Chicken Parmesan is a delicious dish featuring crispy chicken breast, tasty marinara sauce, and melting cheese. It’s a comforting meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table!
This dish is perfect for a cozy night in. I love serving it with pasta and a sprinkle of fresh basil—trust me, it makes the whole dish pop with flavor! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are classic for this dish. If you’re looking for a substitution, try chicken thighs for a juicier option or even turkey cutlets if you want a lighter choice.
Breadcrumbs: Using Italian seasoned breadcrumbs adds flavor. You can make your own by toasting bread and seasoning it, or use panko for extra crunch. Gluten-free breadcrumbs will work fine too!
Cheese: Parmesan is a must for flavor, and mozzarella gives that gooey texture. If you’re in a pinch, you can substitute Pecorino Romano for Parmesan and any melting cheese like cheddar for mozzarella, but the taste will be different.
Marinara Sauce: Homemade sauce is great, but jarred is just fine, too! You might want to look for a brand with minimal ingredients for better flavor. If you’d like a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to your sauce.
How Do I Get Crispy Chicken Without Burning It?
Achieving crispy chicken can be tricky, but here are some tips to help you out:
- Ensure the chicken is pounded evenly; this helps in cooking evenly and getting a nice crust.
- Keep the oil at medium heat. Too hot will burn the breading before the chicken cooks through.
- Once breaded, avoid moving the chicken around too much in the pan to allow it to form a nice golden crust.
- Transfer the cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate immediately to absorb excess oil, which keeps them crispy for serving.
Chicken Parmesan
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 1/2 cups Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/4 cup olive oil (for frying)
- 8 ounces spaghetti or angel hair pasta (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes of prep time and an additional 15 minutes to cook. If you include chilling or marinating time, you may want to plan for about an hour in total, but the hands-on time is very manageable!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Chicken:
Start by pounding the chicken breasts using a meat mallet to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This ensures they cook evenly. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
2. Prepare Coating Stations:
Next, set up three shallow dishes. In the first, place the flour. In the second, beat the eggs together with water. In the third, combine the breadcrumbs with half of the grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
3. Bread the Chicken:
Take each chicken breast and dredge it in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip it in the egg mixture, allowing any extra to drip off. Finally, coat the chicken thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing it on to ensure it sticks well. Repeat this for all chicken breasts.
4. Cook the Chicken:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, fry the breaded chicken breasts until they’re golden brown and cooked through, which should take about 4-5 minutes on each side. Once cooked, transfer them onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
5. Assemble for Baking:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the cooked chicken breasts in the dish, spoon marinara sauce over the top of each piece, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and the remaining grated Parmesan cheese.
6. Bake:
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
7. Prepare Pasta (Optional):
While the chicken is baking, cook some spaghetti or angel hair pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and toss it with the remaining marinara sauce to coat.
8. Serve:
To serve, place a portion of the pasta on each plate, top it with a piece of the Chicken Parmesan, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your delicious homemade Chicken Parmesan!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will provide a juicier, more flavorful dish. Just follow the same cooking times, as they may require slightly longer to reach safe internal temperatures.
What Can I Substitute for the Breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have breadcrumbs on hand, you can use crushed crackers, panko, or even ground nuts for a gluten-free option. Each will give a slightly different texture, but they’ll still be delicious!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven or microwave until heated throughout. If you use the oven, cover with foil to keep the cheese from browning too much.
Can I Freeze Chicken Parmesan?
Yes, you can freeze Chicken Parmesan! Just ensure it’s completely cooled before wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. It should last for up to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.