Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Chicken Parmesan, also known as Chicken Parmigiana, is a classic Italian-American dish that combines crispy breaded chicken cutlets, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese. It’s a comforting and satisfying meal that can be served over pasta, with a side of garlic bread, or even in a sandwich. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a special occasion, this Chicken Parmesan Recipe is sure to impress with its savory flavors and irresistible texture.

Equipment and Tools

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Meat mallet (for pounding chicken)
• Shallow bowls or plates (for dredging)
• Large skillet or frying pan
• Oven-safe baking dish
• Tongs or spatula (for flipping chicken)
• Aluminum foil (optional, for covering)

Preparing the Chicken

Pounding and Seasoning

1. Pound the Chicken: Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or in a resealable plastic bag. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the chicken to an even thickness, about 1/2 inch thick.
2. Season the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.

Breading the Chicken

1. Prepare the Dredging Stations: Set up three shallow bowls or plates. In the first, place the flour. In the second, beat the eggs. In the third, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, dried oregano, and paprika.
2. Dredge the Chicken: Coat each chicken breast in flour, shaking off the excess. Then, dip the chicken into the beaten eggs, followed by pressing it into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring an even coating.

Cooking the Chicken

Pan-Frying the Chicken

1. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Fry the Chicken: Once the oil is hot, add the breaded chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Assembling the Chicken Parmesan

Preparing the Baking Dish

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Layer the Sauce: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in the bottom of an oven-safe baking dish.

Adding the Chicken and Cheese

1. Arrange the Chicken: Place the fried chicken breasts in the baking dish on top of the marinara sauce.
2. Top with Sauce and Cheese: Spoon additional marinara sauce over each chicken breast, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.

Baking and Serving

Baking Instructions

1. Bake the Chicken Parmesan: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
2. Broil for Extra Crispiness: For a golden, crispy top, remove the foil and broil the chicken for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

1. Serve with Pasta: Serve the Chicken Parmesan over cooked pasta, such as spaghetti or penne, with extra marinara sauce.
2. Garnish: Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
3. Pair with Sides: Pair with a side of garlic bread or a green salad for a complete meal.

Tips for Success

Choosing the Right Chicken

• Uniform Thickness: Ensure the chicken breasts are pounded to an even thickness to promote even cooking.
• High-Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Be mindful not to overcook the chicken during frying, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
• Proper Breading: Make sure to press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken to create a crispy coating.

Variations to Try

Chicken Parmesan Sandwich

• Bread Option: Serve the Chicken Parmesan in a sandwich, using a toasted Italian roll or ciabatta.
• Additional Toppings: Add roasted red peppers or arugula for extra flavor.

Spicy Chicken Parmesan

• Spice it Up: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or breading mixture for a spicy kick.

Conclusion

This Chicken Parmesan Recipe is a delightful blend of crispy, cheesy, and savory goodness. It’s a timeless dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or any time you crave comfort food. With its crispy breading, flavorful marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese, Chicken Parmesan is a dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your home.

FAQs

Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier version of Chicken Parmesan. The cooking time may vary slightly.

Is It Possible to Make This Dish Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and assemble the dish in advance. Store it in the refrigerator, then bake it just before serving.

Can I Freeze Chicken Parmesan?

Yes, Chicken Parmesan freezes well. After assembling, wrap the dish tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding extra time as needed.

What Type of Pasta Goes Best with Chicken Parmesan?

Spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine are all excellent choices to pair with Chicken Parmesan.

How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour. Ensure the marinara sauce is also gluten-free.

Yield: 4

Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Print

Chicken Parmesan, also known as Chicken Parmigiana, is a classic Italian-American dish that combines crispy breaded chicken cutlets, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese. It's a comforting and satisfying meal that can be served over pasta, with a side of garlic bread, or even in a sandwich. Whether you're cooking for a family dinner or a special occasion, this Chicken Parmesan Recipe is sure to impress with its savory flavors and irresistible texture.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Chicken:
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ cup olive oil, for frying
• For the Topping:
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   
2. Prepare the Chicken:
   Place the chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap and pound them to an even thickness, about ½ inch thick.
   Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes. In the first dish, place the flour. In the second dish, beat the eggs. In the third dish, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
   
3. Bread the Chicken:
   Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess. Dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, then coat it with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to adhere.
   
4. Fry the Chicken:
   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Fry the breaded chicken breasts in the hot oil for 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy. Remove the chicken and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
   
5. Assemble the Chicken Parmesan:
   Place the fried chicken breasts in a baking dish. Spoon the marinara sauce evenly over the top of each chicken breast.
   Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the sauce.
   
6. Bake the Chicken Parmesan:
   Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
   
7. Serve:
   Garnish with chopped fresh basil leaves and serve the Chicken Parmesan over pasta, such as spaghetti, or with a side of garlic bread and a fresh salad.

Notes

Chicken Thickness: Pounding the chicken to an even thickness ensures even cooking and a tender result.

Make-Ahead: You can bread and fry the chicken ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 1 day, then assemble and bake when ready to serve.

Sauce: For a more robust flavor, you can use homemade marinara sauce or add extra garlic and herbs to store-bought sauce.

Storage: Leftover Chicken Parmesan can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.