Chicken Parmesan is a tasty dish that features breaded chicken topped with cheesy goodness and marinara sauce. It’s crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside—yum!
When I make it, I like to serve it over pasta. It feels like a cozy Italian dinner right at home. Plus, who can resist that melted cheese? It’s a classic for a reason!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless are ideal as they cook evenly and stay tender. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use turkey cutlets instead.
Breadcrumbs: I prefer Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs for extra flavor, but plain breadcrumbs will work. If you want a gluten-free version, use crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is best to get that nice melt, but pre-grated works too. For a dairy-free alternative, try using nutritional yeast.
Marinara Sauce: I love homemade, but store-bought is convenient. Look for low-sodium options if you’re watching salt intake. You can also substitute with tomato sauce if needed.
How Do You Get the Perfect Crunch on Your Chicken?
Achieving that delightful crunchy coating on the chicken is all about the breading process. Here’s how to do it right:
- Ensure your chicken is dry before breading to help the mixture stick better.
- Make sure to shake off excess flour after dredging; this prevents clumping.
- Heat the oil properly—I like to test it by dropping in a breadcrumb; if it sizzles, it’s ready!
- Don’t crowd the pan while frying, as this lowers the oil temperature and makes it soggy.
After frying, always let the chicken drain on paper towels to keep it crispy. This makes a significant difference!
Delicious Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
For the Breading:
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (Italian seasoned preferred)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
For Frying and Topping:
- 1/2 cup olive oil (for frying)
- 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked spaghetti or pasta (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Chicken Parmesan recipe takes about 30 minutes to prep and cook, plus an additional 15-20 minutes to bake. You’ll have a delicious dish ready in about an hour—all that’s left is to serve it up!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Chicken:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s warming up, take each chicken breast and slice it in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets. This helps them cook evenly. Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
2. Setting Up Your Breading Station:
Now, let’s prepare for the breading! In one shallow dish, put your flour. In a second dish, beat the eggs. In a third dish, mix the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and dried oregano together. This is where the magic happens!
3. Breading the Chicken:
Take each piece of chicken and dredge it first in the flour (shake off any excess), then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it well in the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure they’re nicely covered for that delicious crunch!
4. Frying the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, carefully place the breaded chicken in the skillet. Fry each piece for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Transfer the cooked chicken to paper towels to drain any excess oil.
5. Baking with Sauce and Cheese:
Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Place the fried chicken breasts on top of the sauce. Spoon some more marinara sauce over each piece, then generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
6. Final Baking:
Pop the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. You’ll love the smell wafting through your kitchen!
7. Garnish and Serve:
Once it’s done baking, remove it from the oven and sprinkle with fresh basil. Serve hot over cooked spaghetti or your favorite pasta for a complete meal. Enjoy your homemade Chicken Parmesan!
This recipe yields a crispy, cheesy Chicken Parmesan that’s sure to impress. Enjoy the delightful golden crust with melted mozzarella over savory marinara sauce, making it a comforting classic Italian-American dish!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, but be sure to thaw the chicken completely first! The best way is to place it in the fridge overnight. If you’re short on time, you can use the cold water method: place the chicken in a sealed bag and submerge it in cold water until thawed.
What Can I Substitute for Breadcrumbs?
If you’re out of breadcrumbs or want a gluten-free option, crushed cornflakes or panko are great substitutes. You can also use crushed crackers or almond flour for a healthier twist!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in the oven or microwave until heated through. If the cheese has hardened, a splash of marinara sauce can help moisten it!
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can bread and fry the chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just add the sauce and cheese, and pop it in the oven. This can save you time on busy nights!
