Chicken Parmesan is a delicious dish featuring breaded chicken topped with melted cheese and marinara sauce. It’s like a warm hug on your plate!
There’s something about that gooey cheese that makes me smile every time. I love serving it over pasta for an extra tasty meal that feels fancy but is so easy to make!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken is best for easy cooking and eating. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use chicken thighs, which are a bit juicier.
Italian-style Bread Crumbs: This gives flavor and crunch. If you don’t have them, regular bread crumbs mixed with a bit of Italian seasoning works just fine. I sometimes make my own by toasting bread and grinding it up!
Marinara Sauce: Store-bought sauce is convenient, but if you have the time, homemade sauce adds a personal touch. You can also use pesto for a different flavor, if you’re feeling adventurous!
Cheese: Mozzarella is a classic choice. If you want a bolder flavor, try provolone or even a blend with some smoked cheese. Using fresh mozzarella can really enhance the dish!
How Can I Get the Chicken Crispy Without Overcooking It?
A big part of Chicken Parmesan’s appeal is that crispy crust. To achieve this without drying out the chicken, follow these steps:
- Pound the chicken to an even thickness. This helps it cook evenly.
- Set your oil on medium heat—too high can burn the breadcrumbs and leave the chicken raw inside.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; fry in batches if needed. This helps maintain the oil temperature and makes for even cooking.
- Use enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan; this ensures a golden crust all around.
After frying, transferring the chicken to the oven helps melt the cheese perfectly without overcooking the meat. It’s all about that balance!
How to Make Chicken Parmesan
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 1/2 cups Italian-style bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Olive oil, for frying
- 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Chicken Parmesan recipe takes about 15-20 minutes for preparation and another 20-25 minutes for cooking and baking. So, you can enjoy a delicious homemade meal in just under an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), so it’s ready for your Chicken Parmesan once it’s all prepared.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
Take each chicken breast and place them between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a flat-sided object, like a meat mallet or rolling pin, to pound the chicken gently until it’s about 1/2 inch thick for even cooking.
3. Season the Chicken:
Season both sides of each chicken breast with a sprinkle of salt and freshly ground black pepper. This will add flavor to the chicken.
4. Set Up Your Breading Stations:
In three shallow dishes, set up your breading station. In the first dish, add flour. In the second dish, whisk together the eggs and water. In the third dish, combine the Italian-style bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and dried oregano.
5. Bread the Chicken:
Take one chicken breast and dip it in the flour, shaking off the excess. Then dip it in the egg mixture, allowing any extra egg to drip off, and finally coat it thoroughly with the bread crumb mixture. Do the same with the other chicken breast.
6. Fry the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat a generous amount of olive oil over medium heat. Fry the breaded chicken breasts until they’re golden brown on both sides, about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Once cooked, transfer them to a baking dish.
7. Add Marinara Sauce:
Evenly spoon marinara sauce over each of the chicken breasts, making sure they are well covered.
8. Top with Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the marinara sauce on each chicken breast.
9. Bake:
Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 15-20 minutes. The mouthwatering smell will fill your kitchen!
10. Garnish and Serve:
Once out of the oven, garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor. Serve immediately, ideally over cooked pasta or with a refreshing side salad.
Enjoy your crispy, cheesy Chicken Parmesan! It’s bound to be a family favorite.
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative and add a bit more juiciness to the dish. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may need a couple of extra minutes to cook through.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! You can substitute regular flour and bread crumbs with gluten-free alternatives. Use almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose flour for dredging, and look for gluten-free bread crumbs or crush gluten-free crackers as a substitute.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, which helps maintain the crispy texture.
Can I Prep This Dish Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can bread the chicken and assemble the dish up to a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate. When you’re ready, bake it straight from the fridge, but you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.