Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Name: Chicken Parmesan
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts; All-purpose flour; Eggs; Italian-style breadcrumbs; Marinara sauce; Mozzarella cheese; Grated Parmesan cheese; Olive oil; Fresh basil leaves; Salt and pepper

Published: February 17, 2025

by Clara Harper

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Parmesan

Flavor Explosion: The combination of tender chicken, zesty marinara sauce, and gooey cheese creates a delightful medley of flavors. Each bite offers a perfect balance of savory and slightly tangy notes that are sure to please your palate.

Quick and Easy Prep: This Chicken Parmesan recipe simplifies cooking without sacrificing taste. With just a few ingredients and straightforward steps, you can have this delicious dish ready in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Versatile Serving Options: Whether served over spaghetti, alongside garlic bread, or on its own with a fresh salad, this dish adapts beautifully to various sides. You can even make it healthier by pairing it with roasted vegetables or zucchini noodles.

Perfect for Any Occasion: From casual family dinners to festive gatherings, Chicken Parmesan fits right in. It impresses guests while being simple enough for everyday meals, making it the go-to choice for all types of occasions.

Ingredients for Chicken Parmesan

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 medium-sized breasts; they should be uniform in thickness for even cooking.
All-Purpose Flour: Essential for dredging the chicken before breading; it helps create a crispy crust.
Eggs: Beaten eggs act as a binding agent for the breadcrumbs; use 2 large eggs for best results.
Breadcrumbs: Opt for Italian-style breadcrumbs to enhance flavor; they add crunch and texture.
Marinara Sauce: A good quality store-bought or homemade sauce will elevate the dish; choose one with rich tomato flavor.
Mozzarella Cheese: Freshly shredded mozzarella melts beautifully on top; about 1-2 cups will do.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated parmesan adds depth; use about 1/2 cup mixed into the breadcrumb layer.
Fresh Basil Leaves: For garnish and added freshness; use whole leaves or chopped as desired.
Olive Oil: Necessary for frying; it imparts flavor while keeping the chicken moist.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance all flavors in the dish; season generously to taste.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Chicken Parmesan

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Prepare Your Workspace: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Set up three shallow dishes—one with flour seasoned with salt and pepper, another with beaten eggs, and a third filled with breadcrumbs mixed with grated parmesan.

Dredge the Chicken Breasts: Take each chicken breast and coat it first in flour. Shake off any excess before dipping into the beaten eggs. Finally, press each piece firmly into the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated.

Fry the Breaded Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil to cover the bottom of the pan. Once hot, carefully place the breaded chicken breasts in the skillet. Cook them for 4-5 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown.

Add Marinara Sauce and Cheese: After frying, transfer each chicken breast onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spoon marinara sauce generously over each piece then sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top.

Bake Until Golden and Melty: Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake chicken for approximately 15-20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Ensure that chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Serve and Enjoy!: Once done baking, remove from oven and let cool slightly before garnishing with fresh basil leaves. Transfer to plates and drizzle extra marinara sauce around for presentation—enjoy your homemade Chicken Parmesan!

Tips and Tricks

Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:

Pound Your Chicken Evenly: To ensure even cooking throughout your chicken breasts, pound them to an even thickness before breading—this prevents drying out during frying or baking.

Select Quality Ingredients : Using high-quality marinara sauce can significantly impact flavor; consider making homemade sauce if time allows—fresh ingredients always yield better results.

Avoid Overcrowding Your Pan : When frying chicken breasts, give them enough space in your skillet so they fry evenly without steaming each other—this contributes directly to achieving that crispy crust.

Add More Flavor : For additional depth of flavor in your breadcrumbs mixture consider adding dried herbs like oregano or thyme—this simple addition elevates ordinary breadcrumbs into something special!

Serving Suggestions

This Chicken Parmesan is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:

Spaghetti Marinara: Serve with a generous helping of spaghetti tossed in marinara sauce for a classic Italian meal that complements the flavors of Chicken Parmesan.

Garlic Bread: Accompany your Chicken Parmesan with warm, buttery garlic bread. The crispy texture enhances the overall dining experience.

Steamed Vegetables: A side of lightly steamed broccoli or green beans adds freshness and color to your plate, balancing out the richness of the dish.

Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad with romaine lettuce, croutons, and creamy dressing makes a great side, adding crunch and zest to your meal.

FAQs

What ingredients are needed for Chicken Parmesan?

To make Chicken Parmesan, you need chicken breasts, breadcrumbs, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and seasonings like Italian herbs and garlic powder.

Can I use other meats instead of chicken?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with eggplant or veal for a different take on this delicious recipe while still retaining the essence of Chicken Parmesan.

How do I store leftover Chicken Parmesan?

Store leftover Chicken Parmesan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven for best results.

Is Chicken Parmesan suitable for freezing?

Yes, you can freeze Chicken Parmesan. Wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container for up to two months.

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