Chicken Parmesan Recipe

There's nothing quite like the aroma of Chicken Parmesan wafting through your kitchen, with its crispy, golden-brown breaded chicken cutlets and gooey melted mozzarella cheese. This classic Italian-American dish is a total crowd-pleaser, perfect for a comforting family dinner or an impressive meal for guests.

I remember the first time I made Chicken Parmesan – I was trying to recreate the magic of a restaurant meal for my family, and it quickly became a staple. The combination of tender chicken, savory tomato sauce, and cheese is simply irresistible.

Why You'll Love This Chicken Parmesan

Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite way to enjoy chicken. This Chicken Parmesan is deliciously easy and always hits the spot.

First off, it’s quick to make without sacrificing any of the flavor. From start to finish, you can have this entire dish ready in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans.

The texture is out of this world. The chicken comes out crispy on the outside yet remains juicy on the inside, while the melted mozzarella adds a beautiful, gooey layer that ties everything together.

Plus, it’s versatile. You can serve it over a bed of spaghetti, alongside a fresh salad, or even turn it into a hearty sandwich. The options are endless, and it’s easy to customize to your liking.

Even picky eaters can’t resist this dish. With its familiar, comforting flavors, it’s a guaranteed hit for the whole family, even those who usually turn their noses up at new recipes.

Ingredients Notes

The secret to incredible Chicken Parmesan lies in its simple but essential ingredients. Let’s break down what makes each one special.

Chicken breasts are the star of the show. I like to use boneless, skinless breasts and pound them to an even thickness. This ensures quick and even cooking while also making the chicken incredibly tender. You can also use chicken thighs for a juicier option.

Breadcrumbs form the crispy coating. A combination of seasoned Italian breadcrumbs and panko creates the best texture – crunchy but not heavy. The Italian breadcrumbs add great flavor, while the panko ensures an extra crisp bite.

Parmesan cheese is a must for flavor. It’s mixed right into the breading to add a nutty, salty depth that makes every bite irresistible. Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best results, as it melts beautifully into the breading.

Mozzarella cheese creates that signature melty layer. Opt for whole milk mozzarella if you can, as it melts creamier and more evenly. You can use pre-shredded mozzarella for convenience, but slicing fresh mozzarella over the chicken takes this dish to the next level.

Tomato sauce ties everything together. A good-quality marinara sauce makes all the difference here. You can use homemade or your favorite jarred variety. Be sure to choose a sauce that’s well-seasoned with a hint of garlic and herbs.

For special equipment, you’ll need a large skillet for browning the chicken and a baking dish for finishing it in the oven. A meat mallet or rolling pin is also helpful for pounding the chicken to the right thickness.

How To Make This Chicken Parmesan

Creating this mouthwatering Chicken Parmesan is simpler than you might think. Let me walk you through the process step by step.

Start by pounding your chicken breasts to an even thickness of about half an inch. This helps the chicken cook evenly and stay tender. Season both sides with salt and pepper to enhance the natural flavor of the meat.

Next, set up your breading station with three shallow bowls: one for flour, one for beaten eggs, and one for the breadcrumb and Parmesan cheese mixture. Dredge each piece of chicken first in the flour, shaking off the excess, then dip into the eggs, and finally coat with the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to ensure the breadcrumbs stick well.

Heat a generous amount of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the breaded chicken breasts in a single layer. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Don’t overcrowd the pan; work in batches if needed. Transfer the browned chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce over the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the crispy chicken cutlets on top, then spoon more sauce over each piece. Top with sliced or shredded mozzarella cheese and a sprinkling of extra Parmesan.

Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you like your cheese slightly browned, you can broil it for the last 2-3 minutes – just keep a close eye on it so it doesn’t burn.

Once out of the oven, let the Chicken Parmesan rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes it easier to slice. Serve with your favorite pasta, a side of garlic bread, or a crisp Caesar salad.

Storage Options

Chicken Parmesan is a great make-ahead dish, and it stores beautifully. If you have leftovers, let them cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

To freeze, wrap each chicken cutlet individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or bag. It’ll keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

For reheating, you can use the oven or an air fryer to maintain the crispiness. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm the chicken on a baking sheet for 15-20 minutes. The air fryer works even faster – just 5-7 minutes at 375°F (190°C) should do the trick.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is incredibly flexible, so feel free to get creative. Here are some ideas to switch it up.

For a lighter version, try baking the breaded chicken instead of frying. Simply place it on a wire rack over a baking sheet, spray with cooking oil, and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Want to add extra flavor to the breading? Mix in some dried herbs like oregano, basil, or garlic powder. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a little heat, too.

If you’re gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes as a substitute. They’ll still give you a fantastic crunch.

You can even make this dish vegetarian by swapping the chicken for slices of eggplant. Bread and cook the eggplant in the same way, then proceed with the recipe as written.

Feel free to experiment and make this recipe your own. The beauty of Chicken Parmesan lies in its adaptability, so don’t be afraid to get creative and try new twists!

Print