Chicken Parmesan is a classic dish that features juicy chicken breasts coated in crunchy bread crumbs, topped with gooey melted cheese, and a rich tomato sauce. Yum!
It’s like a warm hug on a plate! I love to serve it with pasta or a simple salad for a complete meal. Plus, it’s always a hit at dinner parties—everyone loves cheesy goodness! 😍
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless chicken breasts are the classic choice for this dish. If you’re looking for something lower in fat, chicken thighs work well too—they stay juicier!
Breadcrumbs: I recommend using Italian seasoned breadcrumbs for extra flavor. If you’re in a pinch, plain breadcrumbs with added herbs (like Italian seasoning) can also do the trick. Gluten-free breadcrumbs are a great option for gluten sensitivities.
Marinara Sauce: Store-bought marinara is convenient, but homemade brings a special touch! Feel free to adjust seasonings to your taste. If you have tomato sauce on hand, you can add garlic, onion powder, and herbs for a quick fix.
Cheese: Mozzarella is essential for that gooey texture. If you want to mix it up, adding provolone or a sprinkle of cheddar can boost the flavor. For a lighter option, use part-skim cheese.
How Do I Get My Chicken Perfectly Fried and Crispy?
Getting that perfectly crispy exterior is key to making Chicken Parmesan taste amazing. Follow these simple steps:
- Even Thickness: Use a meat mallet to pound the chicken to about ½ inch. This ensures even cooking and prevents the chicken from drying out.
- Dredging Technique: It’s crucial to coat the chicken properly. Start with flour, then egg, and finally breadcrumbs. This layering helps create that nice crunch!
- Oil Temperature: Make sure the olive oil is hot enough before adding the chicken. You can test by dropping a breadcrumb in—if it sizzles, it’s ready!
- Don’t Overcrowd: Fry in batches if needed; overcrowding the pan can lower the oil temperature and lead to soggy chicken.
With these simple tricks, your Chicken Parmesan will be crispy and delicious every time!
How to Make Chicken Parmesan
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon water
For the Coating:
- 1 ½ cups breadcrumbs (preferably Italian seasoned)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
For Cooking:
- Olive oil, for frying
For the Sauce and Topping:
- 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced for garnish
- Cooked spaghetti or your choice of pasta, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Chicken Parmesan recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare and approximately 20 minutes to bake, making it a fantastic option for a weeknight dinner. Serve it hot out of the oven for that perfect cheesy goodness!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures that your Chicken Parmesan will bake perfectly.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
Take each chicken breast and pound it to an even thickness of about ½ inch using a meat mallet or rolling pin. This helps it cook evenly. Season each breast with salt and pepper on both sides.
3. Set Up Dredging Stations:
Create three shallow dishes for the breading process:
- In the first dish, place the flour.
- In the second dish, whisk together the eggs and water.
- In the third dish, combine the breadcrumbs, ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, and dried basil.
4. Coat the Chicken:
Now for the fun part! Take each chicken breast and:
- First, dredge it in the flour, shaking off any excess.
- Next, dip it into the egg mixture, letting any excess drip off.
- Finally, press it into the breadcrumb mixture until it’s evenly coated.
5. Fry the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat a generous layer of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken breasts and fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and crispy. They don’t need to be fully cooked yet as they’ll finish baking in the oven. Transfer the fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain off any excess oil.
6. Assemble the Dish:
In a baking dish, spread a tiny layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Place the fried chicken breasts over this sauce. Spoon additional marinara sauce over each piece, then sprinkle them generously with mozzarella cheese and the remaining Parmesan cheese.
7. Bake:
Put the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
8. Serve:
To serve, plate your cooked spaghetti or pasta of choice and place the Chicken Parmesan on top. Spoon extra marinara sauce around it. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan if you like!
9. Enjoy!
Now take a moment to admire your culinary masterpiece before digging in. Enjoy your warm and cheesy Chicken Parmesan with loved ones!
This recipe creates a crispy, flavorful Chicken Parmesan, perfectly paired with rich tomato sauce and gooey melted cheese on top. Buon appetito!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will give you a juicier result, and they’re well-suited for this dish. Just adjust cooking times slightly as they might take a bit longer to reach the right internal temperature.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs and a gluten-free flour blend for dredging. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this dish adaptable for those with gluten sensitivities.
What Can I Substitute for Marinara Sauce?
If you don’t have marinara sauce, you can use crushed tomatoes seasoned with garlic and herbs, or even pizza sauce. You can also make a quick homemade sauce by sautéing garlic with canned tomatoes and your favorite Italian herbs!
How Can I Store Leftover Chicken Parmesan?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave gently to avoid losing the crispy texture.
