Chicken Parmesan Recipe

If you're craving a classic Italian-American dish that's delicious, cheesy, and full of flavor, Chicken Parmesan is the perfect choice. Juicy, crispy breaded chicken cutlets are topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, then baked to perfection. This dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Serve it with pasta, a side salad, or garlic bread, and you're in for a truly comforting meal!

this Recipe

What is Chicken Parmesan?

Chicken Parmesan (also known as Chicken Parmigiana) is a classic Italian-American dish made by breading and frying chicken cutlets, then topping them with marinara sauce, melted mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. The dish is baked until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. It's traditionally served with pasta but can also be enjoyed with vegetables or a side of garlic bread.

Ingredients List for Chicken Parmesan

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• ½ cup olive oil (for frying)

For the Toppings:

• 1 ½ cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)

Optional Side Dish:

• Spaghetti or pasta of your choice
• Garlic bread

Substitutions and Variations

There are many ways to customize this Chicken Parmesan recipe to fit your dietary needs or personal preferences. Here are a few ideas:

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and gluten-free flour to make this dish gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute dairy-free cheese alternatives for both the mozzarella and Parmesan, and use almond milk or other dairy-free substitutes in place of eggs (for the breading process).
• Baked Version: If you prefer a healthier version, you can bake the breaded chicken instead of frying it. Simply place the breaded chicken on a baking sheet, spray with cooking spray, and bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Add Prosciutto: For extra flavor, place a thin slice of prosciutto or ham on top of each chicken breast before adding the cheese and marinara sauce.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making Chicken Parmesan is easier than you might think. Follow these step-by-step instructions to create a perfect dish every time.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or wax paper and use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound them to an even thickness of about ½ inch. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly. Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station

In three separate shallow bowls, prepare the breading ingredients:

1. Bowl 1: Add the flour.
2. Bowl 2: Whisk together the eggs and 1 tablespoon of water.
3. Bowl 3: Combine the breadcrumbs, ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried Italian seasoning.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off the excess. Next, dip it into the egg mixture, ensuring it's fully coated. Finally, press the chicken into the breadcrumb mixture, making sure it's evenly coated on both sides.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat ½ cup of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the breaded chicken breasts in the skillet, cooking them for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. You may need to cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Once fried, transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 5: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 6: Assemble the Chicken Parmesan

In a large oven-safe baking dish, spread ½ cup of marinara sauce on the bottom. Place the fried chicken breasts in the dish. Spoon the remaining marinara sauce over each chicken breast, ensuring they are well covered. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and the remaining Parmesan cheese on top of each piece.

Step 7: Bake the Chicken Parmesan

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. You can broil for the last 2-3 minutes for an extra crispy, browned top if desired.

Step 8: Serve

Once the Chicken Parmesan is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Serve immediately with spaghetti or pasta, garlic bread, or a side salad.

How to Cook Chicken Parmesan: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prepare the chicken by pounding it to an even thickness and seasoning with salt and pepper.
2. Set up the breading station with bowls of flour, egg wash, and breadcrumb mixture.
3. Bread the chicken by dredging in flour, dipping in egg, and coating with breadcrumbs.
4. Fry the chicken in olive oil until golden brown and crispy.
5. Preheat the oven to 400°F and prepare an oven-safe dish with marinara sauce.
6. Assemble the Chicken Parmesan by layering marinara sauce, fried chicken, and cheese.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Serve with your favorite pasta, garlic bread, or salad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the Chicken: Keep an eye on the chicken when frying and baking to prevent it from becoming dry. Cooking it to an internal temperature of 165°F is ideal.
• Skipping the Pounding Step: Pounding the chicken to an even thickness ensures that it cooks evenly and remains tender.
• Not Draining Excess Oil: After frying, place the chicken on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil and keep the breading crispy.
• Overcrowding the Pan: When frying the chicken, avoid overcrowding the skillet. Fry in batches if necessary to ensure the chicken cooks evenly and crisps up nicely.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Chicken Parmesan is a classic dish that can be served simply or with added flair. Here are a few ideas for making your Chicken Parmesan meal extra special:

• Serve with Pasta: Chicken Parmesan pairs wonderfully with spaghetti or fettuccine. Toss the pasta in marinara sauce or drizzle it with olive oil and Parmesan cheese.
• Add Garlic Bread: Serve with a side of warm garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks to soak up the extra sauce.
• Fresh Salad: A light Caesar or garden salad with a lemon vinaigrette is the perfect complement to this rich dish.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Top with freshly chopped basil, parsley, or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan for a colorful and flavorful garnish.

How to Serve Chicken Parmesan

Chicken Parmesan can be served in many ways, depending on your preferences:

• With Pasta: Serve the chicken over spaghetti or fettuccine with extra marinara sauce.
• With Garlic Bread: Serve with warm, buttery garlic bread or toasted baguette slices.
• With Vegetables: For a lighter meal, serve with roasted or steamed vegetables such as broccoli, asparagus, or green beans.

Presentation Ideas for Chicken Parmesan

• Layer the Dish: Present the chicken on a bed of spaghetti or pasta, and pour extra marinara sauce on top.
• Serve Family-Style: Serve Chicken Parmesan in a large baking dish, allowing guests to serve themselves.
• Plated Elegantly: Serve the chicken on individual plates with a garnish of fresh basil or parsley, and add a drizzle of olive oil or balsamic glaze for extra presentation points.

Chicken Parmesan Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: You can bread and fry the chicken ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, then assemble and bake when ready to serve.
• Freeze for Later: Breaded and fried chicken cutlets can be frozen before baking. Freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to use, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
• Extra Cheese: If you love cheese, you can add more mozzarella or Parmesan on top for an extra cheesy, gooey Chicken Parmesan.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used. They are juicier and more flavorful but may require a few extra minutes of cooking time depending on thickness.

How do I keep the chicken crispy after adding sauce and cheese?
To keep the chicken crispy, don’t add too much sauce on top—just enough to coat the surface. Also, broiling the chicken at the end helps the cheese crisp up while keeping the breading crunchy.

Can I make Chicken Parmesan in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the breaded chicken ahead of time and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, simply assemble the dish with marinara sauce and cheese, then bake as directed.

Can I freeze Chicken Parmesan?
Yes! You can freeze fully cooked Chicken Parmesan. Let it cool, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and store in an airtight container. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven.

Conclusion

Chicken Parmesan is a classic, comforting dish that’s always a hit, whether you’re serving it to family or guests. With crispy breaded chicken, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese, this dish delivers on flavor and satisfaction. Pair it with your favorite pasta or sides, and you have a delicious meal that’s easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress! Follow this recipe, and you’ll have a perfect Chicken Parmesan dish every time.

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