Chicken Parmesan is a tasty dish that features crispy chicken topped with rich marinara sauce and melted cheese. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel cozy and satisfied!
This dish always reminds me of family dinners. We love to serve it with pasta on the side, and I can’t help but sneak in a few extra bites of that cheesy goodness! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great, but you can also use chicken thighs for a juicier option. They add a bit more flavor and won’t dry out as easily.
Breadcrumbs: Italian-style breadcrumbs give extra flavor. If you’re gluten-free, try using gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes. Personally, I love adding a pinch of Italian seasoning to plain breadcrumbs for an extra kick!
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better than pre-grated. If you’re out of Parmesan, Pecorino Romano is a tasty substitute. I sometimes mix them for added richness.
Marinara Sauce: Store-bought is convenient, but homemade has that extra love! If making sauce, add a touch of sugar to balance acidity. Whether homemade or store-bought, a good marinara is key!
How Do I Get the Chicken Crunchy and Golden?
Creating that perfect crispy coating is all about the dredging process and frying technique. Make sure to follow these steps for crunchiness!
- Always season every layer (flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs) to build flavor.
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken; a drop of water should sizzle when it touches the oil.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; this helps maintain the heat and keeps the chicken crispy.
- Let the chicken rest on a paper towel after frying to soak up excess oil for crunchy outsides.
Using these tips helps ensure you’ll have that golden, crispy chicken every time! Enjoy your Chicken Parmesan adventure! 🍽️
How to Make Chicken Parmesan
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- For the Breading:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp paprika (optional)
- For Frying:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- For Assembly:
- 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30-40 minutes in total. You’ll spend around 15 minutes prepping and coating the chicken and about 15-20 minutes baking until everything is bubbly and delicious.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, set your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s nice and hot for baking your chicken later.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
Slice each chicken breast in half horizontally to make them thinner. This helps them cook evenly. Season both sides with salt and pepper for great flavor.
3. Set Up the Dredging Station:
Get three shallow bowls ready: one with flour, another with beaten eggs, and the third one with a mix of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, and paprika. This is where the magic happens!
4. Bread the Chicken:
Take each chicken cutlet and dip it first in the flour (shake off the extra), then into the egg, and finally coat it with the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure the crumbs stick well by pressing slightly.
5. Fry the Chicken:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When it’s hot, carefully add the chicken cutlets. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and crispy. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
6. Assemble the Dish:
In a baking dish, spread some marinara sauce on the bottom. Place the fried chicken cutlets on top, spoon a little more marinara over each cutlet, and sprinkle the mozzarella cheese generously on top.
7. Bake to Perfection:
Put the dish in your preheated oven and bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Once done, take it out and sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley. Serve your delicious Chicken Parmesan hot, over spaghetti, pasta, or alongside some veggies!
Enjoy your hearty Chicken Parmesan that’s sure to become a favorite for you and your loved ones! 🍽️
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be sure to fully thaw it before cooking. The best way is to leave it in the refrigerator overnight. For a quicker method, you can seal it in a plastic bag and submerge it in cold water until thawed. This helps maintain the texture and moisture of the chicken!
What If I Don’t Have Italian Breadcrumbs?
No problem! You can use plain breadcrumbs, seasoned breadcrumbs, or even crush up saltine crackers or cornflakes as a substitute. Just add a little Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and paprika to mimic the flavor of Italian breadcrumbs!
How Should I Store Leftover Chicken Parmesan?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave in short intervals, but it’s best in the oven to keep the coating crispy.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can bread the chicken and fry it ahead of time. Just store the cooked cutlets in the refrigerator and assemble the dish right before you’re ready to bake. This makes it super easy to serve fresh Chicken Parmesan on a busy night!
