Easy Italian Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Chicken Parmesan, also known as Chicken Parmigiana, is one of those dishes that makes you think of classic Italian-American comfort food. It’s crispy, cheesy, saucy, and perfectly satisfying. The combination of golden-brown breaded chicken cutlets, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. Best of all, it’s surprisingly easy to make at home without sacrificing flavor or texture.

This Easy Italian Chicken Parmesan recipe simplifies the process while keeping all the authentic flavors intact. With just a few ingredients, you can have a restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your own kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or hosting a dinner party, this recipe will impress everyone.

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Chicken

The key to making delicious Chicken Parmesan starts with properly preparing the chicken breasts. Follow these steps to ensure the chicken stays juicy and cooks evenly:

1. Pound the chicken. Place the chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap or in a zip-top bag. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound the chicken to an even thickness, about 1/2 inch thick. This ensures the chicken cooks quickly and evenly, preventing any dry spots.

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2. Season the chicken. Once the chicken is evenly flattened, season both sides generously with salt and pepper. You can also add a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder if you want to enhance the flavor.

Step 2: Breading the Chicken

Breading the chicken creates the crispy, golden crust that’s so characteristic of Chicken Parmesan. Here’s how to do it properly:

1. Set up a breading station. In one shallow bowl, place the flour. In a second shallow bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. In a third shallow bowl, combine the Italian-style breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, oregano, basil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well to combine.

2. Dredge the chicken. Start by dipping each chicken breast into the flour, coating it evenly on both sides. Next, dip the floured chicken into the egg, making sure it’s well-coated. Finally, coat the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing down gently to ensure the crumbs stick.

3. Repeat for all chicken breasts. Once all the chicken breasts are breaded, set them aside on a plate while you heat the oil for frying.

Step 3: Frying the Chicken

Frying the chicken breasts creates a crispy crust that holds up well under the sauce and cheese. Here’s how to fry them to perfection:

1. Heat the oil. In a large skillet, pour about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil and heat it over medium heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking—test it by dropping in a small piece of breadcrumb. If it sizzles immediately, it’s ready for frying.

2. Fry the chicken. Add the breaded chicken breasts to the skillet in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook each side for about 4-5 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and crispy. You may need to adjust the heat to prevent burning. Flip the chicken carefully with tongs or a spatula.

3. Drain the chicken. Once the chicken is cooked through and crispy, transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Step 4: Making the Marinara Sauce

While the chicken is frying, you can prepare the marinara sauce. The sauce is simple to make and will add a fresh, tangy flavor to your Chicken Parmesan.

1. Heat the olive oil. In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 4-5 minutes, or until the onion is soft and translucent.

2. Add the garlic. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

3. Add the tomatoes and seasonings. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, followed by the dried basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Add sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Simmer the sauce. Stir the sauce and bring it to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken slightly and develop a rich flavor. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Step 5: Assembling the Chicken Parmesan

Now it’s time to put everything together. This is where the magic happens!

1. Preheat your oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). You’ll be baking the Chicken Parmesan to melt the cheese and get everything bubbly and delicious.

2. Layer the sauce and cheese. In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Place the fried chicken breasts in the dish, and then top each chicken breast with a generous scoop of marinara sauce. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over each chicken breast, followed by a little grated Parmesan cheese.

3. Bake the chicken. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. If you prefer the cheese to be golden and slightly crispy, you can switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, but be sure to watch it closely to prevent burning.

Step 6: Serving the Chicken Parmesan

Once the Chicken Parmesan is out of the oven, it’s time to serve! This dish is best enjoyed fresh, hot, and with all the melted cheese.

1. Garnish. Sprinkle freshly chopped basil over the top of the Chicken Parmesan for a burst of color and flavor.

2. Serve. You can serve Chicken Parmesan on its own with a side of garlic bread or a simple salad, but the classic way to serve it is over a bed of spaghetti or any pasta of your choice. Spoon a little extra marinara sauce over the pasta, and you’re ready to enjoy a delicious Italian meal.

Tips for the Perfect Chicken Parmesan

• Chicken thickness. If your chicken breasts are large, consider slicing them in half horizontally to make them thinner and cook more evenly. You can also use chicken cutlets for a quicker option.
• Breadcrumbs. Panko breadcrumbs are recommended for extra crunch, but you can use regular Italian breadcrumbs if that’s what you have on hand. Adding Parmesan to the breadcrumbs gives the crust more flavor.
• Cheese. Whole milk mozzarella melts beautifully, so opt for that if you can. For a richer flavor, consider adding some provolone or even a bit of ricotta to the layers.
• Make-ahead tip. You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and refrigerate them separately. When you’re ready to serve, simply assemble, bake, and enjoy.
• Sauce alternatives. If you’re in a rush, store-bought marinara sauce can be used, but making your own gives the dish a fresher, more authentic taste.

Serving Suggestions

Here are a few ideas for what to serve with your Easy Italian Chicken Parmesan:

1. Garlic Bread: The crispy, buttery bread is perfect for soaking up extra marinara sauce and adding a crunchy contrast to the tender chicken.
2. Side Salad: A fresh, tangy salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a simple balsamic vinaigrette will complement the richness of the Chicken Parmesan.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like broccoli, zucchini, or carrots make a healthy and flavorful side dish.
4. Wine Pairing: A glass of red wine, such as Chianti, Sangiovese, or a light Merlot, would complement the flavors of the tomato sauce and melted cheese.

Conclusion

This Easy Italian Chicken Parmesan recipe is a winning dish for any occasion. With crispy, breaded chicken, homemade marinara sauce, and melted cheese, it delivers on flavor while being quick and simple to prepare. It’s the perfect combination of comfort and elegance, whether you’re enjoying it with your family or serving it for guests. Make it tonight, and you’ll have a delicious, satisfying meal that will become a family favorite!

Yield: 4

Easy Italian Chicken Parmesan Recipe

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Chicken Parmesan, also known as Chicken Parmigiana, is one of those dishes that makes you think of classic Italian-American comfort food. It's crispy, cheesy, saucy, and perfectly satisfying. The combination of golden-brown breaded chicken cutlets, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. Best of all, it’s surprisingly easy to make at home without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 45 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 ½ cups breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-style)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce (or homemade)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup chopped fresh basil (optional for garnish)
• Olive oil for frying

Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken:Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper and gently pound them to an even thickness (about ½ inch thick).
2. Dredge the chicken:In one shallow dish, place the flour. In another dish, beat the eggs. In a third dish, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, and basil. Dip each chicken breast first into the flour, then the egg, and finally the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to coat evenly.
3. Cook the chicken:In a large skillet, heat about 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the breaded chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your skillet.
4. Assemble the dish:Once the chicken is cooked, place each piece on a baking sheet. Spoon marinara sauce over the top of each piece of chicken, then sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
5. Bake:Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve:Garnish with fresh chopped basil (optional) and serve with a side of pasta, garlic bread, or a simple salad.

Notes

You can use store-bought marinara sauce for a quicker meal or make your own.

If you prefer a lighter version, you can bake the breaded chicken breasts in the oven instead of frying them. Just spray them with a little cooking spray and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes.

Add some red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for a little heat.

You can also make this dish in advance and freeze the breaded, cooked chicken breasts before adding the sauce and cheese. When ready to bake, just thaw, add sauce and cheese, and bake as directed.