Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Chicken Parmesan is an Italian-American classic that brings together tender chicken breasts, crispy breading, and a rich, savory sauce topped with melted cheese. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish is sure to impress. With a few simple ingredients, you can create a comforting meal that feels gourmet. Let’s dive into the heart of this Chicken Parmesan Recipe and discover why it deserves a place on your dinner table!

Top Reasons to Make Chicken Parmesan Recipe

• Deliciously Comforting: The combination of flavors and textures in Chicken Parmesan is simply irresistible.
• Quick and Easy: This dish can be prepared in under an hour, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
• Customizable: You can easily modify the recipe to suit your taste, whether that means adding extra spices or serving it over different pastas.
• Great for Meal Prep: Chicken Parmesan can be made ahead of time and reheated, making it a fantastic option for meal prep or leftovers.

Your Shopping Guide

• Chicken Breasts: 1 pound (680.39g) of thinly sliced chicken breasts (3 to 4 pieces).
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken and enhancing flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: 1 cup (125g) for dredging the chicken.
• Eggs: 2 eggs, beaten to create a binding mixture.
• Italian Bread Crumbs: 1 cup (108g) for that perfect crispy coating.
• Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup (150g), grated and divided into portions for the recipe and topping.
• Olive Oil: ½ cup (54ml) for frying the chicken to golden perfection.
• Spaghetti Sauce: 1 cup (367.5g), to smother the chicken before adding cheese.
• Mozzarella Cheese: 8 ounces (226.8g), either sliced or shredded for that gooey, cheesy finish.

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Meat Mallet or Rolling Pin: For pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness.
• Three Shallow Bowls: For setting up your breading station with flour, eggs, and bread crumbs.
• Large Skillet: To fry the chicken until crispy.
• Baking Dish: For assembling the Chicken Parmesan before baking.
• Meat Thermometer: To ensure your chicken is cooked to the safe temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Cook Chicken Parmesan Recipe Like This

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the thinly sliced chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them to an even thickness of about ½ inch. This ensures they cook evenly and remain tender.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Sprinkle both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper to enhance their flavor.

Step 3: Set Up the Breading Station

In one shallow bowl, place the all-purpose flour. In a second bowl, beat the eggs. In a third bowl, combine the Italian bread crumbs with ½ cup (75g) of the grated Parmesan cheese.

Step 4: Bread the Chicken

Dredge each chicken breast first in the flour, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it with the bread crumb mixture. Make sure each piece is well-covered for maximum crispiness.

Step 5: Fry the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the breaded chicken breasts and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. You may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.

Step 6: Assemble the Dish

In a baking dish, spread half of the spaghetti sauce over the bottom. Place the fried chicken breasts on top and spoon the remaining sauce over each piece. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese and the remaining Parmesan cheese evenly over the chicken.

Step 7: Bake

Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Step 8: Serve

Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve with a side of spaghetti or a fresh salad for a complete meal. Enjoy your Chicken Parmesan!

Year-Round Variations

• Oven-Baked Version: Instead of frying, bake the breaded chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes before adding sauce and cheese.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with eggplant slices or portobello mushrooms for a delicious meat-free meal.
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the bread crumb mixture for a spicy twist on the classic recipe.
• Herbed Breadcrumbs: Incorporate fresh herbs like basil or oregano into the bread crumb mixture for an aromatic flavor.

Flavor Logic

The magic of Chicken Parmesan lies in its layered flavors. The crispy, golden-brown chicken provides a satisfying crunch, while the marinara sauce adds a tangy richness. Topping it off with melted mozzarella and Parmesan creates that gooey, luscious texture that makes every bite a delight. The combination of savory, salty, and slightly sweet notes results in a well-rounded dish that appeals to a wide range of palates.

Leftovers & Meal Prep

Chicken Parmesan makes for excellent leftovers. Store any unused portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through for the best texture. You can also freeze it before baking; just assemble the dish and wrap it tightly. When you’re ready to eat, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Your Top Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs can add more flavor and moisture to the dish. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.

What kind of sauce should I use for Chicken Parmesan?

For the best flavor, use a high-quality marinara or spaghetti sauce. You can also make your own from scratch if you have the time!

Can I make Chicken Parmesan ahead of time?

Yes! You can bread the chicken and prepare the dish up to the baking stage a day in advance. Just cover it and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.

What should I serve with Chicken Parmesan?

Chicken Parmesan pairs beautifully with spaghetti, garlic bread, or a crisp green salad. A side of roasted vegetables also complements the dish nicely.

Save & Share

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