Chicken Parmesan Recipe

There's nothing quite like the crispy, golden crust of Chicken Parmesan paired with gooey melted cheese and a rich marinara sauce. This classic Italian-American dish is a family favorite, perfect for weeknight dinners or a special weekend treat.

I first fell in love with Chicken Parmesan during a cozy Italian dinner with friends. Since then, I’ve been perfecting my own version—one that balances crispy chicken with a flavorful sauce and just the right amount of cheese. Ready to make it your family’s favorite too?

Why You'll Love This Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Get ready to savor a dish that combines crispy, tender chicken with a savory marinara sauce and melted cheese. This Chicken Parmesan is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

First, it’s incredibly easy to make. In less than an hour, you can whip up a restaurant-quality meal in your own kitchen. The recipe doesn’t require any special skills, making it ideal for cooks of all levels.

Next, it’s versatile enough to suit any occasion. Whether you’re serving it over spaghetti for a hearty dinner or as a sandwich for lunch, it never disappoints.

And let’s not forget the unbeatable texture and flavor combination. The crispy breaded chicken, tangy marinara sauce, and bubbly mozzarella cheese come together to create pure comfort on a plate.

Finally, this dish is surprisingly budget-friendly. With just a handful of pantry staples and fresh ingredients, you can create a meal that feels indulgent without breaking the bank.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of Chicken Parmesan lies in its simple, high-quality ingredients. Each one plays an important role in achieving the perfect flavor and texture.

Start with boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Pound them to an even thickness for consistent cooking. This step ensures the chicken cooks evenly and remains tender.

For the breading, you’ll need breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. I like using Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs for extra flavor, but plain ones work well too. The Parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor that’s irresistible.

The sauce is a key component of this recipe. Use a good-quality marinara sauce, whether store-bought or homemade. A rich, flavorful sauce elevates the dish and ties everything together.

For the cheese, mozzarella is a must. Fresh mozzarella melts beautifully, but pre-shredded works in a pinch. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top adds a golden finish.

Lastly, you’ll need a few basics like flour, eggs, and olive oil for dredging and frying, plus some dried herbs for seasoning. A sturdy skillet and a baking dish are all the equipment you’ll need.

How To Make This Chicken Parmesan

Making Chicken Parmesan at home is a straightforward process that delivers delicious results. Here’s how to do it step by step.

Start by preparing the chicken. Place the chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap and pound them to about ½-inch thickness. This step ensures even cooking and tender meat.

Set up your breading station. In one shallow dish, place flour seasoned with salt and pepper. In another, whisk eggs with a splash of water. In a third, combine breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. Dip each piece of chicken in the flour, then the egg, and finally the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to coat.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the breaded chicken in batches until golden brown and crispy on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer, then top each one with more marinara, a slice of mozzarella, and a sprinkle of Parmesan.

Bake the chicken for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden. For an extra crispy finish, broil for the last 2-3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.

Serve hot over cooked spaghetti, alongside a crisp salad, or on a toasted roll for a hearty Chicken Parmesan sandwich.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (though it’s unlikely!), Chicken Parmesan stores well and reheats beautifully.

For short-term storage, place the chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To keep the breading from becoming soggy, store the chicken and marinara sauce separately, if possible.

For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe container and store for up to 3 months.

To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator if frozen, then bake in a 375°F oven until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the breading less crisp.

Variations and Substitutions

This Chicken Parmesan recipe is endlessly adaptable, making it easy to suit your preferences or dietary needs.

• For a lighter version, bake the breaded chicken instead of frying. Simply arrange the breaded pieces on a wire rack set over a baking sheet, spray lightly with cooking spray, and bake at 400°F until golden and crispy.
• Swap the chicken for eggplant slices to create a vegetarian-friendly Eggplant Parmesan. Follow the same breading and baking process for equally delicious results.
• Want to add a little heat? Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes into the marinara sauce or the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy kick.
• For a gluten-free option, use almond flour in place of regular flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs for the coating.
• Get creative with your cheese choices. While mozzarella is classic, adding a little provolone or fontina can add depth to the dish.

Experimenting with these variations ensures that you’ll never get bored with this timeless favorite. Give it a try and make it your own!

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