Chicken Parmesan is a classic Italian-American delight that perfectly combines juicy chicken breasts with a savory crust, topped with marinara sauce and molten cheese. It’s one of those meals where comfort meets elegance, perfect for a special family dinner or a casual weeknight meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistibly Delicious: The combination of crispy chicken, marinara, and melted cheese is a match made in heaven.
- Versatile Dish: Chicken Parmesan can be served with various sides, making it suitable for any occasion.
- Easy to Make: Although it sounds fancy, this dish is straightforward and perfect for cooks at any skill level.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Chicken Parmesan lies in the simplicity of its ingredients. Each component enhances the dish’s taste, texture, or presentation, making it both delightful and approachable.
- Chicken Breasts: Choose boneless, skinless breasts for ease; slicing them in half ensures faster cooking.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: These give your chicken that extra crunch synonymous with the perfect Chicken Parmesan.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated for the best flavor and texture, integral to both the crust and topping.
- Marinara Sauce: Opt for a high-quality store-bought sauce or make your own for a personal touch.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded and gooey, it’s the irresistible topping that brings everything together.
Variations
This Chicken Parmesan recipe is highly adaptable, making it a perfect canvas for your culinary creativity. Feel free to tweak it to suit your dietary needs or personal taste.
- Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs for gluten-free versions for a safe and delicious meal.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes into the breadcrumb mixture for a fiery twist.
How to Make Chicken Parmesan
Step 1: Prep and Bread
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F. Set up your breading station by placing the flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs in separate shallow dishes. Beat the eggs and season them with salt and pepper. This setup will allow you to coat your chicken efficiently.
Step 2: Fry the Chicken
Dip each chicken piece in flour, then egg, and finally the breadcrumb mixture, pressing down to ensure they adhere. Fry them in preheated oil until golden on each side, which shouldn’t take more than four minutes per side.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Place a layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of your baking dish before adding the browned chicken. Top with more marinara sauce, mozzarella, and parmesan, then bake for 10-15 minutes until everything is bubbly and golden.
Pro Tips for Making Chicken Parmesan
- Optimal Crispiness: Ensure your oil is hot enough by testing with a small breadcrumb; if it sizzles, it’s ready.
- Layer Like a Pro: When layering marinara and cheese, be generous to maximize flavor and yum-factor.
- Cheese Gratitude: Freshly grate mozzarella and parmesan for a richer, more authentic flavor experience.
How to Serve Chicken Parmesan
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley right before serving not only enhances the flavor but also adds a pop of color. It’s a small addition that makes a big difference.
Side Dishes
Serve your Chicken Parmesan with a bed of spaghetti, or go lighter with steamed vegetables like green beans or broccoli. To add an extra Italian flair, consider a side of garlic bread.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving individual chicken pieces on small plates atop a swirl of pasta. Placing everything on a sharing platter can also make your dinner feel welcoming and homely.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Chicken Parmesan in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Keeping the sauce and chicken separate can help maintain the crispiness.
Freezing
To freeze, place the cooked chicken (without sauce) in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, you can transfer it to a freezer bag. This will keep for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Reheat in a preheated oven at 375°F for 15 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid using the microwave as it can make the breading soggy.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs for Chicken Parmesan?
Yes, you can use chicken thighs, but they may require a slightly longer cooking time. Ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
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Why is my breading falling off?
The breading might fall off if the chicken is too wet when you coat it. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels before breading.
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Can I make Chicken Parmesan in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken up until the baking step, then cover and refrigerate for up to a day. When ready to eat, bake as directed.
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What type of mozzarella is best?
Low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella is best because it melts well without making the dish soggy.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, a delightful Chicken Parmesan that’s sure to make your taste buds dance with joy. I encourage you to give it a shot and enjoy every cheesy, crispy, saucy bite with your loved ones!
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Chicken Parmesan Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This classic Chicken Parmesan recipe features tender breaded chicken breasts topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese, baked to perfection. It’s an easy, comforting dish that combines crispy poultry with gooey cheese and rich tomato sauce, making it perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 chicken breasts boneless and skinless, cut in half horizontally to make 8 pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
Breading Mixture
- 1/2 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs or regular breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Frying
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil for frying
Toppings & Sauce
- 24 ounces marinara sauce (1 jar)
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the assembled chicken Parmesan later.
- Prepare breading stations: Place flour in a shallow dish. Beat eggs in a second dish and season with salt and pepper. In a third dish, combine Panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Prepare chicken: Dip each chicken piece in flour, shaking off excess, then immerse in beaten eggs, and finally press into breadcrumb mixture to coat evenly.
- Fry chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown chicken pieces for about 4 minutes per side until golden; the chicken does not need to be fully cooked as it will finish baking.
- Alternative frying: For a healthier option, air fry the chicken at 380°F (193°C) for 7 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Assemble chicken Parmesan: Spread 1½ cups of marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Place browned chicken onto sauce, then top each piece with a few tablespoons of marinara, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden, and the internal chicken temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the top and serve over cooked pasta or with side vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Serve over spaghetti or your preferred pasta for a hearty meal.
- Pair with Italian green beans, steamed broccoli, or a fresh salad for a balanced plate.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-5 days, preferably with the sauce stored separately to prevent sogginess.
- Reheat in the oven or skillet rather than microwave for better texture.
- You can customize the cheese or add extra herbs for enhanced flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (about 150g)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
