Chicken Parmesan is a tasty dish that combines breaded chicken, rich tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese. It’s a comfort food classic that’s hard to resist!
I love serving it over pasta or with a side salad for a complete meal. Plus, who can say no to cheesy goodness? 🍗🧀 It’s a hit at every dinner table!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this dish. If you prefer, you can use chicken thighs for a richer flavor, or even cutlets from a whole chicken. They work just as well!
Breadcrumbs: Italian-style breadcrumbs give amazing flavor. If you’re gluten-free, look for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crush some gluten-free crackers as a substitute. Homemade breadcrumbs can work too!
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan is essential for flavor and texture. If you’re out, Pecorino Romano adds a similar taste, or nutritional yeast for a vegan option.
Marinara Sauce: Store-bought marinara is super convenient, but homemade is fantastic if you have the time. A simple tomato sauce or even pesto can be a fun twist!
Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella gives that gooey cheese pull. If you want a stronger cheese flavor, use provolone or a mix of mozzarella and fontina.
How Do You Get Perfectly Crispy Chicken?
Getting that perfect crunch on your chicken cutlets takes a few steps. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- First, make sure to pat the chicken dry before breading. This helps the coating stick better.
- Heat your oil until it’s hot enough before adding the chicken. A hot pan seals the coating quickly, promoting crunchiness.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet; fry in batches if needed. This ensures even cooking and prevents steaming.
- Finally, let the fried cutlets rest on paper towels after frying to absorb any excess oil.
These steps will help you create that deliciously crispy Chicken Parmesan every time! Enjoy!
How to Make Chicken Parmesan
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 1/2 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
- Fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Chicken Parmesan recipe takes about 20 minutes to prep and around 20-25 minutes to cook in total. You’ll be enjoying your delicious meal in about 45 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prep:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grab a baking dish or an oven-safe skillet and lightly grease it with cooking spray or a bit of oil. This will prevent sticking later.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
Take your chicken breasts and slice them in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets, around 1/2 inch thick. This helps them cook evenly. Season both sides with salt and black pepper for extra flavor.
3. Set Up the Breading Station:
In three shallow dishes, set up your breading station: place the flour in the first dish, whisk the eggs and water together in the second, and mix the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, and dried oregano in the third. This makes it easy to coat the chicken!
4. Bread the Chicken:
Take each chicken cutlet and dredge it first in the flour, shaking off the excess. Next, dip it into the egg wash, letting any extra drip off, and finally coat it thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture. Ensure each piece is well-covered for that crispy coating!
5. Fry the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the breaded chicken cutlets. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. When done, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
6. Assemble in the Baking Dish:
Place the fried chicken cutlets in your prepared baking dish. Spoon marinara sauce evenly over each cutlet so they’re nice and saucy.
7. Add the Cheese:
Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce-covered chicken. The more, the better—who doesn’t love extra cheese?
8. Bake It:
Pop the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes. You want the cheese melted and bubbly and the chicken to reach at least 165°F (74°C) internally.
9. Garnish and Serve:
Once cooked, carefully remove the dish from the oven. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of flavor and color. Serve your Chicken Parmesan hot, and if you like, over cooked pasta or with a side of veggies or salad.
Enjoy your delicious, crispy Chicken Parmesan with melted mozzarella and savory tomato sauce!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
While you can use frozen chicken, be sure to fully thaw it beforehand for even cooking. The best way to thaw is in the refrigerator overnight or in a sealed bag submerged in cold water for quicker results.
What Can I Substitute for Mozzarella Cheese?
If you’re out of mozzarella, provolone or fontina cheese are excellent alternatives that still offer that gooey texture and delicious flavor. For a lower-fat option, try part-skim mozzarella.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can bread the chicken cutlets and prepare the marinara sauce a day in advance. Just assemble and bake when you’re ready to serve. If baked ahead, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through or in a microwave with a splash of water to keep them moist.