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This chicken parmesan transforms ordinary chicken breasts into a restaurant-worthy Italian classic with minimal effort. The combination of crispy exterior, juicy chicken, tangy marinara, and melty cheese creates a comforting dish that never fails to impress even the pickiest eaters in my home.
I discovered this chicken parmesan recipe during my first attempt at homemade Italian cooking. What started as a nervous experiment has become our family's most requested Sunday dinner tradition for the past eight years.
Ingredients
- Chicken breast fillets: This lean protein serves as the perfect canvas for our flavor adventure. Look for evenly sized pieces or plan to pound them yourself
- Regular flour: Creates the foundation for our crispy coating. All purpose works perfectly here
- Beaten eggs: Act as the essential glue that binds our breading to the chicken. Farm fresh eggs provide the best adherence
- Breadcrumbs: Provide that signature crunch we all crave. Panko breadcrumbs offer extra crispiness if you have them
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds nutty depth to the breading. Always use freshly grated for best flavor
- Dried basil leaves: Infuse the coating with classic Italian aroma. Rub between your fingers before adding to release more oils
- Dried oregano: Brings that distinctive pizza parlor scent to your kitchen. Choose bright green oregano for best flavor
- Garlic powder: Adds savory notes without the risk of burning that fresh garlic has. Look for one without added salt
- Salt and pepper: The essential flavor enhancers that bring everything together. Sea salt and freshly cracked pepper make a difference
- Olive oil: Creates the perfect golden crust during the initial frying stage. Extra virgin is not necessary here
- Tomato based marinara sauce: Provides tanginess and moisture to complement the crispy chicken. Use your favorite jarred sauce or homemade
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Creates that irresistible melty layer that defines chicken parmesan. Low moisture mozzarella melts better than fresh
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. This temperature creates the perfect environment for melting cheese while keeping the chicken juicy. Allow at least 15 minutes for proper preheating which ensures even cooking throughout.
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Take each chicken breast and place between two sheets of plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet or heavy bottom pan, gently pound the chicken to an even thickness of about half an inch. This crucial step ensures even cooking and tender results. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to help the breading adhere properly.
- Create Your Breading Station:
- Arrange three shallow dishes in a row on your countertop. In the first dish, add your flour seasoned with a pinch of salt and pepper. The second dish should contain your beaten eggs with a splash of water to thin slightly. The third dish gets your breadcrumb mixture combined with Parmesan, herbs, and seasonings. Mix the breadcrumb mixture thoroughly to ensure even distribution of flavors.
- Bread the Chicken:
- Working with one piece at a time, dredge the chicken in flour, coating completely and shaking off excess. Next, dip into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Finally, press firmly into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring an even coating on all sides. Place breaded chicken on a plate and repeat with remaining pieces.
- Fry for Color and Crispness:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat until shimmering but not smoking. Gently place breaded chicken into the hot oil without overcrowding the pan. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. This step is about developing color and texture, not cooking the chicken through completely.
- Assemble for Baking:
- Transfer the golden brown chicken to a baking dish, arranging in a single layer. Spoon marinara sauce generously over each piece, covering most of the surface but leaving some crispy edges exposed. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the sauce, ensuring even coverage that will melt into a beautiful blanket of cheese.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Place the assembled dish in your preheated oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes. Watch for the cheese to become fully melted with light golden spots and bubbling edges. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F for food safety.
- Rest Before Serving:
- Allow the finished chicken parmesan to rest for 3 to 5 minutes before serving. This brief resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat and the molten cheese to set slightly. Serve with additional warmed marinara sauce on the side.
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My absolute favorite part of this recipe is the moment the sizzling chicken hits the hot oil, releasing that incredible aroma of herbs and Parmesan throughout the kitchen. It instantly transports me back to my grandmother's tiny kitchen in New Jersey where she would make this dish for Sunday family gatherings while telling stories of her childhood in Italy.
Make Ahead Options
Chicken parmesan works beautifully as a make ahead meal for busy weeknights. You can bread the chicken and refrigerate for up to 8 hours before cooking. For longer storage prep everything through the frying stage then cool completely before refrigerating for up to 2 days. When ready to serve simply top with sauce and cheese then bake until hot and bubbly adding about 5 extra minutes to account for the chilled chicken. The flavors actually develop nicely with time making this dish even more delicious the next day.
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Pairing Suggestions
This classic chicken parmesan deserves complementary sides that enhance without overwhelming. Serve alongside al dente spaghetti tossed lightly with olive oil and a sprinkle of parsley for a traditional presentation. A simple arugula salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil provides a peppery fresh contrast to the richness of the dish. For bread consider serving warm garlic bread to soak up extra sauce. Wine lovers will appreciate how a medium bodied Chianti or Sangiovese cuts through the richness with their natural acidity and complements the tomato sauce perfectly.
Troubleshooting Tips
Even experienced cooks occasionally encounter challenges with chicken parmesan. If your breading falls off during cooking ensure you thoroughly pat the chicken dry before starting the breading process. The flour must adhere first as the foundation. For soggy bottom issues try placing the fried chicken on a wire rack in your baking dish to allow air circulation. If your cheese browns too quickly before the chicken is fully cooked cover loosely with foil halfway through baking. Remember that chicken thickness greatly impacts cooking time so using a meat thermometer ensures perfect results every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I make the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken?
Ensure the chicken is evenly coated with flour, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and press the breadcrumb mixture firmly onto the surface to adhere properly.
- → Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?
Yes, you can use store-bought marinara or make your own from fresh tomatoes, garlic, and herbs for a more traditional flavor.
- → How do I get the chicken crispy?
Cook the breaded chicken in a hot skillet with olive oil until golden brown on both sides before baking to maintain a crispy texture.
- → What can I serve with this dish?
Chicken Parmesan pairs wonderfully with pasta, a fresh salad, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- → Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can bread the chicken and refrigerate it for a few hours. Bake with toppings just before serving for the best results.
- → Can I substitute Parmesan cheese?
If you prefer, you can use Pecorino or Grana Padano for a similar flavor profile, though Parmesan is traditional.