Chicken Parmesan is a tasty dish that features crispy chicken covered in tasty marinara sauce and melted cheese. It’s comfort food at its best!
I love serving it with a side of spaghetti. It always feels like a cozy dinner, and let’s be real, who doesn’t love cheese? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you could use chicken thighs. They remain juicy and are a bit more forgiving when cooking.
Bread Crumbs: Italian seasoned breadcrumbs give great flavor. If you can’t find those, regular breadcrumbs are fine too. You can add Italian herbs to plain breadcrumbs to mimic the flavor.
Marinara Sauce: I love making homemade marinara sauce, but store-bought is super convenient. If you’re short on time, choose a quality brand or use crushed tomatoes with Italian spices.
Cheese: Mozzarella is a classic choice for its meltiness. For a twist, try provolone or a mix of cheeses for different flavors. Keep the Parmesan for that tangy kick!
How Do You Get the Chicken Perfectly Crispy?
The secret to crispy chicken is in the breading process and frying technique. Here’s how to achieve that golden crunch:
- Start by pounding the chicken to an even thickness; this helps it cook evenly.
- Set up your breading station correctly: flour -> egg -> breadcrumbs. This order is key for a nice coating.
- Heat the oil well before adding the chicken; it should sizzle when the chicken hits the skillet.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan! Fry in batches if you need to so the chicken gets that crispy, golden exterior.
Following these tips will help you lock in moisture while achieving a crunchy, delicious coating. Enjoy your home-cooked Chicken Parmesan!
How to Make Chicken Parmesan
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 1/2 cups Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup olive oil or vegetable oil, for frying
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced, for garnish
- Spaghetti or pasta, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Chicken Parmesan recipe should take about 30 minutes for preparation and cooking, plus 10-15 minutes if you’re making the marinara sauce from scratch. So, set aside about 45-60 minutes in total to make a delicious homemade meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures the oven is hot and ready for your tasty chicken once it’s coated and ready to bake.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
Take the chicken breasts and place them in a sturdy zip bag or between two sheets of plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound the chicken to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This helps them cook evenly. Once pounded, season both sides with salt and black pepper.
3. Set Up the Breading Station:
Get three shallow dishes ready: put flour in the first dish, beat the eggs and water together in the second, and mix the breadcrumbs with 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, and garlic powder in the third. This layering will give your chicken a scrumptious crust!
4. Bread the Chicken:
Start by dipping each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the egg mixture, letting the excess drip off, and then coat it thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure you press the breadcrumbs slightly to help them stick.
5. Fry the Chicken:
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (you can test it by dropping a breadcrumb in—if it bubbles, it’s ready!), add the breaded chicken breasts. Cook them until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per side. You may need to do this in batches if your skillet isn’t big enough.
6. Assemble in a Baking Dish:
Once the chicken breasts are golden, carefully transfer them to a baking dish. Spoon the marinara sauce evenly over each piece of chicken.
7. Add the Cheese:
Now sprinkle the mozzarella and the remaining Parmesan cheese over the marinara sauce on the chicken. Don’t be shy—more cheese means more deliciousness!
8. Bake:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
9. Cook the Pasta:
While the chicken is baking, cook your spaghetti or pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain it and set it aside while you finish with the chicken.
10. Serve and Garnish:
Once the Chicken Parmesan is out of the oven, serve each piece over a generous bed of spaghetti. Spoon some extra marinara sauce around the dish. Lastly, garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of additional Parmesan if you like.
Enjoy this classic Italian-American dish with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a complete, heartwarming meal!
Can I Use Another Type of Cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella is traditional for its meltiness, you can substitute with provolone or even pepper jack for a spicy kick. Just make sure to keep some Parmesan for that added flavor!
How to Store Leftovers?
Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, which helps retain the chicken’s crispness.
Can I Make Chicken Parmesan Without Frying?
Yes! For a healthier option, you can bake the breaded chicken instead. Simply place the coated chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spray with a little cooking oil, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until golden and cooked through.
What If I Don’t Have Italian Breadcrumbs?
No worries! You can use plain breadcrumbs and mix in Italian seasoning, such as oregano, basil, and garlic powder, to replicate the flavor. It’ll still turn out delicious!
