Chicken Parmesan is a tasty dish made with breaded chicken breasts topped with marinara sauce and gooey cheese. It’s like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for any day!
Let’s be real, who can resist that cheesy goodness? I love serving it with spaghetti—it’s a match made in comfort food heaven! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this dish. If you prefer a thigh cut for more flavor, go for it! You can also use turkey cutlets if chicken isn’t available.
Bread Crumbs: I love using Italian-style breadcrumbs for their extra flavor. If you’re gluten-free, look for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crush some cornflakes instead.
Marinara Sauce: You can use store-bought marinara for convenience, but homemade is always nicer. For a spicy kick, add some red pepper flakes or Italian sausage to your sauce.
Cheese: Fresh mozzarella is fantastic for a gooey texture, but you can also use sliced provolone or a blend of cheeses for a different taste. Just remember, more cheese = more awesome!
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Crispy Chicken?
Breading chicken might seem tricky, but with the right technique, you’ll get the crispiness you crave. Let’s break it down!
- Make sure your chicken is dry before breading; this helps the coating stick better.
- Using three separate dishes for flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs makes breading easy and mess-free.
- Press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken firmly for an extra crunchy coating.
- Fry in hot oil for a golden color, but keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
- Letting the fried chicken rest on paper towels helps remove excess oil and keeps it crispy.
Following these tips will help ensure your Chicken Parmesan turns out crispy and delicious every time!
How to Make Chicken Parmesan
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Breading:
- 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 garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or mix of oregano, basil, thyme)
For Frying & Topping:
- 1/4 cup olive oil or vegetable oil, for frying
- 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked spaghetti, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Chicken Parmesan takes about 20 minutes of preparation time and 20 minutes of cooking time, making it roughly 40 minutes in total! Perfect for a weeknight family dinner.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Chicken:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). While it’s heating up, take each chicken breast and slice them horizontally to create thinner cutlets, or pound each one to about 1/2 inch thick for even cooking. Season both sides with a little salt and pepper, because flavor matters!
2. Set Up the Breading Station:
Next, prepare three shallow dishes. In one, place the flour; in the second, combine the eggs and water, whisking them together until they’re smooth. The third dish will be a mixture of breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, and dried Italian seasoning. This is where the magic happens!
3. Bread the Chicken Cutlets:
Take each chicken cutlet and first dredge it in the flour. Shake off any excess, then dip it into the egg wash. Finally, coat it thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, gently pressing down to make sure the crumbs stick well. This is what’ll give your chicken that lovely crunch!
4. Fry the Chicken:
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the breaded chicken cutlets. Fry them until they turn a beautiful golden brown on both sides, which should take about 3-4 minutes on each side. After frying, make sure to transfer them to paper towels to catch any excess oil.
5. Assemble the Dish:
In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce at the bottom. Place your golden fried chicken cutlets on top, then spoon some more marinara sauce over each cutlet. Don’t forget to sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over everything—cheese makes everything better!
6. Bake to Perfection:
Pop the baking dish into the oven and let it bake for about 15 to 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Get ready for some delicious smells!
7. Garnish and Serve:
Once it’s out of the oven, garnish your Chicken Parmesan with freshly chopped basil or parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve it hot on a plate of cooked spaghetti with any extra marinara sauce on the side if you like!
Now, dig into your homemade Chicken Parmesan and enjoy each cheesy, crispy bite! Buon Appetito! 🍽️
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure it’s fully thawed before cooking. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or place it in a sealed bag and submerge it in cold water for a quicker option.
What Can I Substitute for the Breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have breadcrumbs on hand, you can crush crackers, use panko, or even ground cornflakes for a gluten-free option. Just make sure to season them if they’re plain!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Chicken Parmesan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in the oven or microwave, keeping the chicken covered to retain moisture.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prep and fry the chicken cutlets ahead of time. Just assemble the dish (with sauce and cheese) and refrigerate it. Bake it just before serving for the best results!