Chicken Parmesan is a beloved Italian-American dish that combines crispy, breaded chicken cutlets with a rich tomato sauce and melted cheese. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or simply treat yourself to a comforting meal, this recipe provides an easy, foolproof guide to making Chicken Parmesan that's both delicious and perfect every time.
Ingredients for Chicken Parmesan
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients:
- Chicken: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Flour: 1 cup all-purpose flour
- Eggs: 2 large eggs
- Breadcrumbs: 1 1⁄2 cups Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- Cheese: 1 1⁄2 cups grated Parmesan cheese, 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Sauce: 2 cups marinara sauce or homemade tomato sauce
- Seasoning: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, dried oregano, and fresh basil for garnish
- Oil: 1⁄4 cup olive oil for frying
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
Here’s how to turn those ingredients into a mouthwatering Chicken Parmesan:
1. Prepare the Chicken
- Place the chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap or in a resealable plastic bag. Flatten them to an even thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin.
- Season both sides with salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder.
🍽️ Note: Flattening the chicken ensures even cooking and helps the breading adhere better.
2. Breading Station
| Step | Process |
|---|---|
| 1 | Set up three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with 1 cup of Parmesan cheese. |
| 2 | Dredge each chicken piece first in the flour, then dip into the eggs, and finally coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to make sure the breadcrumbs stick well. |
3. Frying the Chicken
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When hot, carefully add the breaded chicken cutlets. Fry until golden brown on both sides, about 5-7 minutes per side. Adjust heat as necessary to prevent burning.
🔥 Note: If the breading starts to brown too quickly, reduce the heat to ensure the chicken cooks through evenly.
4. Assembling the Dish
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in the bottom of a baking dish.
- Place the fried chicken on top of the sauce, then ladle more sauce over each piece of chicken.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the sauce and top with the remaining Parmesan cheese.
5. Bake
- Bake the Chicken Parmesan in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Garnish and Serve
- Once done, remove from the oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute within the meat.
To summarize, here are the key steps for making the perfect Chicken Parmesan:
- Prepare and season the chicken.
- Set up a breading station and coat the chicken.
- Fry the chicken until crispy and golden.
- Layer with sauce and cheese before baking.
- Garnish with fresh basil for an aromatic finish.
The result is a dish where each bite gives you the crispiness of the chicken, the robustness of the tomato sauce, and the gooey melt of cheese, making it a comfort food classic that's hard to beat. Enjoy this with a side of pasta, some garlic bread, or a fresh salad to complete your Italian feast.
Can I make Chicken Parmesan without frying?
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Yes, you can bake the breaded chicken instead of frying. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the breaded chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until cooked through and golden brown.
How can I make this dish healthier?
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Reduce the amount of oil used for frying by pan-searing at a lower temperature or use an air fryer. Additionally, you can make your marinara sauce with fresh tomatoes to avoid preservatives and added sugars found in some store-bought versions.
What are some good side dishes to serve with Chicken Parmesan?
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Complement Chicken Parmesan with sides like pasta with a light garlic and oil sauce, a crisp Caesar salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread to soak up the extra sauce.
Can I prepare Chicken Parmesan ahead of time?
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Yes, you can bread the chicken and prepare the sauce ahead of time. Store the breaded chicken in the fridge until ready to fry. You can also assemble the dish up to the baking step and refrigerate it for baking later in the day or the next day.
