If you’re craving a mouthwatering Italian-American classic, chicken parmesan is the perfect recipe. This dish is known for its crispy breaded chicken cutlets, rich marinara sauce, and a topping of melted mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Chicken parmesan is a crowd-pleaser that can be served with pasta, over rice, or alongside a fresh salad. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe brings a restaurant-quality meal straight to your kitchen. We’ll guide you step-by-step on how to prepare this flavorful dish that’s easy to make but tastes like a gourmet meal. With just a few ingredients and some simple techniques, you can create an unforgettable dinner that will become a family favorite.
Classic Chicken Parmesan: A Crispy, Cheesy Comfort Food Staple
This Chicken Parmesan recipe features crispy, breaded chicken cutlets, covered in marinara sauce and topped with melted mozzarella and parmesan. Serve it with pasta or salad for a delicious, comforting meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Shallow Bowls for Breading
- Baking Sheet
- Oven
- Tongs
- Measuring Cups & Spoons
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (pounded to an even thickness)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs preferably Italian seasoned
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 2 cups marinara sauce homemade or store-bought
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup fresh basil optional, for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for frying
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
- Prepare the Chicken:Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them to an even thickness (about ½ inch thick) using a meat mallet or rolling pin. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Set Up Breading Station:Prepare three shallow bowls: one for the flour, one for the beaten eggs, and one for the breadcrumbs mixed with the grated parmesan cheese.
- Bread the Chicken:Dip each chicken breast first into the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the chicken in the breadcrumb-parmesan mixture, pressing gently to help the breadcrumbs adhere.
- Fry the Chicken:Heat about ¼ inch of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, fry the breaded chicken breasts in batches, cooking for about 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy. Transfer the fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Bake with Sauce and Cheese:Transfer the fried chicken breasts to the prepared baking sheet. Spoon marinara sauce over each piece of chicken, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve:Remove the chicken parmesan from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes. Garnish with fresh basil, if using, and serve hot. This dish pairs perfectly with spaghetti, garlic bread, or a side salad.
Notes
For a healthier version, you can skip the frying step and bake the breaded chicken in the oven at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes before adding the sauce and cheese. If you want a gluten-free option, simply swap out the breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour.
