Crispy, Golden Chicken Parmesan Recipe for Italian Night Bliss

Crispy chicken parmesan brings magic to your dinner table with its irresistible golden-brown crust.

Layers of melted cheese cascade over perfectly seasoned chicken breasts.

Authentic italian techniques combine with simple ingredients for an unforgettable meal.

Each bite promises a delightful crunch that melts in your mouth.

Marinara sauce adds a tangy brightness to complement the rich cheese.

Home cooks can easily master this classic dish with a few key tips.

Dive into this mouthwatering recipe that will make you the star of any gathering.

Chicken Parmesan: What Makes It a Classic Dish

• Tackle Weeknight Dinners: Bring restaurant-quality chicken parmesan straight to your kitchen with minimal cooking skills required, making it perfect for busy families seeking delicious meals.
• Customize Your Flavor Profile: Easily swap ingredients like using gluten-free breadcrumbs, trying different cheeses, or adding personal spice blends to match individual taste preferences.
• Master Classic Comfort Food: Create a crowd-pleasing dish that combines crispy chicken, rich marinara sauce, and melted cheese, guaranteed to satisfy everyone from kids to adults with its universal appeal.
• Prep Ahead Friendly: Break down cooking steps in advance by seasoning chicken, preparing coating stations, or even frying chicken earlier, then finishing in the oven when ready to serve, offering maximum flexibility for home cooks.

Ingredients for Chicken Parmesan

• Chicken Breasts: The star protein that provides a tender and juicy base for this classic Italian-American dish.
• Marinara Sauce: A rich, tangy tomato sauce that adds moisture and traditional Italian flavor to the chicken.
• Mozzarella Cheese: A creamy, melty cheese that creates a golden, bubbling topping for the chicken.
• Parmesan Cheese: A sharp, salty cheese that adds depth of flavor to the breadcrumb coating.

• Flour: Creates a dry base layer that helps the egg and breadcrumb mixture stick to the chicken.
• Eggs: Acts as a binding agent to help the breadcrumb mixture adhere to the chicken.
• Breadcrumbs: Provides a crispy, golden exterior that adds texture to the chicken.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavor of the chicken.
• Olive Oil: Used for frying the chicken to create a crispy, golden-brown exterior.
• Fresh Basil: A fragrant herb that adds a fresh, bright finish to the dish.

How to Cook Chicken Parmesan

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 400F (200C), getting it ready for the cheesy magic about to happen.

Step 2: Prep the Chicken

Grab your chicken breasts and give them a gentle pounding to create an even thickness.

Sprinkle with salt and pepper for a flavor boost.

Step 3: Set Up Breading Station

• Flour bowl
• Beaten eggs bowl
• Breadcrumbs mixed with grated Parmesan bowl

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

• First, roll in flour
• Dive into beaten eggs
• Finally, coat with the crispy Parmesan breadcrumb mixture

Step 5: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Fry each chicken breast for 3-4 minutes per side until it turns a gorgeous golden brown.

Step 6: Add Cheesy Topping

Transfer the fried chicken to a baking sheet.

• Marinara sauce
• Shredded mozzarella cheese

Step 7: Bake Until Bubbly

Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes. Watch for the cheese to melt into a bubbly, irresistible blanket.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh basil on top for a final touch of freshness. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade chicken parmesan masterpiece!

Tips to Elevate Chicken Parmesan Flavor

• Pound chicken breasts evenly to ensure uniform cooking and prevent dry spots.
• Use fresh breadcrumbs for crispier coating that sticks better to the chicken.
• Let chicken rest after frying to maintain crispy exterior while keeping meat juicy inside.
• Choose high-quality marinara sauce or make homemade for more authentic flavor.
• Pat chicken dry before breading to help breading adhere perfectly and create a crunchier texture.

Flavor Variations That Work with Chicken Parmesan

• Gluten-Free Chicken Parmesan: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs. Use gluten-free marinara sauce for a celiac-friendly version.
• Keto-Friendly Option: Swap breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour. Use low-carb marinara and full-fat mozzarella to keep the dish ketogenic.
• Vegetarian Chicken Alternative: Substitute chicken with eggplant or portobello mushroom slices. Follow the same breading and baking process for a plant-based version.
• Lighter Baked Version: Skip the frying step and bake chicken coated in breadcrumbs directly in the oven. Spray with olive oil cooking spray for a crispy texture without extra oil.

Side Dishes to Serve Alongside Chicken Parmesan

• Pasta Partner: Serve the crispy chicken parmesan over a bed of spaghetti or linguine, letting the marinara sauce drizzle deliciously across the pasta.
• Family-Style Platter: Create a stunning centerpiece by arranging the chicken on a large platter, surrounded by roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes for a colorful presentation.
• Sandwich Sensation: Transform leftovers into a mouthwatering chicken parmesan sandwich by placing the cutlet between crusty Italian bread, adding extra marinara and melted cheese.
• Salad Companion: Slice the chicken and place atop a fresh mixed green salad with balsamic vinaigrette, creating a lighter meal option that still delivers incredible flavor.

Best Storage Tips for Chicken Parmesan

• Store leftover chicken Parmesan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing in the container to maintain moisture.
• Prevent sogginess by separating chicken from sauce and storing them in separate containers.
• Label the container with the date to track freshness.

FAQs

• How do I get a crispy coating on my chicken parmesan?

The secret is thoroughly coating the chicken in flour first, which helps the egg and breadcrumbs stick perfectly. Pat the chicken dry before dredging and press the breadcrumb mixture firmly to create a thick, even layer.

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! While mozzarella is traditional, you can experiment with provolone, fontina, or a blend of Italian cheeses. Just ensure they melt well and complement the chicken’s flavor.

• What's the best way to prevent the breading from falling off?

Make sure to shake off excess flour before dipping in egg, and press the breadcrumb mixture firmly onto the chicken. Let the coated chicken rest for a few minutes before frying to help the coating adhere better.

Crispy Chicken Parmesan Recipe

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4.8 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Homemade chicken parmesan delivers classic Italian-American comfort at its finest. Crispy breaded chicken nestles under marinara and melted cheese, promising a satisfying meal that connects culinary traditions with pure deliciousness you can savor.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

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

Coating Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 1/2 cups Italian breadcrumbs

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (optional)
• Olive oil, for frying

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Instructions

1. Heat oven to 400°F (200°C), preparing for a crispy, golden chicken dish.
2. Tenderize chicken breasts to uniform thickness, seasoning generously with salt and pepper for enhanced flavor.
3. Create three distinct coating stations: flour for initial dredging, whisked eggs for binding, and seasoned breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture for final crispy layer.
4. Carefully coat each chicken piece first in flour, ensuring complete coverage, then dip thoroughly in egg wash, and finally roll in seasoned breadcrumb mixture for maximum crunch.
5. Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, creating a perfect searing environment for golden-brown exterior.
6. Fry chicken pieces for 3-4 minutes per side, developing a rich, crisp coating that seals in moisture.
7. Transfer golden chicken to baking sheet, lavishly top with marinara sauce, spreading evenly for complete coverage.
8. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella generously over sauced chicken, creating a melty, cheesy surface.
9. Bake for 10-15 minutes until cheese transforms into a bubbly, slightly browned blanket and chicken reaches safe internal temperature.
10. Finish by scattering fresh basil leaves, adding a vibrant, aromatic garnish that elevates the entire dish.

Notes

• Tenderize chicken evenly to ensure uniform cooking and crispy texture throughout the meat.
• Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound chicken breasts gently, preventing tearing and creating consistent thickness.
• Pat chicken dry before coating to help breading adhere better and create a crispier exterior.
• Mix breadcrumbs with additional herbs like oregano or parsley for extra flavor complexity.
• Choose high-quality marinara sauce or make homemade for more robust taste.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for richer, more authentic flavor compared to pre-grated cheese.
• Let chicken rest for a few minutes after baking to help cheese set and prevent burning your mouth.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 460 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 43 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg