Name: Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 cup breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cups marinara sauce; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 2 large eggs; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and pepper to taste

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Have you ever craved a dish that perfectly balances crispy textures with rich flavors? The Chicken Parmesan Recipe is the answer! This beloved Italian classic features tender chicken breasts smothered in savory marinara sauce and topped with gooey mozzarella cheese. The golden-brown crust adds a satisfying crunch to every bite, making it an irresistible meal for any occasion.

Imagine serving this delightful dish at a family gathering or on a cozy weeknight dinner. The aroma of garlic and herbs wafts through your kitchen as the cheese melts to perfection in the oven. With its perfect blend of flavors and textures, this Chicken Parmesan will undoubtedly become a favorite in your household. Prepare to impress your loved ones with this comforting meal that’s easy enough for weeknights but elegant enough for special occasions!

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Quick and Easy Preparation: This Chicken Parmesan recipe is simple enough for busy weeknights. With just a few steps, you can create a restaurant-quality meal without the hassle.
Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to adjust the ingredients based on your dietary preferences or what you have on hand. You can use whole wheat breadcrumbs or low-fat cheese without sacrificing flavor.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Cook extra chicken and store it in the fridge or freezer for quick lunches throughout the week. Just reheat and enjoy!

Recipe preparation

Ingredients for Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts work well; choose pieces that are evenly sized to ensure uniform cooking.
All-Purpose Flour: This helps create a light coating on the chicken before frying; sift it for best results.
Eggs: Two large eggs help bind the breadcrumbs to the chicken; whisk them until frothy.
Italian Breadcrumbs: These add flavor and crunch; consider using homemade breadcrumbs for an extra touch.
Marinara Sauce: Use homemade or store-bought sauce; look for one with no added sugars for better taste.
Mozzarella Cheese: Fresh mozzarella provides the best melting quality; shredded mozzarella also works well.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds depth of flavor; feel free to use Pecorino Romano as an alternative.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking dish by spraying it lightly with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Season each chicken breast with salt and pepper. Dredge them first in flour, shaking off excess, then dip into beaten eggs before coating thoroughly with breadcrumbs.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook each breaded chicken breast for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

Place the fried chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Spoon marinara sauce generously over each piece before sprinkling mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Transfer the baking dish to your preheated oven. Bake for about 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 6: Serve Hot

Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving. Transfer to plates and drizzle with extra marinara sauce if desired.

Serving and storing

Tips and Tricks

Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and high-quality cheeses enhance flavor significantly; always opt for fresh whenever possible.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Frying too many pieces at once can lead to uneven cooking; work in batches if necessary.
Let It Rest Before Serving: Allowing your finished dish to rest for about five minutes helps retain moisture within the chicken.

Mistakes to avoid

Skipping the marinara sauce preparation: Many people overlook the importance of a good marinara sauce in a Chicken Parmesan recipe. Using store-bought sauce can save time, but it often lacks flavor and freshness. Instead, take a few extra minutes to make a simple homemade marinara. This not only enhances the dish’s overall taste but also elevates your Chicken Parmesan, making it truly memorable.
Not pounding the chicken evenly: An essential tip for a perfect Chicken Parmesan recipe is ensuring that the chicken breasts are pounded to an even thickness. If you skip this step, some parts may cook faster than others, resulting in dry or overcooked sections. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound the chicken until it is uniform in thickness, ensuring perfectly cooked and juicy chicken every time.
Using the wrong cheese: Choosing the right cheese is crucial for achieving that classic Chicken Parmesan flavor. While mozzarella is a must, many recipes call for an additional layer of parmesan cheese for depth. Avoid using pre-shredded cheeses as they contain anti-caking agents that can hinder melting. Opt for fresh mozzarella and grated parmesan for the best results; it makes all the difference in texture and taste.

Ingredients

To create a delicious Chicken Parmesan Recipe, gather the following ingredients:

– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

– 1 cup breadcrumbs

– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

– 2 cups marinara sauce

– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

– 2 large eggs

– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

– 1 teaspoon garlic powder

– 1 teaspoon dried oregano

– Salt and pepper to taste

– Fresh basil for garnish

Preparation Steps

Follow these steps to make an irresistible Chicken Parmesan Recipe:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it with olive oil or cooking spray.

3. In a shallow bowl, combine breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.

4. In another bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth. Place the flour in a separate dish.

5. Dip each chicken breast into the flour, then into the egg mixture, and finally coat it with the breadcrumb mixture.

6. Arrange the coated chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish.

Baking Instructions

Now it’s time to bake your Chicken Parmesan Recipe:

1. Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until golden brown.

2. Remove the dish from the oven and evenly pour marinara sauce over each piece.

3. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce.

4. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serving Suggestions

This Chicken Parmesan Recipe is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:

Pasta: Serve it over spaghetti or penne for a classic Italian meal.
Salad: A fresh Caesar salad complements the savory flavors perfectly.
Bread: Garlic bread makes an excellent side to soak up any extra sauce.

FAQs

What can I serve with my Chicken Parmesan Recipe?

There are several great options to accompany your Chicken Parmesan Recipe. You can serve it alongside pasta dishes like spaghetti or fettuccine tossed in marinara sauce for a traditional Italian flair. A fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette also enhances your meal’s overall flavor profile while adding a refreshing crunch. Additionally, garlic bread acts as a perfect complement to soak up any leftover sauce on your plate.

Can I use other cheeses in this Chicken Parmesan Recipe?

Absolutely! While mozzarella cheese is traditional for this Chicken Parmesan Recipe, you can experiment with other cheeses as well. Provolone or fontina can provide a different flavor profile if you’re looking to mix things up. For added depth, consider sprinkling some crumbled feta or goat cheese on top before serving. Just make sure that whichever cheese you choose melts well for that gooey texture everyone loves.

Can I make this Chicken Parmesan Recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare this Chicken Parmesan Recipe ahead of time by assembling it without baking. After coating the chicken breasts and layering them with marinara sauce and cheese, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate it for up to a day before baking. When you’re ready to enjoy your meal, simply remove it from the fridge and follow baking instructions as usual.

Is this Chicken Parmesan Recipe suitable for freezing?

Indeed! This Chicken Parmesan Recipe can be frozen both before and after cooking. If freezing before baking, prepare it as directed but do not bake; instead, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil and store it in your freezer for up to three months. To bake from frozen, add an extra 20–30 minutes of cooking time at the same temperature.

Conclusion for Chicken Parmesan Recipe

In conclusion, this delightful Chicken Parmesan Recipe combines tender chicken breasts with savory marinara sauce and bubbling cheese for an irresistible meal that’s sure to impress family and friends alike. The preparation is straightforward, allowing even novice cooks to create restaurant-quality food at home. Pairing suggestions like pasta or salad enhance this dish further while providing variety to your dining experience. Whether you’re making it ahead of time or freezing leftovers, this recipe offers flexibility without compromising flavor. Happy cooking!