If there’s something I’m beyond excited to share, it’s this Chicken Parmesan recipe! Imagine crispy, golden chicken breasts with a melty, irresistible cheesy topping—all enveloped in marinara sauce. Yes, it’s as divine as it sounds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy Perfection: Each bite offers a delightful crunch thanks to the Panko and Parmesan breadcrumb coating.
- Cheesy Goodness: The mozzarella and Parmesan duo provides a gooey, savory topping that no cheese lover can resist.
- Family-Friendly: This meal is a hit with kids and adults alike, making dinner an event everyone looks forward to.
- Make-Ahead Magic: Perfect for preparing in advance so you can enjoy more time with loved ones during dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about ingredients! This Chicken Parmesan relies on simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. Each plays its part in creating the ultimate taste sensation.
- Chicken Breasts: Cut in half to ensure even cooking and a crispy crust.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: These light breadcrumbs provide the perfect crunch.
- Marinara Sauce: Adds a rich, savory layer that blends with the chicken perfectly.
- Mozzarella and Parmesan Cheese: The cheesy duo is the crowning glory of this dish.
Variations
This Chicken Parmesan recipe is incredibly flexible. Feel free to adapt it as per your dietary needs or simply to suit what you have in the kitchen.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free versions for a coeliac-friendly dish.
- Spicy Kick: Add some red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for an extra spicy version.
- Herbaceous Twist: Mix in some Italian herbs like oregano or thyme into the breadcrumb mixture for an added layer of flavor.
How to Make Chicken Parmesan
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
First things first, preheat your oven to 425°F. While that’s heating up, set up your breading station with shallow dishes filled with flour, seasoned eggs, and your Panko-Parmesan breadcrumb mixture.
Step 2: Coat and Cook the Chicken
Now, coat those chicken pieces. Dip each into the flour, followed by the egg, and finally the breadcrumb mixture. Once coated, give them a flash fry in hot oil for just a couple of minutes per side until golden.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Place the chicken pieces on a baking dish with a layer of marinara sauce, then top with more sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Bake until everything melds together and is perfectly cooked.
Pro Tips for Making Chicken Parmesan
- Crisp Without Grease: Ensure your oil is hot enough to sear the chicken quickly without soaking up too much oil.
- Layer Wisely: Spread marinara sauce below and above the chicken to prevent it from drying out during baking.
- Cheese Lover’s Delight: For extra cheesiness, mix mozzarella with a bit of provolone.
- Herb Infusion: Don’t skimp on fresh herbs; they pack a punch and elevate the flavor.
How to Serve Chicken Parmesan
Garnishes
Your Chicken Parmesan will shine with a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley right before serving. These herbs add a vibrant color contrast and a fresh aroma that’s irresistible.
Side Dishes
Nothing complements Chicken Parmesan quite like a serving of spaghetti or a fresh salad. For a healthier twist, steamed broccoli or green beans can balance the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a unique presentation, try serving the Chicken Parmesan over spiralized zucchini noodles or in a shallow dish with marinara sauce artistically drizzled around the plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for about 3-5 days, though separating the sauce from the chicken can help maintain the crunch.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the Chicken Parmesan before baking. Arrange them in a single layer and once frozen, store them in a zip-lock bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Reheat in the oven at 375°F until the cheese is bubbly and the chicken is heated through. This keeps the breading crunchy compared to reheating in the microwave.
FAQs
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Can I make Chicken Parmesan in advance?
Absolutely! Prepare it up to the baking step, and refrigerate. Just bake when you’re ready to eat.
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What can I use instead of Panko breadcrumbs?
You can substitute with regular breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes for a crunchy texture.
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How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Swap the chicken for thick slices of eggplant, and follow the same preparation steps.
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Is it possible to air-fry the chicken instead?
Yes, air-fry at 380°F for about 7 minutes on each side to achieve a crispy surface without much oil.
Final Thoughts
I sincerely hope you’ll give this Chicken Parmesan a try. It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that makes any day feel special. Happy cooking and enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Chicken Parmesan Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Chicken Parmesan recipe features tender breaded chicken breasts topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese, then baked to perfection. It combines crispy coating, flavorful tomato sauce, and gooey cheese for a classic Italian-American dish that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 chicken breasts boneless and skinless, cut in half horizontally to make 8 pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs or regular breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil for frying
Toppings
- 24 ounces marinara sauce (1 jar)
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Prepare breading stations: Place flour in a shallow dish. Beat eggs in a second dish, seasoning with salt and pepper. In a third dish, combine Panko, Italian breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Prepare chicken: Dip each chicken piece into flour, shaking off excess, then into the beaten eggs, and finally into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Fry chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken for about 4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Alternatively, air fry at 380°F for 7 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Assemble: Spread 1½ cups of marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Place the fried chicken on top. Spoon additional marinara sauce over each piece, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Transfer to the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden, and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Garnish and serve: Top with chopped fresh basil. Serve hot over cooked spaghetti or your preferred pasta, accompanied by vegetables or a side salad.
Notes
- Serve over spaghetti with a side of steamed vegetables or salad for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for 3-5 days, best reheated in oven or skillet to maintain crispy coating. Keep sauce separate for longer storage.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or extra herbs to the breading or marinara sauce.
- If preferred, bake the breaded chicken instead of frying for a healthier option, at 400°F for 20-25 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece or serving
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
