Classic chicken Parmesan is a beloved Italian-American dish featuring crispy, breaded chicken cutlets topped with rich marinara sauce and melted cheese. Served over pasta or alongside a fresh salad, this dish is a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy, golden-brown chicken with a cheesy, savory topping
- A restaurant-quality dish that’s easy to make at home
- Pairs well with pasta, salad, or roasted vegetables
- Customizable with different cheeses and sauces
- Great for meal prep and leftovers
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper
- Flour
- Eggs
- Breadcrumbs (Italian or panko)
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Garlic powder
- Dried oregano
- Olive oil
- Marinara sauce
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil (optional)
- Cooked pasta (for serving)
Directions
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice chicken breasts in half lengthwise and pound them to an even thickness. Season with salt and pepper.
- Coat the Chicken: Dredge each piece in flour, dip in beaten eggs, then coat with a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and oregano.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a pan and fry the chicken until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer to a baking dish.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Spoon marinara sauce over each piece, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and additional Parmesan.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil and serve over cooked pasta or with a side salad.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce.
- Baked Option: Instead of frying, bake breaded chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes before adding sauce and cheese.
- Cheese Variations: Use provolone, fontina, or a mix of cheeses for extra flavor.
- Low-Carb Alternative: Use almond flour and crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze breaded chicken (before adding sauce) for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes or air-fry at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes until heated through.
FAQs
What is the best cheese for chicken Parmesan?
Mozzarella is the classic choice, but provolone or a Parmesan-mozzarella blend works well too.
Can I make chicken Parmesan without frying?
Yes, you can bake the breaded chicken at 400°F (200°C) for a lighter option.
What’s the best pasta to serve with chicken Parmesan?
Spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne are great choices.
Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?
Yes, but homemade marinara enhances the flavor.
How do I keep the chicken crispy?
Avoid adding too much sauce and bake uncovered to maintain crispiness.
Can I prepare chicken Parmesan ahead of time?
Yes, you can bread the chicken in advance and store it in the fridge before cooking.
How do I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour substitutes.
Can I air-fry the chicken instead of pan-frying?
Yes, air-fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.
What sides go well with chicken Parmesan?
Garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a fresh Caesar salad pair well.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, but they may require a slightly longer cooking time.
Conclusion
Classic chicken Parmesan is a flavorful and comforting dish that is easy to prepare at home. With its crispy breaded chicken, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese, this meal is sure to be a family favorite. Serve it over pasta or with a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying & Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Classic Chicken Parmesan is a crispy, golden-breaded chicken cutlet smothered in rich marinara sauce and topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan. A restaurant-quality dish made easy at home!
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh basil (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare Chicken: Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness.
- Bread Chicken: Coat each chicken breast in flour, dip in beaten eggs, then coat in a breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture.
- Fry Until Golden: Heat oil in a pan and cook chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Bake: Place fried chicken in a baking dish, top with marinara sauce and mozzarella, and bake for 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with fresh basil and serve hot!
Notes
- Serve over spaghetti for a full Italian-style meal.
- Swap marinara for vodka sauce for a richer flavor.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy coating.
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