Chicken Parmesan, or Chicken Parmigiana, is a beloved Italian-American dish known for its crispy, breaded chicken breasts topped with rich marinara sauce and melted cheese. This classic comfort food is both hearty and satisfying, making it a popular choice for family dinners and special occasions alike.
The dish combines the crispiness of breaded chicken with the gooey, melted cheese and tangy tomato sauce, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Traditionally served over pasta or alongside a fresh salad, Chicken Parmesan is versatile and can be adapted to suit various preferences.
In this recipe, you’ll learn how to make Chicken Parmesan from scratch, including tips for achieving a crispy coating and a flavorful sauce. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight meal or preparing for a gathering, this Chicken Parmesan will impress with its classic taste and delightful presentation.
Ingredients for Chicken Parmesan
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-seasoned)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil or olive oil, for frying
For the Marinara Sauce:
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
For the Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
For Serving:
- Cooked pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or your choice)
- Garlic bread or a fresh salad (optional)
How to Make Chicken Parmesan
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- Pound the Chicken: Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This helps ensure even cooking and a tender texture.
- Set Up the Breading Station: In three shallow dishes, set up your breading station. Place the flour in the first dish. In the second dish, beat the eggs until well mixed. In the third dish, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Bread the Chicken: Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the chicken with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even, thorough coating.
2. Cook the Chicken:
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil or olive oil over medium heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking. You can test the temperature by dropping a small piece of bread into the oil; it should sizzle and brown within a few seconds.
- Fry the Chicken: Add the breaded chicken breasts to the skillet, cooking in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Fry the chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the coating is golden brown and the chicken is cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Drain the Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
3. Prepare the Marinara Sauce:
- Heat the Sauce: In a medium saucepan, heat the marinara sauce over medium heat. Add the grated Parmesan cheese, dried basil, and dried oregano, stirring until well combined. Simmer the sauce for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
4. Assemble the Chicken Parmesan:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange the Chicken: Place the fried chicken breasts in a single layer in a baking dish.
- Top with Sauce and Cheese: Spoon a generous amount of marinara sauce over each piece of chicken. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
- Bake the Chicken: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the sauce is heated through.
5. Serve the Chicken Parmesan:
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the Chicken Parmesan from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
- Accompany with Pasta or Bread: Serve the Chicken Parmesan over cooked pasta, alongside garlic bread, or with a fresh salad. Enjoy the rich flavors and satisfying texture of this classic dish!
About the Main Ingredients
Chicken Breasts: The chicken breasts are the star of the dish, providing a tender and juicy protein base. Pounding them to an even thickness ensures they cook uniformly and remain tender.
Breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs create a crispy coating for the chicken. Using Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs adds extra flavor, but plain breadcrumbs can be used with added herbs and spices.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor to both the breadcrumb coating and the marinara sauce. It helps enhance the overall taste and contributes to the crispy texture.
Marinara Sauce: Marinara sauce provides a rich, tomato-based layer of flavor. It can be store-bought or homemade, depending on your preference. Adding extra Parmesan cheese and herbs to the sauce enhances its depth of flavor.
Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella cheese melts beautifully over the chicken, creating a gooey and satisfying topping. It adds a creamy texture and complements the marinara sauce.
Chicken Parmesan is a classic dish that combines simple ingredients into a delicious and comforting meal. By following this recipe, you can create a restaurant-quality Chicken Parmesan right in your own kitchen. Enjoy the process and the results, and share this delightful dish with family and friends!
