Chicken Parmesan, also known as Chicken Parmigiana, is a timeless Italian-American dish loved for its crispy breaded chicken, flavorful marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese. Whether served with pasta, a side salad, or crusty bread, this dish is a family favorite that feels indulgent yet approachable. With this step-by-step recipe, you’ll master the art of making restaurant-quality Chicken Parmesan at home in under an hour.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to ½-inch thickness)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 ½ cups Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup olive oil (for frying)
the Sauce:
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Assembly:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Preparation
Prepare the Chicken
- Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness (about ½ inch) to ensure even cooking.
- Set up a dredging station:
- Plate 1: All-purpose flour.
- Bowl 2: Eggs whisked with milk.
- Plate 3: Italian breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, dip in the egg mixture, and coat in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing to adhere.
Fry the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Fry each breaded chicken breast for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Assemble the Chicken Parmesan
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- In a baking dish, spread 1 cup of marinara sauce across the bottom. Place the fried chicken breasts on top.
- Spoon the remaining marinara sauce over the chicken, then sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly across the top.
Bake the Chicken
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, and serve hot.
Variations
- Spicy Chicken Parmesan: Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the breadcrumbs for a kick.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour.
- Low-Carb Twist: Skip the breading and bake the chicken with marinara and cheese for a keto-friendly version.
Cooking Note
- Make It Ahead: Prepare and fry the chicken ahead of time, then assemble and bake just before serving.
- Crispy Cheese Edges: Sprinkle extra cheese around the chicken in the baking dish to create crispy cheese edges.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken Parmesan pairs beautifully with:
- Spaghetti or fettuccine tossed in marinara sauce
- Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans
- Garlic bread or a soft, buttery dinner roll
- A fresh Caesar or garden salad
Tips
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan when frying the chicken to maintain crispiness.
- Warm the marinara sauce before adding it to the baking dish for faster baking time.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 46g
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Sodium: 940mg
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?
A: While pre-cooked chicken can work in a pinch, freshly fried chicken provides the best texture and flavor.
How do I store leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F to maintain crispiness.
What cheese works best for Chicken Parmesan?
A: Mozzarella is classic for its meltability, but provolone or fontina are great alternatives.
Conclusion
Chicken Parmesan is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. With crispy breaded chicken, flavorful sauce, and melted cheese, it’s no wonder this recipe has stood the test of time. Try it tonight for a satisfying meal everyone will love!