Elevate your dinner game with this mouthwatering chicken parmesan recipe!
The combination of juicy chicken, savory sauce, and gooey cheese is simply irresistible.
Plus, the aromatic blend of herbs and spices infuses every bite with incredible taste.
Serve this classic Italian-American comfort food over a bed of pasta or with a side salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
What Is Chicken Parmesan?
Chicken Parmesan, or Chicken Parm as many lovingly call it, is a classic Italian-American dish that has won the hearts (and stomachs) of food lovers worldwide!
It features crispy, breaded chicken cutlets topped with marinara sauce, melted mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
After a quick trip to the oven, you’ve got a golden, cheesy, saucy masterpiece ready to enjoy.
It’s typically served with pasta, but you can also find it in sandwiches or on its own with a side of veggies.
What’s the Difference Between Chicken Parmesan and Chicken Parmigiana?
Here’s the fun part—there is no difference!
“Parmigiana” is the Italian word for Parmesan, and over time, the name has been shortened in English-speaking countries to “Chicken Parmesan” or just “Chicken Parm.”
So, whether you call it Chicken Parmigiana, Chicken Parmesan, or simply Chicken Parm, you’re getting the same delicious dish.
That said, if you order a Chicken Parmy in Australia, you’ll get a similar dish with two key differences.
First, you’ll find a layer of ham or prosciutto between the chicken and the cheese. This adds a savory, salty boost of flavor that’s less common in the traditional chicken parmesan recipe.
Second, it’s typically accompanied by a side of hot chips (fries) and a simple salad, making it a pub favorite.
Sound pretty delish, huh?
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Parmesan
Comfort Food Champion: With its crispy exterior, juicy interior, and a blanket of melted cheese, chicken parmesan is comfort food at its finest.
Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, this classic Italian-American dish is sure to impress with its restaurant-quality presentation and irresistible aroma.
Versatile Pairing Options: This dish pairs well with pasta, salad, or garlic bread, allowing for a customizable dining experience.
Ingredients
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: The star of the dish. Pounded thin for even cooking and maximum crispiness.
- All-Purpose Flour: The first step in the breading process. It creates a dry surface for the egg wash to cling to.
- Large Eggs: Mixed with water to create an egg wash, it helps the breadcrumb coating adhere to the chicken.
- Breadcrumbs: For a crunchy, flavorful exterior. Use Italian style or panko if you like it extra crispy!
- Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper infuse the chicken with aromatic flavors and a hint of heat.
- Marinara Sauce: Complements the chicken perfectly and adds a zesty kick.
- Parmesan & Mozzarella Cheese: A dynamic duo of cheeses. Parmesan adds a nutty, salty taste, while mozzarella provides a gooey, melted texture.
- Fresh Basil: The finishing touch. Adds a bright, fresh flavor and a pop of color to the final presentation.
How to Make Chicken Parmesan
While this dish may seem fancy, it’s surprisingly easy to make at home.
With just a few simple steps, you can create a restaurant-quality meal any night of the week.
1. PREP: Preheat oven to 425°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Set aside.
2. CUT: Slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally to create 4 thinner cutlets. Pound to even thickness, if needed. Season with salt and pepper.
3. DREDGE: Set up three bowls—flour and spices in the first, whisked eggs in the second, and breadcrumbs with Parmesan in the third. Dredge each cutlet in flour, egg, then breadcrumbs.
4. FRY: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 4 minutes per side until golden. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding.
5. LAYER: Spread some marinara in the baking dish. Place the fried chicken on top, add more marinara, and sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan.
6. BAKE: Bake for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden. Serve with fresh basil over pasta or with fries and salad. Enjoy!
Tips For the Best Chicken Parmesan
You really can’t beat the combination of crispy, breaded chicken, zesty marinara sauce, and gooey, melted cheese.
It just hits the spot every time!
But if you’ve never made it before, don’t worry. I have a few tips up my sleeve:
- Even thickness. Ensure that the chicken breasts are pounded to an even thickness to ensure they cook evenly. If you have uneven spots, the thin ends might overcook and turn dry.
- Proper coating. Press the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture onto the chicken to ensure it adheres well. Then, let it rest so doesn’t fall off during frying.
- Frying technique. Fry the chicken breasts in batches to prevent overcrowding the skillet.
- Sauce quality. Use high-quality marinara sauce, and don’t be afraid to jazz it up! Feel free to add garlic, onion, red pepper flakes, and more!
- Cheese balance. Balance the amount of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese to achieve the perfect blend of melty and sharp flavors.
- Variations. To give the chicken parmesan a unique twist, consider adding other ingredients to the breadcrumb mixture, such as chopped parsley or lemon zest. You can also use different types of cheese, such as Provolone or sharp cheddar, to change up the flavor profile.
How to Store
Chicken Parm is a classic for a reason, and I can’t wait for you to experience the mouthwatering goodness for yourself.
I highly doubt you’ll have to worry about leftovers, but just in case:
To Store: Transfer cooled leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. If possible, store the chicken and sauce separately so the chicken doesn’t go soggy.
To Freeze: I don’t recommend freezing leftovers. But you can freeze the chicken after frying, before you add any sauce. It’ll hold well in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and adding the toppings.
To Reheat: Preheat the oven to 350°F and place leftover chicken parmesan in an oven-safe dish. Cover with foil and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
More Delicious Chicken Dinners You’ll Love
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Mochiko Chicken
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Chicken Parmesan
4
servings20
minutes20
minutes907
kcalThis chicken parmesan recipe features crispy, golden-fried chicken cutlets smothered in rich marinara sauce and topped with gooey mozzarella cheese.
Ingredients
- For the Chicken
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons water
1 cup breadcrumbs (Italian-style or panko)
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- For Assembly
2 cups marinara sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Set aside.
- Cut the chicken breasts in half horizontally to create 4 thinner cutlets. Pound the thicker ends, if needed, to make them even. Pat dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Set up a dredging station with three bowls. In the first, mix the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, and red pepper flake. In the second, whisk the eggs with 2 tablespoons of water until smooth. In the third, mix the breadcrumbs with 3/4 cup of grated Parmesan.
- Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off the excess. Dip them into the egg wash, then coat them in the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture, pressing lightly to adhere. Set aside to rest for 5 minutes.
- Warm enough oil to coat the bottom of a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 4 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy. Work in batches, if needed, to avoid overcrowding the pan. Remove from the heat.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in the baking dish. Arrange the fried chicken on top, then spoon more marinara over each piece. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and remaining grated Parmesan over the chicken.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Serve immediately with fresh basil leaves over a bed of pasta or with thick-cut fries and salad. Enjoy!
Notes
- Cheese blend: Add a little provolone or fontina to the mozzarella for extra flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding traps moisture in the pan, leading to steaming instead of frying. This results in soggy chicken. Work in batches, or use a large frying pan.
