Irresistibly Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Recipe for Dinner Magic

Crispy, golden chicken parmesan brings comfort and excitement to your dinner table.

This classic Italian-American chicken parmesan recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavors right in your own kitchen.

Tender chicken breasts coated in seasoned breadcrumbs create a delightful crunch that melts perfectly with rich marinara sauce.

Layers of melted mozzarella cheese add a creamy texture that makes every bite irresistible.

The combination of herbs, spices, and fresh ingredients transforms a simple meal into a culinary experience.

Each forkful promises a delectable blend of crispy exterior and juicy interior that will delight your taste buds.

Chicken Parmesan: The Ultimate Family Favorite

• Crunch into Comfort: This chicken parmesan delivers a perfect crispy exterior with a tender, juicy interior that creates an irresistible texture combination.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like using gluten-free breadcrumbs or trying different cheeses to match personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Quick Weekend Winner: Prepare this restaurant-quality dish in under an hour, making it ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings with minimal cooking skills required.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup with a simple skillet-to-oven technique that reduces dish washing and streamlines the cooking process for busy home chefs.

Ingredients for Homemade Chicken Parmesan

• Chicken Breasts: Tender cuts of white meat that serve as the primary protein in this classic Italian-American dish.

• Flour, Eggs, Breadcrumbs, Parmesan Cheese: A traditional three-step breading process that creates a crispy, flavorful exterior for the chicken.

• Olive Oil: Provides a rich base for frying the chicken to golden perfection.
• Marinara Sauce: A tangy tomato sauce that adds moisture and traditional Italian flavor to the dish.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully to create a gooey, stretchy topping for the chicken.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the chicken.
• Fresh Basil: An optional garnish that adds a fresh, aromatic finishing touch.

How to Make Crispy, Cheesy Chicken Parmesan

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Zone

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375°F.

Grab your chicken breasts and sprinkle them generously with salt and pepper, making sure every inch gets some love.

Step 2: Create a Crispy Coating Adventure

Set up three shallow dishes for your breading station.

• Breadcrumbs
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Dunk each chicken piece first in flour, then egg, and finally roll in the cheesy breadcrumb mixture until fully covered.

Step 3: Sizzle and Golden Transformation

Heat a skillet with olive oil over medium flame.

Carefully place your coated chicken into the hot pan.

Let each side turn a gorgeous golden brown, cooking about 3-4 minutes per side until crispy and delicious.

Step 4: Prepare for Oven Magic

Transfer the golden chicken pieces into a baking dish.

Generously spoon marinara sauce over each piece, then sprinkle a blanket of mozzarella cheese on top.

Step 5: Bake to Cheesy Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven.

Let it bake for 20 minutes until the cheese becomes melted, bubbly, and irresistibly tempting.

Step 6: Final Flourish

Optional but recommended: Scatter some fresh basil leaves on top for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Serve immediately while hot and enjoy your crispy, cheesy masterpiece!

Tips for Classic Italian-Style Parmesan

• Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness and a lighter, crunchier texture that elevates the chicken's exterior.
• Allow chicken to rest at room temperature for 15 minutes before coating to ensure even cooking and prevent cold spots.
• Choose a high-quality marinara with robust tomato flavor to complement the cheesy chicken coating.
• Grate fresh mozzarella instead of using pre-shredded for smoother, more luxurious melting and richer taste.
• Swap wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Chicken Parm Twists and Upgrades

• Gluten-Free Chicken Parmesan: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs. Use gluten-free panko for crispy coating and certified gluten-free marinara sauce.
• Low-Carb Chicken Option: Swap breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or ground almonds. Use a low-carb marinara sauce and reduce overall carbohydrate content.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Substitute chicken with portobello mushrooms or eggplant slices. Maintain the same breading and baking technique for a meat-free version.
• Keto-Friendly Adaptation: Use ground pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs. Replace marinara with a low-carb tomato sauce and add extra Parmesan cheese for fat content.

Serving Up Hot Chicken Parmesan

• Family Dinner Delight: Serve alongside creamy garlic mashed potatoes and roasted seasonal vegetables for a complete meal that everyone will love.
• Pasta Partner: Plate the chicken parmesan over al dente spaghetti or linguine, letting the marinara sauce create a delicious coating that ties the dish together.
• Salad Companion: Pair with a crisp caesar salad or fresh arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the rich, cheesy chicken and add a light, refreshing element.
• Wine Suggestion: Complement the meal with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Pinot Noir, which enhances the tomato sauce and cuts through the chicken's richness.

How to Store Chicken Parmesan Properly

• Store chicken parmesan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss.
• Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Chicken parmesan can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing its quality.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature and stopping when thoroughly warm.

FAQs

• What's the secret to getting crispy chicken coating?

Use a combination of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, and make sure to press the mixture firmly onto the chicken to create a crunchy exterior.

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work well in this recipe. Just adjust cooking time to ensure they’re fully cooked through since thighs are thicker.

• How do I prevent the breading from falling off during cooking?

Ensure you follow the dredging steps carefully: first flour, then egg, then breadcrumb mixture. Pat each layer gently to help it adhere better.

• Is it necessary to fry the chicken before baking?

Frying creates a golden, crispy exterior before baking, which adds texture and flavor. However, you can skip this step and bake directly if you prefer a lighter version.

Chicken Parmesan Recipe

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• Total Time: 43 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Scrumptious Chicken Parmesan emerges as a classic Italian-American comfort dish that delights taste buds with crispy breaded chicken and melted cheese. Layers of marinara sauce, golden-brown chicken, and bubbling mozzarella create a mouthwatering experience you’ll savor with pure culinary joy.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Cheeses:

• 0.5 cups grated Parmesan cheese
• 1.5 cups shredded or sliced mozzarella cheese

Breading and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
• Salt (to season)
• Black pepper (to season)

Sauce and Herbs:

• 2 cups marinara sauce
• Fresh basil (optional)

Cooking Ingredients:

• Olive oil (for frying)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), creating an ideal cooking environment for the chicken.
2. Thoroughly season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, ensuring even flavor distribution.
3. Establish a three-stage coating process: first dredge chicken in flour, creating a light base layer.
4. Dip the floured chicken into beaten eggs, allowing for a smooth adhesive surface.
5. Roll the egg-coated chicken in a blend of breadcrumbs and Parmesan, generating a crispy exterior.
6. Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, preparing for precise pan-frying.
7. Carefully fry chicken pieces until achieving a golden-brown crust, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
8. Transfer the crispy chicken to a baking dish, arranging pieces without overcrowding.
9. Generously ladle marinara sauce over each chicken piece, ensuring complete coverage.
10. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese across the sauced chicken, creating a melty, appetizing layer.
11. Place the prepared dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes until cheese becomes melted and slightly bubbling.
12. Optional: Garnish with fresh basil leaves for an aromatic finish.
13. Serve immediately while hot, maintaining the crispness of the breading and the warmth of the cheese.

Notes

• Select chicken breasts of uniform thickness to ensure even cooking and crispy coating.
• Pat chicken completely dry before seasoning to help breading adhere perfectly and create a crunchier exterior.
• Use fresh breadcrumbs instead of store-bought for a lighter, more flavorful breading that crisps up beautifully.
• For a gluten-free version, replace wheat flour with almond flour or cornstarch and use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 28 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 480 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 45 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg