Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Chicken Parmesan is the quintessential comfort food that brings together perfectly crispy chicken, rich marinara sauce, and gooey, melty mozzarella cheese. It’s a dish that’s just as delightful to prepare as it is to eat, making it a favorite choice for family dinners and gatherings. This recipe captures the essence of Italian-inspired cuisine while allowing for easy customization to suit your personal taste.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating Chicken Parmesan at home is a simple process, with each ingredient playing a critical role. From the succulent chicken breast to the aromatic marinara and cheese, every component is carefully selected to enhance the texture and flavor of the dish.

• Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless pieces are best for a tender bite.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Essential for that extra crunch, Panko offers a lighter, flakier texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds that irresistible tang and richness.
• Marinara Sauce: The soul of the dish, bursting with flavor and moisture.
• Fresh Basil: Sprinkled at the end for a pop of color and subtle sweetness.

Variations

While this classic Chicken Parmesan recipe is delightful as is, customization is simple. Here’s how you can tweak it to fit dietary needs or personal preferences.

• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour to adapt this dish.
• Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes to the marinara for a touch of heat.
• Light and Fresh: Substitute mozzarella with fresh burrata cheese for a more delicate taste.

How to Make Chicken Parmesan

Step 1: Preparing the Breading

Begin by setting up a breading station with shallow dishes: one for flour, one for beaten eggs seasoned with salt and pepper, and another for a mixture of Panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan. This assembly line makes it easy to coat your chicken effectively.

Step 2: Coating the Chicken

Dip each chicken piece in flour first, then the eggs, and finally press into the breadcrumb mixture. Ensure each piece is entirely coated, allowing the crispy exterior to form when fried.

Step 3: Frying and Baking

In a large pan with hot oil, brown each chicken piece until golden. Once browned, transfer the chicken to a baking dish, layer with marinara sauce, and sprinkle generously with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, then bake to bubbly perfection.

How to Serve Chicken Parmesan

Garnishes

Sprinkle fresh basil leaves over the finished Chicken Parmesan for an aromatic touch and a beautiful pop of green that complements the rich, red sauce.

Side Dishes

Pair it with a simple side of spaghetti tossed in olive oil or a fresh Caesar salad. For a heartier option, garlic bread or a side of roasted vegetables work beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Chicken Parmesan layered over zucchini noodles for a lower-carb presentation, or stack mini versions on toothpicks for an exciting appetizer at parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Chicken Parmesan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat only as needed to maintain the freshness and texture.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the breaded chicken uncooked, separated by parchment paper. This method keeps them fresh for up to a month, ready to fry and bake later.

Reheating

Reheat your Chicken Parmesan in an oven preheated to 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warm. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the breading soggy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t yet tried making Chicken Parmesan at home, this is your moment! With its irresistible combination of cheese, sauce, and savory chicken, this dish is sure to become a new family favorite. Happy cooking!

Chicken Parmesan Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 149 reviews

• Author: Jessica
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Diet: None

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Description

A classic Chicken Parmesan recipe featuring breaded chicken breasts topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, baked to perfection and served over pasta or with your favorite sides.

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Ingredients

Chicken

– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut in half horizontally to make 8 pieces

Breading

– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 3 large eggs
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon pepper
– 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
– 1/2 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs, or regular
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Frying and Assembly

– 3 tablespoons vegetable oil for frying
– 24 ounces marinara sauce (about 1 jar)
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F to prepare for baking the finished chicken parmesan.
2. Prepare breading stations: Place flour in a shallow dish. Beat eggs in a second dish, seasoning with salt and pepper. Mix Panko breadcrumbs, Italian breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper in a third shallow dish.
3. Bread the chicken: Dip each chicken piece into the flour, shaking off excess. Then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing to adhere.
4. Cook chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Fry chicken until golden brown, about 4 minutes per side; it does not need to be cooked through as it will finish baking. Alternatively, place the breaded chicken in an air fryer at 380°F for 7 minutes, flipping halfway through.
5. Assemble: Spread 1½ cups of marinara sauce at the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Place the fried or air-fried chicken on top. Spoon additional marinara sauce over each piece, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses, and chopped basil.
6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden, and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
7. Serve: Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot, ideally over a bed of spaghetti or your preferred pasta, with sides like Italian green beans, steamed broccoli, or garlic bread.

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Notes

• Serve over spaghetti or your favorite pasta for a complete meal.
• For extra flavor, sprinkle additional Parmesan or fresh herbs before serving.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-5 days, best reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
• To make it healthier, consider baking instead of frying or air frying for a lower-fat option.
• For gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 piece or 1/8th of the recipe
• Calories: 480 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 950 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 125 mg