table craving seconds.

I still remember the first time I tried Chicken Parmesan at a little Italian bistro during a family trip. The combination of crispy chicken and cheesy, saucy goodness was unforgettable. Over time, I perfected my own version at home, and it has become a cherished family dinner that never disappoints. Let me show you how to make this easy, restaurant-worthy dish in your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Parmesan

Get ready to discover why this Chicken Parmesan is the ultimate dinner-time hero. From the ease of preparation to the sheer deliciousness, this recipe ticks all the boxes.

First off, it’s a crowd-pleaser. Whether you're cooking for picky kids or impressing guests, the combination of crispy breaded chicken, tangy marinara sauce, and gooey mozzarella will win over any appetite.

It’s also surprisingly quick and simple. With just a few steps, you can go from pantry staples to a dish that looks and tastes like it came from a high-end restaurant.

And let’s not forget its versatility. Serve it with spaghetti for a classic pairing, or over a fresh green salad for a lighter twist. No matter how you plate it, this dish shines.

Finally, this recipe is budget-friendly without sacrificing flavor. Using basic ingredients like chicken breasts, breadcrumbs, and canned marinara sauce keeps the cost down while delivering maximum taste.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of Chicken Parmesan lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of textures and flavors.

• Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe. Pound them to an even thickness to ensure even cooking and tender results.
• Breadcrumbs: A mixture of Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese forms the crispy coating. For extra crunch, you can mix in some panko breadcrumbs.
• Eggs: Whisked eggs act as the glue for the breadcrumb coating, helping it adhere to the chicken.
• Marinara sauce: A good-quality store-bought marinara works wonderfully, but if you have time, try making your own for an extra layer of flavor.
• Mozzarella cheese: Opt for fresh mozzarella if possible – its creamy, melty texture takes this dish to the next level.
• Parmesan cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a salty, nutty kick to both the breading and the final garnish.
• Olive oil: Use olive oil to shallow-fry the chicken for a golden, crispy crust.

Special equipment: A meat mallet for pounding the chicken and a large oven-safe skillet are essential tools to make this dish effortless.

How to Make This Chicken Parmesan

Creating the perfect Chicken Parmesan at home is easier than you might think. Follow these steps, and you'll have a restaurant-quality dish on your table in no time.

1. Prepare the chicken: Start by pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness, about ½ inch. This ensures they cook evenly and stay tender. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Bread the chicken: Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with whisked eggs, and one with the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, dip it in the egg, and coat it thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture.
3. Fry the chicken: Heat a generous layer of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the breaded chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Work in batches if necessary, and set the cooked chicken on a paper towel-lined plate.
4. Assemble and bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F. In an oven-safe skillet or baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce. Place the fried chicken on top, spoon more marinara over each piece, and sprinkle generously with mozzarella and Parmesan.
5. Bake to perfection: Transfer the dish to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil and extra Parmesan for a touch of elegance. Enjoy alongside pasta, salad, or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Storage Options

Chicken Parmesan stores beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep or leftovers.

• Refrigerate: Place leftovers in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce separate if possible to maintain the crispiness of the breading.
• Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken (without sauce) in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as directed below.

Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken in a 375°F oven until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes. If frozen, bake straight from the freezer for 25-30 minutes.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about Chicken Parmesan is its flexibility. Here are a few ways to make it your own:

• Gluten-free: Swap out the breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers.
• Low-carb: Skip the breading altogether and pan-sear the seasoned chicken breasts before baking with sauce and cheese.
• Vegetarian: Replace the chicken with breaded eggplant slices for a delicious Eggplant Parmesan.
• Spicy twist: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the marinara or sprinkle cayenne pepper into the breading for a kick.
• Cheese variations: Experiment with provolone, fontina, or gouda alongside mozzarella for a unique flavor profile.

Don’t be afraid to get creative – this dish is forgiving and incredibly adaptable to your preferences.

With its crispy crust, gooey cheese, and flavorful sauce, this Chicken Parmesan is sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation. Whether you're cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this classic dish is guaranteed to impress. Happy cooking!

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