Irresistibly Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Recipe for Dinner Tonight

Crafting the ultimate chicken parmesan requires skill and a touch of culinary passion that transforms simple ingredients into something magical.

Tender chicken breasts become crispy golden masterpieces when coated with seasoned breadcrumbs and baked to perfection.

Melted mozzarella adds a luxurious layer of comfort that beckons everyone to the dinner table.

Italian herbs and marinara sauce bring robust flavors that dance across your palate with each delectable bite.

Fresh ingredients make all the difference in creating a dish that feels both familiar and exciting.

Mastering this classic recipe will turn you into a kitchen hero who can whip up restaurant-quality meals with confidence.

Your next dinner is about to become an unforgettable experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

FAQs

• What's the key to getting crispy chicken parmesan?

The secret is using a three-step breading process with flour, eggs, and seasoned breadcrumbs. This creates a crunchy exterior that seals in moisture and provides amazing texture.

• Can I make chicken parmesan ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the breaded chicken and refrigerate it for a few hours before frying and baking. Just wait to add sauce and cheese until right before cooking to keep the breading crisp.

• How do I know if the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165F (74C). This ensures the chicken is safe to eat and remains juicy without overcooking.

Why Chicken Parmesan Is Always a Favorite

• Whip Up Quickly: This chicken Parmesan requires minimal ingredients and basic cooking skills, perfect for home cooks of all levels.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare breading and chicken ahead of time, allowing for stress-free meal preparation during busy weeknights.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Classic Italian-American dish that satisfies everyone from kids to adults with its crispy texture and cheesy topping.
• Versatile Serving Style: Pairs wonderfully with pasta, salad, or roasted vegetables, making it adaptable for different meal preferences.

What You’ll Need for Chicken Parmesan Recipe

• Chicken Breasts: Fresh, high-quality meat that serves as the main star of this classic Italian-American dish.

• All-Purpose Flour: Helps create a dry surface for the egg and breadcrumb coating to stick.
• Large Eggs: Provides a sticky binding layer for the breadcrumb mixture.
• Breadcrumbs, Parmesan Cheese: Create a crispy, flavorful exterior that adds texture and rich taste to the chicken.

• Olive Oil: Enables golden-brown frying and adds a smooth, rich flavor to the chicken.
• Marinara Sauce: Delivers a classic Italian tomato-based sauce that adds moisture and tangy depth.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully to create a gooey, stretchy topping for the chicken.
• Fresh Basil: Offers a bright, aromatic garnish that enhances the overall flavor profile.

Directions for Cooking Crispy Chicken Parmesan

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375 degrees Fahrenheit, getting it ready for the delicious magic about to happen.

Step 2: Tenderize the Chicken

Grab your meat mallet and gently pound the chicken breasts until they’re an even, beautiful thickness.

This helps them cook evenly and keeps things tender.

Step 3: Create the Breading Station

• First bowl: All-purpose flour
• Second bowl: Whisked eggs
• Third bowl: Breadcrumb and Parmesan cheese mixture

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

• First, roll it in flour
• Next, dive it into the egg wash
• Finally, coat it generously in the breadcrumb and cheese mixture

Step 5: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Carefully place the coated chicken and fry until it turns a gorgeous golden brown, about 3-4 minutes on each side.

Step 6: Add Saucy Goodness

Transfer the fried chicken to a baking dish.

Lavish each piece with marinara sauce and a generous sprinkle of mozzarella cheese.

Step 7: Bake Until Bubbly

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven.

Bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the chicken hits an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Scatter fresh basil leaves on top for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Serve immediately and watch everyone’s eyes light up!

Smart Cooking Tips for Chicken Parmesan

• Use a meat mallet to create an even 1/2-inch thickness for consistent cooking and crispy breading.
• Pat chicken completely dry before breading to ensure a crisp, golden exterior that won't become mushy.
• Maintain medium heat when frying to achieve a golden-brown crust without burning the breading.
• Let chicken rest for 2-3 minutes after baking to allow cheese to set and become beautifully stretchy.
• Swap wheat flour with almond flour or cornstarch, and use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version.

Chicken Parmesan Combos Worth Trying Today

• Gluten-Free Chicken Parmesan: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs. Use cornstarch as an alternative coating for crispy texture.
• Vegetarian Eggplant Version: Swap chicken with thick eggplant slices. Follow the same breading and baking process for a plant-based alternative.
• Low-Carb Keto Chicken: Use crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs. Replace marinara with low-carb tomato sauce and add extra Parmesan cheese.
• Mediterranean Herb Variation: Incorporate dried oregano, thyme, and rosemary into the breadcrumb mixture. Top with crumbled feta cheese instead of mozzarella for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.

What Matches With Chicken Parmesan Recipe

• Classic Pasta Pairing: Serve over al dente spaghetti or linguine to soak up the delicious marinara sauce and create a complete Italian-inspired meal.
• Salad Sidekick: Complement the rich chicken with a crisp mixed green salad topped with a light vinaigrette to balance the hearty flavors and add freshness.
• Veggie Companion: Roast seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus as a colorful and nutritious side that enhances the main dish's Mediterranean essence.
• Bread Bonus: Pair with garlic bread or crusty Italian bread to mop up extra sauce and provide a satisfying crunch alongside the cheesy chicken.

Store Chicken Parmesan Without Getting Soggy

• Seal chicken parmesan in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Place a paper towel inside to absorb excess moisture and prevent soggy breading.
• Wrap individual chicken pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Chicken parmesan can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing quality.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature until warmed through, typically 1-2 minutes total.

Chicken Parmesan Recipe

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4.9 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 44 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty chicken parmesan elevates classic Italian comfort food with crispy breaded chicken, melted mozzarella, and rich marinara sauce. Home cooks can savor this restaurant-quality dish without complex techniques or expensive ingredients.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Coating Ingredients:

• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs

Seasoning and Cooking Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 375F (190C), ensuring an even temperature for consistent cooking.
2. Tenderize the chicken breasts using a meat mallet, creating uniform thickness for even cooking and crispy coating.
3. Organize three separate shallow dishes: one with flour, another with whisked eggs, and the third with a blend of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
4. Coat each chicken piece thoroughly by first dusting with flour, then dipping in egg, and finally rolling in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture.
5. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, creating a golden-brown crust by frying chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side.
6. Arrange the crispy chicken in a baking dish, generously covering each piece with marinara sauce and a layer of mozzarella cheese.
7. Bake for 20 minutes, monitoring until the cheese melts completely and the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165F (74C).
8. Enhance the presentation by scattering fresh basil leaves over the dish just before serving.

Notes

• Tenderize chicken evenly to ensure consistent cooking and prevent dry spots during frying and baking.
• Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature precisely, avoiding undercooked or overcooked chicken.
• Pat chicken dry before breading to help coating adhere better and create a crispier exterior.
• For gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs and check seasoning compatibility.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 24 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 545 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 820 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 45 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg