Delicious Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Chicken Parmesan, or Chicken Parmigiana, is a classic Italian-American dish loved for its crispy breaded chicken cutlets smothered in rich marinara sauce and melted cheese. This meal is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special gathering with friends.
The heart of chicken parmesan is, of course, the chicken itself. The thinly pounded chicken breasts are coated in a mixture of breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese, then pan-fried until it’s are perfectly crisp. That first bite of crunchy coating with tender, juicy chicken inside is what makes the dish so satisfying. This recipe is not complex or difficult to make, but it is the kind of recipe that makes you feel like you are eating at a high-quality Italian restaurant without leaving your home.
The marinara sauce brings everything together with its unique flavor. You can use your favorite jarred sauce to keep things quick, or make a simple homemade version with tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil if you have the time. The sauce soaks into the crispy chicken just enough to add flavor without making it soggy, which is exactly what you want. Then comes the cheese, the real showstopper. A mix of mozzarella and parmesan melts into a bubbling, golden layer over the chicken, giving it that irresistible, stretchy bite that everyone loves.
I think it’s time we get into the recipe already instead of teasing you what the lovely homemade chicken parmesan could feel like.
Delicious Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Equipment
- Meat mallet or rolling pin
- Plastic wrap
- Three shallow bowls or plates
- Parchment paper or aluminum foil
- Cooking spray
- Large skillet or frying pan
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup 120g all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 1 cup 100g breadcrumbs (Italian-style breadcrumbs are recommended)
- 1/2 cup 50g grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Assembly:
- 2 cups 480ml marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup 120g shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup 25g grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
- Cooked spaghetti or pasta for serving (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
- Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound them with a meat mallet or rolling pin until they are about 1/2 inch thick.
- Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and black pepper.
Bread the Chicken:
- In one shallow bowl, place the all-purpose flour. In another shallow bowl, beat the eggs. In a third shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, dried oregano, and dried basil.
- Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess. Dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the chicken breast evenly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
Fry the Chicken:
- In a large skillet or frying pan, heat enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom of the pan over medium-high heat.
- Carefully place the breaded chicken breasts in the hot oil, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Once cooked, transfer the chicken breasts to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Assemble the Chicken Parmesan:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the cooked chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil that has been sprayed with cooking spray.
- Spoon marinara sauce evenly over each chicken breast, covering them completely.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the top of each chicken breast.
Bake the Chicken Parmesan:
- Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- If desired, broil the Chicken Parmesan for an additional 1-2 minutes to brown the cheese slightly.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Remove the Chicken Parmesan from the oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.
- Serve the Chicken Parmesan hot, either on its own or over cooked spaghetti or pasta for a complete meal.
Share the Love:
- Share the love and comfort of homemade Chicken Parmesan with your family and friends, and enjoy the delicious flavors of this classic Italian-American dish together.
