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
Units
Scale
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
