Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Are you ready to take your taste buds on a delightful journey with a classic Italian dish? This Chicken Parmesan Recipe is not just about the ingredients; it’s about the love you pour into it. Picture perfectly breaded chicken breasts, smothered in rich marinara sauce, and topped with gooey, melted mozzarella cheese. This dish is a staple in many homes, and for good reason! It’s comforting, satisfying, and perfect for any occasion. Let’s dive into what makes this recipe truly special.
What Makes This Recipe Special
This Chicken Parmesan Recipe stands out for several reasons. First, it’s made with simple, wholesome ingredients that you can easily find at your local grocery store. The combination of crispy breading, savory sauce, and creamy cheese creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that is hard to resist. Furthermore, this recipe is versatile; you can serve it over pasta, on a sub roll for a delicious sandwich, or even on its own with a side salad. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table and leaves them wanting more.
Ingredient Checklist
To make this Chicken Parmesan, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 pound (680.39g) chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup (108g) Italian bread crumbs
- 1 cup (150g) grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- ½ cup (54ml) olive oil
- 1 cup (367.5g) spaghetti sauce, divided
- 8 ounces (226.8g) mozzarella cheese, sliced or shredded
Make sure everything is fresh and ready to go!
Appliances & Accessories
Before you start, ensure you have these essential tools:
- Large skillet: For frying the chicken to golden perfection.
- Baking dish: To assemble and bake the Chicken Parmesan.
- Three shallow bowls: For the flour, eggs, and breading station.
- Meat mallet or rolling pin: To flatten the chicken breasts evenly.
Chicken Parmesan Recipe: How It’s Done
Let’s break down the steps to create this mouthwatering Chicken Parmesan.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats, take your chicken breasts and place them between two sheets of plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound them to an even thickness, about ½ inch thick. This helps them cook evenly.
Step 2: Season and Dredge
Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Set up a dredging station: In one shallow bowl, place the flour. In the second, beat the eggs. In the third bowl, mix the Italian bread crumbs with ½ cup (75g) of the grated Parmesan cheese.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off the excess. Then dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the chicken in the bread crumb mixture, pressing it onto the chicken to ensure it sticks well.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the breaded chicken breasts in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Step 5: Assemble the Dish
In a baking dish, spread about ½ cup (183.75g) of spaghetti sauce on the bottom. Place the fried chicken breasts on top of the sauce. Spoon the remaining spaghetti sauce over the chicken, then sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan cheese and add the mozzarella cheese on top.
Step 6: Bake
Bake the assembled dish in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Once out of the oven, let the Chicken Parmesan cool for a few minutes before serving. This dish pairs beautifully with spaghetti, a fresh salad, or crusty garlic bread. Enjoy the compliments that come your way!
No-Store Runs Needed
Want to whip up this dish without making a special trip to the grocery store? Check your pantry for these common ingredients:
- Chicken breasts (or any protein substitute you prefer)
- Salt and pepper
- Flour (all-purpose or a gluten-free blend)
- Eggs
- Breadcrumbs (you can make your own from stale bread!)
- Parmesan cheese (or a similar hard cheese)
- Olive oil (or any cooking oil you have)
- Any tomato sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- Mozzarella cheese (substitutes like provolone work too!)
Watch Outs & How to Fix
When making this Chicken Parmesan Recipe, keep these tips in mind to ensure success:
- Chicken Not Cooking Through: If your chicken is thick, it may need more time. Consider flattening it more or using a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
- Soggy Bread Crumbs: Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to achieve that crispy texture. If they are soggy, drain on paper towels immediately after frying.
- Cheese Not Melting: If you find your cheese not melting properly, a few extra minutes in the oven should do the trick. Just keep an eye on it!
- Too Salty or Flavorless: Always taste your sauce and adjust seasoning before adding it to the chicken, ensuring a balanced flavor.
Best Ways to Store
If you have leftovers from this Chicken Parmesan Recipe, you’ll want to store them properly to maintain their deliciousness:
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven to restore crispiness.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the breading soggy.
Ask & Learn
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more flavor and tenderness to your dish. Just be sure to adjust cooking times as needed.
What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?
If you don’t have Parmesan, you can use Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano. For a non-dairy option, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken up to the frying stage and store it in the fridge for a few hours or overnight before frying and baking.
What’s a good side dish to serve with Chicken Parmesan?
A classic choice is spaghetti with marinara sauce, but you could also serve it with garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
One Pan, More Ideas
If you love this Chicken Parmesan Recipe, try these variations and similar dishes:
Time to Try It
Now that you’re armed with everything you need, it’s time to get cooking! This Chicken Parmesan Recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. Gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and enjoy the process of creating a beloved dish that will warm hearts and fill bellies. Remember, cooking is not just about the meal; it’s about the joy of sharing and creating memories together. Happy cooking!
Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place chicken breasts between plastic wrap and pound to ½ inch thickness.
- Step 2: Season chicken with salt and pepper. Set up a dredging station with flour, beaten eggs, and a mixture of bread crumbs with ½ cup Parmesan.
- Step 3: Dredge chicken in flour, dip in eggs, then coat with bread crumb mixture, pressing to adhere.
- Step 4: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Step 5: In a baking dish, spread ½ cup spaghetti sauce, place fried chicken on top, add remaining sauce, sprinkle with remaining Parmesan and mozzarella.
- Step 6: Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Step 7: Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with spaghetti or salad!
Notes
- Ensure the oil is hot enough for crispy breading.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven for best results, not the microwave.
