Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Chicken Parmesan, or Chicken Parmigiana, is a classic Italian-American dish that features breaded chicken breasts topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese. This comforting and delicious recipe pairs perfectly with pasta or a fresh green salad. The crispy golden-brown crust of the chicken combined with the savory, herb-infused marinara and the gooey, melted mozzarella and Parmesan create a dish that’s both hearty and satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for a special family dinner or want to impress your guests, Chicken Parmesan is a winner.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
• 1/4 cup olive oil, for frying
• 8 ounces cooked spaghetti or your choice of pasta (optional, for serving)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides.

Prepare three separate dishes for breading. Place the flour in the first dish. In the second dish, beat the eggs with 2 tablespoons of water. In the third dish, mix the breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, and basil.

Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess. Dip the chicken into the egg mixture, then coat it thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Fry each breaded chicken breast until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer the browned chicken breasts to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

In a baking dish, spread 1 cup of marinara sauce. Arrange the fried chicken breasts on top of the sauce. Spoon the remaining marinara sauce over each piece of chicken.

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and remaining 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese evenly over the chicken breasts.

Bake in the preheated oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 15-20 minutes.

Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Serve hot, with cooked pasta on the side if desired.

Servings

This recipe serves 4 portions.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Tools Needed

• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Meat tenderizer
• Shallow bowls or plates for breading
• Large skillet
• Oven-safe baking dish
• Tongs
• Spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Grater (for cheese)
• Aluminum foil
• Paper towels

Detailed Tips for Preparing the Recipe

1. Tenderizing the Chicken: Use a meat tenderizer to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This ensures even cooking and maximizes tenderness.
2. Breading Process: Use separate shallow bowls or plates for the flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumb mixtures. This makes the breading process cleaner and more efficient.
3. Seasoning Layers: Season the flour, the egg wash, and the breadcrumbs with salt, pepper, and any additional herbs. This ensures flavor permeates every layer of the coating.
4. Crust Perfection: Press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken to create a firm crust. Allow the breaded chicken to rest for 10-15 minutes before frying to let the coating set.
5. Oil Temperature: Make sure the oil in the skillet is hot enough (around 350°F) before adding the chicken to prevent the coating from becoming soggy.
6. Cheese Choice: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and melting properties. Mix in some mozzarella for added creaminess.
7. Sauce: Use a high-quality marinara sauce for topping. If possible, make your own for a fresher taste.
8. Baking: Bake the chicken parmesan in a preheated oven at 375°F until the cheese is melted and bubbly, ensuring the chicken is cooked through.
9. Rest Before Serving: Let the baked chicken parmesan rest for a few minutes before serving, allowing the juices to redistribute.

Skill (Difficulty) Level

Intermediate

Recipe Course and Cuisine

• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Serving and Presentation Recommendations

• Serve Chicken Parmesan hot, garnished with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil for a burst of color and freshness.
• Accompany it with a side of al dente pasta, such as spaghetti or fettuccine, tossed lightly in extra marinara sauce.
• A crisp green salad with a zesty Italian dressing pairs perfectly to balance the richness of the chicken parmesan.
• Offer some garlic bread or a warm, crusty baguette to soak up any extra sauce.
• For extra indulgence, drizzle a bit of balsamic glaze over the dish just before serving.

Storage Conditions

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover Chicken Parmesan in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken parmesan. Allow it to cool completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and place in a freezer-safe container or bag. It will last for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Reheat refrigerated Chicken Parmesan in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes. For frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Health Benefits

• Protein-Rich: Chicken Parmesan provides a high amount of protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.
• Calcium Boost: The cheese adds a good amount of calcium, beneficial for bone health.
• Iron Source: It offers a moderate amount of iron, which is crucial for maintaining healthy red blood cells.
• Vitamin C: The marinara sauce contributes a dose of Vitamin C, important for immune function.
• Balanced Nutrients: When paired with a side of healthy vegetables or a salad, it makes for a well-rounded meal.

Recommendations for Vegans

• Chicken Substitute: Use breaded and baked eggplant slices or store-bought plant-based chicken alternatives instead of chicken breasts.
• Cheese: Opt for vegan cheese shreds made from nuts or soy.
• Egg Substitute: Use a flaxseed meal and water mixture (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water equals one egg) for the breading process.

Similar Recipes

• Eggplant Parmesan
• Veal Parmesan
• Mozzarella-Stuffed Chicken
• Chicken Alfredo
• Chicken Piccata

Enjoy crafting and savoring this delectable Chicken Parmesan!