Chicken Parmesan Recipe

There's nothing quite like the aroma of crispy, cheesy Chicken Parmesan baking in the oven. This classic Italian-American dish features juicy, breaded chicken cutlets topped with rich marinara sauce and melted mozzarella that creates a gooey, satisfying bite.

this Recipe

My family absolutely adores this recipe, especially when paired with buttery pasta or a fresh garden salad. It's a comforting, restaurant-quality meal you can easily recreate at home, perfect for weeknights or a special weekend dinner.

Let's dive into why this Chicken Parmesan will become your new go-to favorite.

Why You'll Love This Chicken Parmesan

Get ready to enjoy a meal that's crispy, cheesy, and undeniably delicious. Chicken Parmesan hits all the right notes for a hearty dinner that the whole family will love.

First, it's incredibly easy to make. With a few simple steps, you can have perfectly crispy, golden-brown chicken cutlets ready to bake in under 30 minutes. The process is straightforward, making it ideal even for weeknight dinners when you're pressed for time.

The flavors are simply irresistible. Think of savory, tender chicken with a crispy breaded coating, all smothered in a flavorful marinara sauce and blanketed with gooey, melted cheese. It's a winning combination that never disappoints.

This recipe is also great for impressing guests. The presentation alone, with golden chicken topped with bubbling, melted mozzarella, makes for a show-stopping dish that feels like a special occasion meal.

Lastly, it's easily customizable. Whether you prefer a spicier sauce, want to use different cheeses, or need to adjust the seasoning, this recipe offers plenty of room for variation while still delivering amazing results.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Chicken Parmesan lies in its simple yet high-quality ingredients. Each one plays an important role in creating the ideal flavor and texture balance.

Let's talk about the chicken. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for this recipe. If your chicken breasts are thick, consider slicing them horizontally to create thinner cutlets. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and remains tender while developing a crispy crust.

For the breading, a combination of breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese is essential. I recommend using panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch, but traditional breadcrumbs will also work. The Parmesan adds a nutty, savory depth of flavor that makes the coating irresistible.

Mozzarella cheese is the star of the topping. I like to use fresh mozzarella for its creamy melt, but pre-shredded mozzarella is a convenient option. If you're feeling adventurous, adding a sprinkle of shredded provolone or fontina will elevate the dish even further.

The marinara sauce binds everything together. Using a high-quality store-bought marinara or homemade sauce will make a noticeable difference. Look for a sauce that’s rich in tomato flavor with hints of garlic and herbs.

Don't forget the seasoning. A simple mix of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning will give the chicken an extra flavor boost. And if you have it on hand, a bit of chopped fresh basil or parsley adds a beautiful finish.

Finally, while you don’t need any special equipment, having a large skillet and an oven-safe baking dish will make the process smoother. A meat tenderizer or rolling pin is also helpful for flattening the chicken evenly.

How To Make This Chicken Parmesan

Creating this mouthwatering Chicken Parmesan is simpler than you might think. Let me walk you through the steps to get this dinner on your table.

Start by preparing your chicken. If your chicken breasts are thick, slice them in half horizontally to create even, thin cutlets. Place the chicken pieces between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound them with a meat tenderizer or rolling pin until they are about half an inch thick. Season both sides with salt and pepper.

Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and the third with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. Dredge each chicken piece in flour, shaking off the excess, then dip it into the egg, and finally coat it in the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture. Press gently to ensure the coating adheres well.

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a generous amount of oil. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, place the breaded chicken cutlets in the skillet, cooking them in batches if necessary. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Transfer the cooked cutlets to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Arrange the fried chicken cutlets over the sauce in a single layer. Spoon more marinara sauce over each piece, making sure to cover them evenly but not drown them. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top, covering the sauce generously.

Bake the dish for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. If you like an extra crispy top, you can broil it for an additional 2-3 minutes. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning.

Once out of the oven, let the Chicken Parmesan rest for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley before serving. This dish pairs beautifully with spaghetti, garlic bread, or a crisp salad.

Storage Options

Have leftovers? This Chicken Parmesan stores wonderfully, making it perfect for meal prep or quick dinners later in the week.

To refrigerate, place the cooked chicken in an airtight container and store for up to 3 days. When reheating, use the oven for best results. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), place the chicken on a baking sheet, and heat for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through and the cheese is melty again.

For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken before adding the sauce and cheese. Lay the breaded and cooked cutlets on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag and store for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then proceed with adding the marinara and cheese before baking.

If you freeze fully assembled Chicken Parmesan, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and store in a freezer-safe container. Reheat straight from frozen in a 350°F (175°C) oven, adding extra sauce if needed to prevent drying out.

Variations and Substitutions

This Chicken Parmesan recipe is versatile, so feel free to get creative and adapt it to your tastes or dietary needs.

For a healthier twist, you can bake the breaded chicken instead of frying. Simply preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C), place the breaded cutlets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and spray them lightly with cooking oil. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

Looking to add more flavor? Mix some chopped fresh herbs like basil or oregano into the breadcrumb coating. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for a little kick of heat.

If you prefer a different cheese, try using provolone, fontina, or even a bit of Parmesan-Reggiano for a sharper flavor. These cheeses melt beautifully and add a unique taste to the dish.

For a gluten-free version, substitute regular flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives. Almond flour and crushed gluten-free crackers are great options for a crispy coating.

Experiment with different sides, too! While pasta is a classic choice, this dish is also delicious with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes for a hearty meal. Feel free to adjust the recipe and make it your own.

Enjoy every crispy, cheesy, and saucy bite of this Chicken Parmesan – it's a meal you'll want to make again and again!

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