Chicken Parmesan Recipe

There's nothing quite like the mouthwatering aroma of Chicken Parmesan sizzling away in your kitchen. Crispy, golden chicken cutlets topped with rich marinara sauce and gooey melted cheese make this classic Italian-American dish irresistible.

I discovered this recipe when I was searching for a way to recreate my favorite restaurant-style Chicken Parmesan at home, and it did not disappoint! It’s now a staple in our household, perfect for Sunday dinners or any night when we crave something comforting and satisfying.

If you’re ready to make your kitchen smell like a five-star Italian restaurant, let’s dive into the secrets of this crowd-pleasing meal.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Parmesan

This Chicken Parmesan recipe is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, and here’s why you’ll fall in love with it.

First of all, it’s surprisingly easy to make. Despite tasting like a labor of love, the whole dish comes together in under an hour. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something that feels fancy but doesn’t take all day to prepare.

The crispy breading on the chicken stays perfectly crunchy, even under a blanket of marinara and melted mozzarella. Thanks to a few pro tips (which I’ll share below), you’ll achieve that restaurant-quality texture without deep frying.

You’ll also appreciate how customizable this recipe is. Not a fan of mozzarella? Swap it for provolone. Have some leftover homemade marinara? Use it! The flavors adapt beautifully to what you have on hand.

Finally, this recipe is a hit with the whole family. Even the pickiest eaters will devour it, and it pairs well with everything from pasta to a simple side salad. It’s truly the ultimate comfort food.

Ready to make the best Chicken Parmesan you’ve ever tasted? Let’s break down the ingredients.

Ingredients Notes

The secret to exceptional Chicken Parmesan lies in fresh, high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to make this dish shine.

Chicken: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts. To ensure even cooking, slice them in half horizontally to make thin cutlets. If you prefer, you can also pound the chicken to an even thickness using a meat mallet. This step is crucial for that perfect, juicy texture.

Breadcrumbs: A mix of panko breadcrumbs and traditional Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs creates the ultimate crispy coating. Panko adds crunch, while the Italian breadcrumbs bring in extra flavor. If you only have one type, feel free to use what’s available.

Marinara Sauce: While store-bought sauce works in a pinch, using a high-quality marinara or homemade sauce makes a big difference. The sauce should be robust and slightly sweet, balancing out the savory elements of the dish. If you’re feeling adventurous, simmer your own from crushed tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil.

Cheese: This recipe uses a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. The mozzarella melts beautifully, while freshly grated Parmesan adds that nutty, umami punch. If you love extra cheese, sprinkle a little more Parmesan on top before serving.

Special Equipment: To make breading the chicken easy, I recommend setting up a breading station with three shallow dishes. A large oven-safe skillet is also helpful if you want to finish the dish in the oven.

Now that you have your ingredients prepped, let’s talk about the method!

How To Make This Chicken Parmesan

Creating the perfect Chicken Parmesan is easier than you think. Let me walk you through the process, step by step.

Start by prepping your chicken. If you haven’t already, slice your chicken breasts in half horizontally to create thin cutlets. Season them on both sides with salt and pepper.

Next, set up your breading station with three shallow bowls: one for flour, one for beaten eggs, and one for the breadcrumb mixture. Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour, dip it into the eggs, and coat it thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture. Press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to ensure a crispy coating.

Heat your oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You’ll need enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan. Once the oil is shimmering, add the breaded chicken cutlets, cooking them in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Transfer the cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate.

While the chicken rests, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Assemble the Chicken Parmesan by placing the cutlets in a baking dish or an oven-safe skillet. Spoon marinara sauce over each cutlet and sprinkle with mozzarella and grated Parmesan.

Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. If you want an extra bubbly top, switch to the broiler for the last minute or two – just watch closely to avoid burning.

Once done, let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes before serving. The whole process, from prep to table, should take less than an hour. Enjoy your delicious Chicken Parmesan over a bed of pasta or with a side of garlic bread.

Storage Options

Got leftovers? Here’s how to keep your Chicken Parmesan tasting great.

Store leftover Chicken Parmesan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to reheat, place it in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through. This method keeps the chicken crispy, unlike microwaving, which can make it soggy.

If you want to freeze your Chicken Parmesan, do so before adding the sauce and cheese. Place the breaded and cooked cutlets on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and transfer them to a freezer-safe container. They’ll last for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, bake from frozen and then top with sauce and cheese.

For meal prep, consider making extra cutlets and freezing them. You’ll have a head start on a future dinner!

Variations and Substitutions

The beauty of Chicken Parmesan lies in its versatility. Here are some ways to switch things up.

• Gluten-Free Version: Swap regular flour and breadcrumbs for gluten-free alternatives. Many grocery stores carry gluten-free panko that works beautifully.
• Lower Carb Option: For a keto-friendly twist, use almond flour and crushed pork rinds in place of breadcrumbs. The result is still wonderfully crispy!
• Vegetarian Alternative: Substitute chicken with sliced eggplant for a delicious Eggplant Parmesan. Just salt the eggplant slices to draw out moisture before breading and frying.
• Cheese Variations: Try using provolone or fontina cheese for a different flavor profile. A sprinkle of fresh basil at the end adds an aromatic finish.
• Make It Spicy: Add red pepper flakes to your marinara or a pinch of cayenne to the breading mixture for a bit of heat.

Feel free to experiment and make this recipe your own. It’s hard to go wrong with the combination of crispy, cheesy, and saucy!

Enjoy making and sharing this Chicken Parmesan with friends and family. It’s one of those meals that always brings smiles to the table! [IMAGE]

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