Chicken Parmesan, or Chicken Parmigiana, is a beloved Italian-American dish. With a crisp, golden-brown crust, tangy marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese, this Chicken Parmesan recipe will bring the flavors of Italy right to your kitchen. This step-by-step guide ensures that both beginner and seasoned cooks can make this dish perfectly.
On the other hand, if you’re looking to beat the heat on a hot summer day, consider pairing your Chicken Parmesan with a refreshing iced coffee or an iced Americano. These drinks provide the perfect balance of rich coffee flavor and cool refreshment, ideal for coffee lovers who enjoy strong beverages even in warmer weather.
How to Make Chicken Parmesan
Chicken Parmesan combines crispy breaded chicken with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese for a hearty and satisfying meal.
This Chicken Parmesan recipe uses simple ingredients and a few basic techniques. For the best flavor, opt for homemade marinara sauce and high-quality Parmesan cheese.
The key to this recipe is to pound chicken to an even thickness, coat it well with a flavorful breadcrumb mixture, and fry until golden. Then, it’s baked to perfection, letting the cheese melt and the flavors blend.
As long as you follow these steps, you’ll create a delicious Chicken Parmesan that will impress family and friends.
Ingredients for Chicken Parmesan Recipe
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Olive oil for frying
- 1 cup marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Ingredient Notes:
- Breadcrumbs: Use panko breadcrumbs for a crispier crust, or try seasoned breadcrumbs for extra flavor.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Fresh mozzarella melts beautifully, but shredded mozzarella works well too.
- Marinara Sauce: For an authentic taste, use San Marzano tomatoes in your sauce, or try a homemade marinara sauce for added freshness.
Instructions – Step-by-Step Guide to Chicken Parmesan
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound chicken until it’s about 1/2 inch thick. This ensures even cooking and a tender texture.
- Set Up a Breading Station: Use three shallow dishes. In the first, add the flour. In the second, whisk together the eggs with a pinch of salt. In the third, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder.
- Bread the Chicken: Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, then dip it in the egg mixture, and coat it well in the breadcrumb mixture. Press firmly to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat about 1/4 inch of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the breaded chicken breasts and cook until they’re golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per side. Transfer them to a baking sheet lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
- Bake the Chicken Parmesan: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the fried chicken breasts in a baking dish. Spoon marinara sauce over each piece, and top with mozzarella cheese and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve hot.
Tips for Making the Perfect Chicken Parmesan
- Keep the Chicken Crispy: Avoid soggy chicken by frying it to a deep golden color. Don’t overdo the sauce—adding just enough to cover without drowning keeps the chicken crispy.
- Pound the Chicken Evenly: This ensures that each piece cooks at the same rate, so you don’t end up with undercooked or overcooked spots.
- Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: When frying, cook the chicken in batches to prevent steaming, which can lead to a less crispy crust.
- Use Quality Ingredients: For the best flavor, choose high-quality marinara sauce, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. This makes a big difference in the overall taste.
What to Serve with Chicken Parmesan
Chicken Parmesan is a hearty dish that pairs beautifully with a range of sides. Here are some favorites:
- Spaghetti Noodles: Tossed with extra marinara sauce, spaghetti makes a classic pairing.
- Zucchini Noodles: For a low-carb alternative, try serving Chicken Parmesan over spiralized zucchini.
- Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread adds the perfect crunch to your meal.
- Caesar Salad: A light and refreshing salad complements the richness of Chicken Parmesan.
Ingredient Substitutes
- Breadcrumbs: For gluten-free options, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or even crushed rice crackers.
- Cheese: You can use provolone or Parmesan cheese as substitutes for mozzarella, or combine them for a unique flavor.
- Marinara Sauce: If you don’t have marinara, substitute with tomato paste diluted with a bit of water and seasoned with Italian herbs.
Variations of Chicken Parmesan
- Baked Chicken Parmesan: For a lighter version, bake the breaded chicken in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes before adding the sauce and cheese.
- Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan: Follow the same steps for breading, but cook the chicken in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. Then top with sauce and cheese, and air fry for an additional 3-5 minutes until the cheese melts.
- Chicken Parmesan Casserole: Layer breaded and fried chicken pieces with marinara sauce and cheese in a casserole dish. Bake until bubbly, and garnish with fresh basil.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Parmesan is a delicious and comforting meal that’s easy to make at home. With its crispy coating, savory sauce, and melty cheese, it’s a dish everyone will love. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or as part of your meal plans, this recipe will quickly become a favorite.
By following this guide, you’ll have a perfectly crispy and flavorful Chicken Parmesan that’s sure to please. Experiment with the sides and ingredients to make it your own, and enjoy every bite!
