Chicken Parmesan

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy, cheesy, and saucy all in one bite
• Perfect balance of textures—crunchy coating with tender chicken
• Family-friendly and crowd-pleasing
• Works for both weeknight dinners and special occasions
• Pairs beautifully with pasta, bread, or salad

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• All-purpose flour
• Eggs, beaten
• Bread crumbs (Italian seasoned or plain with added herbs)
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Olive oil or vegetable oil for frying
• Marinara sauce
• Mozzarella cheese, shredded or sliced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Pound chicken breasts to even thickness for consistent cooking. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Prepare a breading station: one plate with flour, one bowl with beaten eggs, and one plate with bread crumbs mixed with Parmesan.
4. Dredge each chicken breast in flour, dip in egg, and coat in bread crumb mixture.
5. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry chicken until golden on both sides, about 3–4 minutes per side.
6. Transfer chicken to a baking dish. Spoon marinara sauce over each piece and top with mozzarella.
7. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until cheese is melted and chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally.
8. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 25 minutes
• Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Use provolone instead of mozzarella for a richer flavor
• Make it lighter by baking the breaded chicken instead of frying
• Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the marinara for a spicy kick
• Serve over spaghetti, zoodles, or garlic bread for different presentations
• Make it gluten-free with gluten-free bread crumbs and flour

Storage/Reheating

• Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days
• Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and crispy
• Avoid microwaving, as it can make the breading soggy
• Not ideal for freezing once assembled, but you can freeze the breaded, uncooked chicken separately

FAQs

Can I make Chicken Parmesan ahead of time?

Yes, bread and fry the chicken ahead, then add sauce and cheese just before baking.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, just adjust cooking time as thighs may take longer.

Can I bake instead of fry?

Yes, bake breaded chicken at 425°F (220°C) for 20 minutes before adding sauce and cheese.

What’s the best cheese combination?

Mozzarella for meltiness and Parmesan for flavor—provolone is also a great addition.

Can I make it without bread crumbs?

Yes, use crushed cornflakes, panko, or almond flour for a twist.

Is Chicken Parmesan the same as Chicken Parmigiana?

Yes, they are the same dish, just different names.

Can I use jarred marinara?

Yes, choose a high-quality one or make your own for best flavor.

How do I prevent soggy breading?

Don’t add sauce until right before baking, and fry until breading is golden and crisp.

What pasta works best with Chicken Parmesan?

Spaghetti is the classic choice, but penne, fettuccine, or linguine also work well.

Can I air fry Chicken Parmesan?

Yes, air fry breaded chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, then top with sauce and cheese and cook 2–3 minutes more.

Conclusion

Chicken Parmesan combines juicy chicken, crispy breading, tangy marinara, and gooey cheese into a dish that’s both indulgent and comforting. Whether served over pasta or with a side of crusty bread, it’s a timeless favorite that’s sure to impress every time.

Chicken Parmesan

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Chicken Parmesan is a crispy, cheesy Italian-American favorite featuring breaded chicken breasts fried until golden, topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella, then baked to perfection. It’s hearty, comforting, and perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Fry + Bake
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

1. 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2. 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
3. 2 large eggs, beaten
4. 1 cup bread crumbs (Italian seasoned or plain + herbs)
5. 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
6. Olive oil or vegetable oil, for frying
7. 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
8. 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded or sliced
9. Salt and pepper, to taste
10. Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat oven: Set oven to 400°F (200°C).

1. Prep chicken: Pound chicken breasts to even thickness. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Breading station: Place flour in one plate, beaten eggs in a shallow bowl, and bread crumbs mixed with Parmesan on another plate.
3. Bread chicken: Coat chicken in flour, dip in eggs, then press into bread crumb mixture.
4. Fry: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry chicken 3–4 minutes per side until golden. Transfer to a baking dish.
5. Top and bake: Spoon marinara sauce over each chicken breast. Add mozzarella on top. Bake 15–20 minutes, until cheese is melted and chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally.
6. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with basil or parsley. Serve hot with pasta, bread, or salad.

Notes

1. For a lighter version, bake breaded chicken at 425°F (220°C) for 20 minutes before topping with sauce and cheese.
2. Provolone can be used instead of mozzarella for a richer flavor.
3. Gluten-free bread crumbs and flour can make this dish gluten-free.
4. To keep breading crispy, don’t add sauce until just before baking.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce and cheese
• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 890mg
• Fat: 26g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 42g
• Cholesterol: 170mg