Chicken Parmesan, or Chicken Parmigiana, is a classic Italian-American comfort food that combines crispy breaded chicken, rich marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this dish is surprisingly easy to prepare at home. Serve it over pasta, with a side salad, or enjoy it on its own for a hearty, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to ½-inch thickness)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (Italian seasoned)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 4 tbsp olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 clove garlic (minced, optional for added flavor)
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
Toppings:
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
Preparation
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- Pound the chicken breasts to an even ½-inch thickness to ensure even cooking.
- Set up a breading station:
- Bowl 1: Flour.
- Bowl 2: Beaten eggs.
- Bowl 3: Breadcrumbs mixed with grated Parmesan, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Coat each chicken breast in flour, dip in the egg mixture, and press into the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated.
2. Cook the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the breaded chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crisp. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
3. Prepare the Sauce:
- Heat marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and dried basil for extra flavor. Adjust sweetness with sugar if necessary.
4. Assemble and Bake:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in a baking dish. Arrange the chicken breasts on top.
- Spoon marinara sauce over each piece of chicken and sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle fresh basil leaves over the chicken before serving for a burst of freshness.
Variations
- Gluten-Free Chicken Parmesan: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour.
- Low-Carb Option: Skip the breadcrumbs and use crushed pork rinds or almond flour instead.
- Vegetarian Twist: Replace chicken with breaded eggplant slices for Eggplant Parmesan.
Cooking Note
- For extra crispy chicken, double-coat by repeating the egg and breadcrumb steps.
- To save time, use pre-shredded mozzarella and a high-quality store-bought marinara sauce.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve Chicken Parmesan over spaghetti, linguine, or zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
- Pair with garlic bread and a simple Caesar salad for a complete meal.
- Enjoy as a sandwich by layering the chicken on a toasted hoagie roll.
Tips
- Avoid overcrowding the skillet while frying the chicken to keep the breading crisp.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor. Pre-packaged Parmesan can lack richness.
- For a lighter version, bake the breaded chicken breasts at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes instead of frying.
Prep Time, Cooking Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 430
- Protein: 38g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fat: 20g
- Sodium: 910mg
FAQs
1. Can I make Chicken Parmesan ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare and bread the chicken ahead, then fry or bake it just before serving. You can also assemble the dish and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
2. What’s the best cheese for Chicken Parmesan?
Mozzarella is traditional, but you can mix it with provolone or fontina for a richer flavor.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F to keep the breading crispy.
Conclusion
Chicken Parmesan is a timeless classic that brings comfort and flavor to any table. With its crispy breaded chicken, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe ensures a satisfying meal every time. Try it today, and savor the magic of homemade Chicken Parmesan!