There’s nothing quite like a classic Chicken Parmesan – crispy chicken smothered in marinara sauce and gooey melted cheese. It’s the ultimate comfort food that everyone loves. Whether you’re cooking for a special dinner or just want to treat yourself, this recipe is simple, satisfying, and packed with flavor.
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Ingredient Tips & Equipment Information
Ingredient Tips
- Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the best results. Pound them evenly for consistent cooking.
- Breadcrumbs: Opt for Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs for added flavor. Panko breadcrumbs can add extra crispiness.
- Cheese: Fresh mozzarella melts beautifully, while Parmesan adds a nutty, savory touch.
- Marinara Sauce: A high-quality store-bought marinara works well, but homemade sauce takes it to the next level.
Required Equipment
- Large skillet
- Baking dish
- Meat mallet
- Shallow bowls for breading station
- Baking sheet
Measuring Tips
Use accurate measuring cups and spoons for dry and wet ingredients to ensure consistent results.
How to Make Chicken Parmesan
- Prep the Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness, season with salt and pepper, and set up a breading station with flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs.
- Bread the Chicken: Dip each chicken breast into flour, then egg, and finally coat with breadcrumbs.
- Cook the Chicken: Pan-fry the breaded chicken until golden and crispy.
- Assemble: Place the chicken in a baking dish, top with marinara sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Bake in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil and serve with pasta or a crisp salad.
FAQs About Chicken Parmesan
1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, provolone or a blend of Italian cheeses can be used as substitutes for mozzarella.
2. Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour for a gluten-free version.
3. How long will Chicken Parmesan last?
It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
4. Can I freeze it?
Yes! Assemble the dish but skip the baking step. Freeze it tightly covered for up to 2 months.
5. Can I air fry the chicken?
Definitely! Air frying gives a crispy coating without the extra oil.
More Tips for Making Chicken Parmesan
- Variations: Swap chicken for eggplant to make a vegetarian Eggplant Parmesan.
- Food Pairings: Pair with spaghetti, garlic bread, or a Caesar salad.
- Shortcuts: Use pre-shredded cheese and jarred marinara to save time.
- Creative Twists: Add a slice of prosciutto on top of the chicken for an extra layer of flavor.
Troubleshooting
Chicken is soggy: Make sure the breaded chicken is fully dry before frying, and don’t overcrowd the pan.
Cheese isn’t melting: Cover the dish with foil while baking to help the cheese melt evenly.
Chicken is dry: Be careful not to overbake; check the internal temperature (165°F) to ensure doneness.
Recommended Equipment & Ingredients
More Comfort Food Recipes
Easy Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts halved and pounded to an even thickness
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 1 ½ cups Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs.
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Dip each piece into the flour, then the eggs, and finally coat with breadcrumbs.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the chicken until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Transfer the chicken to a baking dish. Top each piece with marinara sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- For extra crispiness, broil the dish for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
