Chicken Parmesan Recipe

There's nothing quite like the aroma of Chicken Parmesan wafting through your kitchen on a busy weeknight. This family favorite combines crispy, golden chicken cutlets smothered in rich marinara sauce and melty mozzarella, creating a dish that's as satisfying as it is irresistible.

I first fell in love with Chicken Parmesan at a small Italian bistro during a family vacation. Ever since then, it's been a go-to comfort meal in my home, one that never fails to bring everyone to the table with big smiles and hungry appetites.

Why You'll Love This Chicken Parmesan

Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite weeknight dinner. This Chicken Parmesan isn't just delicious – it's a showstopper that's surprisingly easy to pull together.

First off, the crispy breaded chicken stays juicy and flavorful, thanks to a combination of simple yet perfect seasonings. Each bite bursts with the contrast of tender chicken and a crunchy, golden coating.

The melty, gooey cheese layer is another highlight. Topping each cutlet with mozzarella and a sprinkling of Parmesan ensures that every mouthful delivers a taste of creamy, cheesy goodness.

And let's not forget about the marinara sauce! Using a robust, well-seasoned marinara adds just the right amount of tangy, savory flavor to complement the breaded chicken. Whether you make the sauce from scratch or use your favorite store-bought brand, this Chicken Parmesan is always a crowd-pleaser.

Best of all, it's a versatile dish. Serve it over a bed of spaghetti for a classic presentation, or pair it with a fresh, leafy salad for a lighter option. Whatever way you plate it, this recipe will have everyone coming back for more.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Chicken Parmesan lies in its simple, high-quality ingredients. Each component contributes to a perfect balance of flavor and texture.

Chicken Cutlets: Using thin, evenly sliced chicken breasts or chicken cutlets is key. Thinner pieces ensure quick and even cooking, giving you juicy, tender chicken every time. If your chicken breasts are thick, slice them in half horizontally or pound them to about half an inch thick.

Breadcrumbs: A mixture of seasoned Italian breadcrumbs and panko breadcrumbs creates the ideal crispy coating. The Italian breadcrumbs add flavor, while panko ensures that perfect crunch. If you only have one type on hand, using just Italian or just panko will still work well.

Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is a game-changer for this dish. It adds a nutty, salty flavor that elevates the breading. Avoid using the pre-shredded variety, as it doesn’t melt as well or pack as much flavor.

Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella provides that dreamy, melty layer we all love. For an even richer taste, use whole milk mozzarella. If you prefer a fresher, creamier texture, slices of fresh mozzarella work beautifully, too.

Marinara Sauce: A good marinara sauce is essential for great Chicken Parmesan. You can use your favorite jarred brand, but making a quick homemade marinara can make this dish truly special. A sauce with garlic, herbs, and a touch of sweetness pairs perfectly with the crispy chicken.

You’ll also need a sturdy skillet for frying the chicken and a baking dish to finish off the dish in the oven. A meat thermometer is helpful for ensuring the chicken reaches a safe 165°F, while still staying tender and juicy.

How To Make This Chicken Parmesan

Creating this mouthwatering Chicken Parmesan is simpler than you might think. Let me walk you through the process step by step.

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F and setting up your breading station. You’ll need three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. This setup ensures that each piece of chicken gets a beautifully crispy coating.

Next, prepare your chicken. Season the cutlets with salt and pepper on both sides. Dip each cutlet into the flour, shaking off the excess, then into the egg wash, and finally into the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to make sure the breadcrumbs adhere well to the chicken.

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add enough olive oil to cover the bottom. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, carefully place the breaded cutlets into the skillet. Cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. You may need to work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.

Transfer the crispy cutlets to a baking dish. Spoon marinara sauce over each piece, making sure to cover the top but not drench the chicken. Top with shredded mozzarella and a sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Once the Chicken Parmesan is out of the oven, let it rest for a couple of minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and makes serving easier. Total time from start to finish is about 40 minutes, making this a doable dinner for busy nights with a restaurant-quality payoff.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (a rare occurrence!), storing Chicken Parmesan is easy. Let the dish cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To freeze, place the cooled chicken on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen Chicken Parmesan can last for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through.

Reheating is best done in the oven to maintain the crispy texture of the chicken. Microwave reheating will make the coating soggy, but if you're in a pinch, it will still be delicious.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the joys of Chicken Parmesan is how adaptable it is. Here are some ideas for customizing the dish to your taste.

For a healthier twist, consider baking the breaded chicken instead of frying. Arrange the cutlets on a baking sheet, spray them with cooking oil, and bake at 425°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Want to make it gluten-free? Swap the flour for a gluten-free alternative and use gluten-free breadcrumbs. The result is just as crispy and flavorful.

If you're in the mood for a different cheese, provolone or fontina are excellent options. Both melt beautifully and add a unique flavor profile to the dish.

Vegetarian? You can substitute the chicken with thick slices of eggplant. Prepare and bread the eggplant the same way, and you’ll have a delicious Eggplant Parmesan instead.

Feel free to get creative and make this recipe your own. With Chicken Parmesan, the possibilities are endless, and each variation is bound to be a hit!

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