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Chicken Parmesan

Chicken Parmesan

Maria G. Brooks
Chicken Parmesan is a classic Italian-American comfort dish made with crispy, breaded chicken cutlets topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
This flavorful dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, and it pairs wonderfully with pasta, garlic bread, or a fresh salad.
The combination of crispy chicken, tangy sauce, and gooey cheese makes it a favorite for families and guests alike.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian-American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 550 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 large skillet (for frying the chicken)
  • 1 shallow bowl (for flour)
  • 1 shallow bowl (for egg wash)
  • 1 shallow bowl (for breadcrumbs)
  • 1 baking dish (for assembling and baking)
  • Meat mallet (optional, for pounding chicken)
  • Paper towels (for draining fried chicken)
  • Oven (for baking)

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs / 680 g)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 1/2 cups fresh mozzarella cheese shredded
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp olive oil for frying

Instructions
 

  • Prep the Chicken: Trim any excess fat from the chicken breasts, then gently pound them to an even thickness using a meat mallet.
    Season both sides with salt and pepper.
  • Bread the Chicken: Set up three shallow bowls. In the first, place the flour. In the second, beat the eggs.
    In the third, mix the Italian breadcrumbs, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
    Coat each chicken breast in flour, then dip in the egg wash, and finally coat in the breadcrumb mixture.
  • Fry the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
    Once the oil is hot, fry the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through.
    Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
  • Assemble the Chicken Parmesan: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
    Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
    Place the fried chicken breasts on top, then spoon more marinara sauce over each piece. Sprinkle with mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
  • Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
    If desired, broil for 1-2 minutes for a golden, crispy top.
  • Serve and Enjoy: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
    Serve hot with pasta, garlic bread, or a side salad.

Notes

  • Customize the Sauce: Feel free to add extra herbs like basil, oregano, or red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for a more personalized flavor.
  • Make It Lighter: For a lighter version, bake the breaded chicken instead of frying it. You can also use whole wheat breadcrumbs and reduced-fat cheese.
  • Freezing Tip: Chicken Parmesan can be frozen before or after baking. To freeze, assemble the dish and cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Bake from frozen for about 45 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
  • Alternative Cheeses: Swap the mozzarella for provolone or fontina for a different flavor profile.
Keyword Chicken Parmesan