If you’re searching for the perfect comfort food, look no further than this Chicken Parmesan Recipe! Tender chicken breasts are breaded, golden fried, nestled in savory marinara sauce, and blanketed under a gooey, bubbly layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. It’s a truly irresistible Italian-American classic that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Whether you’re impressing your family at Sunday dinner or just craving something cozy and cheesy, this Chicken Parmesan Recipe promises flavor in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Chicken Parmesan Recipe lies in its collection of simple, straightforward ingredients. Each one brings a special element to the table—think crispy crust, tangy sauce, and that unforgettable cheesy finish. Here’s everything you’ll need, plus some helpful tips along the way.
- Chicken breasts: Choose boneless, skinless breasts for the ideal texture; pounding them ensures a quick, even cook.
- Salt: Just a little seasoning enhances every layer and brightens the flavor.
- Black pepper: A hint of warmth that balances the richness of the cheese.
- All-purpose flour: Helps the breading cling beautifully to the chicken, creating a crisp surface.
- Eggs: The perfect binder for the breadcrumb coating; beat them with water for better coverage.
- Water: Just a splash makes the eggs lighter and more effective in binding.
- Italian-style breadcrumbs: Store-bought or homemade, these provide savory, herby crunch to every bite.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds nutty depth to both the breading and the final layer of cheese.
- Olive oil: Used for pan-frying to achieve that beautifully golden crust.
- Marinara sauce: Use your favorite jarred or homemade version for a burst of tomato goodness.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melty and stringy—exactly what you crave atop Chicken Parmesan.
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional): Adds color and a fragrant, fresh finish; highly recommended!
- Cooked spaghetti (optional): For the full Italian-American experience, serve your Chicken Parmesan Recipe over a bed of pasta.
How to Make Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Pound the Chicken
Start by placing each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound them to an even 1/2-inch thickness. This step ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and stays tender and juicy, making every mouthful melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
Step 2: Season and Dredge
Pat the chicken dry, then season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Set up your dredging stations: a plate of flour, a shallow bowl with beaten eggs and water, and another plate with your Italian-style breadcrumbs mixed thoroughly with grated Parmesan cheese. Dip each chicken breast first in the flour, then the egg wash, and finally, coat them well in the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture.
Step 3: Sear to Golden Perfection
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the breaded chicken and sear for 3 to 4 minutes per side, turning once, until both sides are beautifully golden brown. Don’t worry about cooking the chicken all the way through at this stage—it’ll finish baking in the oven.
Step 4: Build Your Chicken Parmesan Recipe in the Baking Dish
Transfer the golden chicken breasts to a baking dish, arranging them in a single layer. Spoon plenty of marinara sauce over each piece, making sure every chicken breast gets an even coating. Now, shower them generously with shredded mozzarella cheese, letting it spill over the edges for those irresistible gooey bits.
Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly
Slide the baking dish into your preheated oven (425°F) and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. The chicken should be cooked through and the cheese melted, bubbly, and lightly golden in spots. Let it cool for a few minutes, then finish with fresh chopped basil or parsley for a burst of color and aroma.
How to Serve Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Garnishes
The finishing touches matter! Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley over your Chicken Parmesan Recipe right before serving. Not only does it add a pop of green, but it also brings a fresh herbal fragrance that balances the cheesy richness. A pinch of extra Parmesan never hurts, either.
Side Dishes
While serving over a bed of spaghetti is the traditional way (and perfect for soaking up extra sauce), don’t be afraid to branch out. A crisp Caesar salad, some buttery garlic bread, or sautéed greens like spinach or broccolini beautifully round out the meal, offering freshness and crunch alongside the hearty chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling playful, try slicing the chicken and layering it into a hearty sandwich with extra sauce and cheese. Mini Chicken Parmesan sliders make great party fare, or serve atop creamy polenta for an Italian twist. However you plate it, this Chicken Parmesan Recipe adapts to any occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Parmesan Recipe keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Place cooled chicken in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment if stacking. This helps preserve the crispy coating and keeps the cheese from sticking.
Freezing
For longer storage, wrap individual pieces tightly in foil and place them in a freezer bag. Chicken Parmesan freezes well for up to 2 months. For best texture, freeze before baking with sauce and cheese, then add those fresh when reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, bake leftovers at 350°F (177°C) until warmed through and the cheese is melty again—about 15 to 20 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works, but you’ll sacrifice some crispiness. A few minutes under the broiler restores that bubbly, golden cheese top.
FAQs
Can I make this Chicken Parmesan Recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply swap in your favorite gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs. The flavors and crunch stay just as satisfying, and no one will even notice the difference.
What’s the best sauce to use for Chicken Parmesan?
Good-quality marinara sauce makes all the difference. Use a store-bought brand you love, or make your own for that homemade touch. Even a simple garlic-tomato sauce works beautifully in this Chicken Parmesan Recipe.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well here—they’re extra juicy and flavorful. Just be sure to pound them to an even thickness so they cook at the same rate.
How do I get my breading extra crispy?
Make sure to thoroughly pat the chicken breasts dry and press the breadcrumb mixture onto each piece. For an even crispier crust, try baking the breaded chicken for 10 minutes by itself before adding the sauce and cheese, then finish baking as usual.
Is it possible to prep this Chicken Parmesan Recipe ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prep and bread the chicken earlier in the day, cover, and refrigerate until ready to cook. Or assemble the entire dish and bake just before serving for ultimate convenience.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Parmesan Recipe always wins hearts and empty plates. Give it a try the next time you crave something cheesy, saucy, and comforting—you’ll find it’s just as fun to make as it is to eat!
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Chicken Parmesan Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this classic Chicken Parmesan recipe that features tender chicken breasts coated in crispy breadcrumbs, smothered in marinara sauce, and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a comforting Italian-American dinner that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Chicken Parmesan:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
- cooked spaghetti for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Pound and season: Pound chicken breasts to even thickness, season with salt and pepper.
- Coat chicken: Dredge in flour, dip in beaten eggs, coat in breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture.
- Sear chicken: Brown in olive oil in a skillet.
- Assemble: Place chicken in a baking dish, top with marinara and mozzarella.
- Bake: Bake until cooked through and cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Garnish with basil or parsley, serve over spaghetti if desired.
Notes
- For a crispier version, bake the chicken first without sauce or cheese for 10 minutes.
- Use fresh mozzarella for extra richness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce and cheese
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg
