Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Chicken Parmesan is one of those timeless dishes that combines everything we love about comfort food: crispy breaded chicken, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese. What makes this recipe even more enticing is how easy it is to prepare at home. Whether you’re a beginner cook or an experienced chef, this dish is straightforward yet delivers big on flavor. The crispy crust, savory sauce, and cheesy topping will have your taste buds dancing. Plus, it’s a complete meal all in one, making it perfect for family dinners or when entertaining guests.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 ½ cups breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-style)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Set up a breading station by placing the flour in one shallow dish, the beaten eggs in another, and the breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese in a third.
- Dredge each chicken breast first in the flour, coating it evenly, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it with the breadcrumb mixture. Press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to make sure it sticks well.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Transfer the chicken to a baking dish.
- Spoon marinara sauce over each chicken breast, then sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired, and serve immediately.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 4
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Chicken Parmesan with a twist: For a healthier version, try baking the chicken instead of frying it.
- Add vegetables: Serve with sautéed spinach or a side of roasted vegetables for added flavor.
- Gluten-free: Swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs and use gluten-free flour to make this dish suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
- Vegan option: Use a plant-based chicken substitute and vegan cheese to make this dish vegan-friendly.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. You can also reheat in the microwave, but the chicken might lose some of its crispiness.
FAQs
How can I make sure the chicken stays crispy?
To ensure the chicken remains crispy, bake the chicken after frying it. Avoid covering the chicken with foil as this will trap steam and soften the coating.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work great for this recipe. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as thighs may need a little longer to cook through.
Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?
Absolutely! While homemade marinara is delicious, store-bought sauce works perfectly in this recipe for convenience.
Can I freeze Chicken Parmesan?
Yes, you can freeze Chicken Parmesan. After cooking, allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. It can be stored for up to 3 months.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or use a spicy version of marinara to give it an extra kick.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken, bread it, and even fry it ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge and bake it when ready to serve.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check.
Can I use mozzarella in a block form instead of shredded?
Yes, you can. Just slice the mozzarella or shred it yourself if preferred. Fresh mozzarella will melt beautifully on top of the chicken.
How do I prevent the breadcrumbs from falling off the chicken?
Press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken while breading it, and ensure the chicken is well-coated with flour and egg before adding the breadcrumbs.
Can I serve Chicken Parmesan with pasta?
Yes, serving it over pasta like spaghetti or penne is a classic option and makes for a filling meal.
Conclusion
Chicken Parmesan is a timeless, crowd-pleasing dish that’s simple to make but full of flavor. With crispy chicken, rich marinara sauce, and gooey cheese, this dish is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting friends, it’s sure to be a hit. Plus, it’s versatile enough for you to add your own spin with variations or side dishes. Enjoy!
Print
Chicken Parmesan
- Total Time: 45min
- Yield: 4servings
Description
Chicken Parmesan is a classic Italian-American comfort food with crispy breaded chicken, savory marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this dish is always a crowd-pleaser. Simple to prepare and full of flavor, Chicken Parmesan will have your taste buds dancing!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 ½ cups breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-style)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Set up a breading station with flour in one shallow dish, beaten eggs in another, and breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese in a third.
- Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, dip it into the eggs, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture. Press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to ensure it sticks.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Transfer the chicken to a baking dish.
- Spoon marinara sauce over each chicken breast, then sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh basil, if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
- For a healthier version, try baking the chicken instead of frying.
- You can make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour.
- For a vegan version, use plant-based chicken and cheese substitutes.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven for 10-15 minutes to retain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10min
- Cook Time: 30min
- Category: Chicken
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
