Chicken Parmesan is a classic Italian-American dish that brings together crispy breaded chicken, rich marinara sauce, and melted cheese. It’s comforting, flavorful, and sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you serve it over pasta or alongside a side of vegetables, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that combines the best of savory, cheesy goodness with the satisfying crunch of the breaded chicken cutlets.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this Chicken Parmesan recipe because it strikes the perfect balance between crispy, tender chicken and melty, gooey cheese. The seasoned breadcrumb coating creates a satisfying crunch, while the marinara sauce adds a burst of flavor. The addition of fresh basil brings an aromatic touch that makes every bite even more delightful. It’s a meal that feels special but is surprisingly simple to prepare. Whether I’m making it for a family dinner or a cozy night in, this dish is always a hit.
Ingredients
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1 cup breadcrumbs (Italian-style or panko)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup marinara sauce
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup fresh basil, chopped (optional)
¼ cup olive oil (for frying)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally to create four thin cutlets.
Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Dredge each chicken cutlet in flour, dip it in the egg, and coat it thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken cutlets for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer the cooked chicken to a baking dish.
Spoon marinara sauce over each cutlet, then top with shredded mozzarella.
Bake for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish with fresh basil (if using) and serve hot over pasta or with a side of vegetables.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Variations
Add extra flavor: I sometimes like to sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top of the chicken before baking for an extra cheesy kick.
Gluten-free option: If I need a gluten-free option, I substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground almonds.
Vegetarian twist: For a vegetarian version, I replace the chicken with breaded eggplant slices or portobello mushrooms.
Spicy version: To spice things up, I add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture or top the dish with a drizzle of hot sauce before serving.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: I store any leftover Chicken Parmesan in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To reheat, I recommend warming the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to keep the crust crispy and the cheese melted. Alternatively, I can microwave it, though the breading may lose some crispiness.
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FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, I can substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the chicken breasts if I prefer dark meat. Thighs tend to be juicier and can add a bit more flavor.
Can I make Chicken Parmesan ahead of time?
I can prepare the breaded chicken cutlets and store them in the fridge for a few hours or overnight before cooking. This helps the coating set and can save me time when I’m ready to cook.
Can I freeze Chicken Parmesan?
Absolutely! If I have leftovers or want to make a batch ahead of time, I can freeze the breaded and cooked chicken cutlets. I just need to ensure they’re properly wrapped or stored in an airtight container. To reheat, I bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes.
Can I make this recipe without frying the chicken?
If I want to skip frying, I can bake the breaded chicken in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes or until golden brown, then top with marinara sauce and cheese before baking again.
Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?
Yes, if I’m short on time, I can use store-bought marinara sauce. However, I love making my own sauce if I have a bit more time—it adds an extra layer of flavor.
Conclusion
Chicken Parmesan is a dish that I always enjoy making because it’s both comforting and full of flavor. The crispy chicken, rich marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella make for a satisfying meal that works for any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients, I can create a delicious, homemade version of this classic favorite that my family and I will love. Whether I’m serving it with pasta, vegetables, or on its own, Chicken Parmesan never fails to impress.
📖 Recipe:
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Chicken Parmesan
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Chicken Parmesan recipe combines crispy breaded chicken with rich marinara sauce and melty mozzarella cheese, offering a classic Italian-American dish that is both comforting and flavorful. A favorite for family dinners or cozy nights in, this simple yet satisfying recipe is guaranteed to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1 cup breadcrumbs (Italian-style or panko)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup marinara sauce
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup fresh basil, chopped (optional)
¼ cup olive oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally to create four thin cutlets.
- Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Dredge each chicken cutlet in flour, dip in the egg, and coat with the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken cutlets for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer to a baking dish.
- Spoon marinara sauce over each cutlet and top with shredded mozzarella.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh basil (optional) and serve hot over pasta or with a side of vegetables.
Notes
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like ground almonds or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to keep the crust crispy, or microwave with caution.
Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare breaded chicken ahead of time and store in the fridge for easier prep later.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Fried and Baked
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 450 kcal
