Irresistible Chicken Parmesan: A Flavorful Family Favorite

The aroma of chicken parmesan wafting through the house is enough to make anyone weak in the knees. Picture this: golden, crispy chicken coated in marinara sauce and bubbling cheese, each bite bringing a symphony of flavors that dance on your taste buds. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like a culinary genius, even if you burned toast last week.

I have fond memories of family dinners where chicken parmesan was the star. The laughter around the table and the way everyone eyed that gooey cheese with unabashed desire made it unforgettable. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or an extravagant weekend feast, this dish promises to impress anyone lucky enough to share it with you.

One evening, my friend declared my chicken parmesan “life-changing,” which was a pretty high compliment considering he once thought microwave pizza was gourmet cuisine.

Essential Ingredients

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

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding.

• Fresh Garlic: Choose firm, fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor.

• All-Purpose Flour: Helps create a beautiful crust when dredging the chicken.

• Eggs: Bind the flour and breadcrumbs to the chicken for maximum crispiness.

• Breadcrumbs: I recommend using panko for extra crunchiness and texture.

• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated cheese adds flavor that pre-packaged options just can’t match.

• Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade version for depth of flavor.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Fresh mozzarella provides that melty goodness we all crave when digging into this dish.

• Olive Oil: For frying; choose extra virgin for enhanced flavor.

• Fresh Basil Leaves: Adds a touch of freshness and color as garnish.

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

Let’s Make it Together

Preheat Your Oven!: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your chicken will be perfectly cooked and your cheese will melt beautifully.

Prepare the Chicken!: Take those boneless chicken breasts and pound them gently until they are about half an inch thick. This helps them cook evenly and makes them tender.

Dredge Like a Pro!: Set up three bowls: one with seasoned flour, another with beaten eggs, and a third with breadcrumbs mixed with grated Parmesan. Dip each piece of chicken first in flour, then egg, and finally breadcrumbs—making sure they’re fully coated at every step.

Sear Until Golden!: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your breaded chicken pieces and cook until they turn golden brown on both sides—about 3-4 minutes per side should do it!

Add Sauce & Cheese!: Once browned, transfer the chicken to a baking dish. Spoon marinara sauce generously over each piece before topping with shredded mozzarella cheese. Don’t be shy; this is where things get cheesy!

Bake to Perfection!: Place your baking dish in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden. Your kitchen will smell divine!

Now sit back and let your culinary masterpiece come together while you prepare yourself mentally to devour every last bite!

Enjoying homemade chicken parmesan isn’t just about eating; it’s an experience that brings people together around a table filled with love (and lots of melted cheese). So gather some forks, crank up some tunes, and dive into this delightful plate of joy!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sear the chicken to golden perfection, then prepare your pasta while the sauce simmers. This sequence ensures everything is ready at once, eliminating any awkward dinner pauses.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out breadcrumbs for panko for extra crunch or add fresh basil for a fragrant twist. Experiment with different cheeses like provolone or gouda for unique flavors.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to keep that crispy texture intact.

I remember the first time I made chicken parmesan for my family; their faces lit up like Christmas morning! It turned into our go-to dish for celebrations since then.

FAQ

Can I use frozen chicken for chicken parmesan?

Yes, but thaw it completely before cooking to ensure even cooking.

What type of cheese works best?

Mozzarella is traditional, but mixing in parmesan adds great depth of flavor.

Can I bake instead of fry the chicken?

Absolutely! Bake at 400°F for about 25 minutes for a healthier option.

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Chicken Parmesan

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• Author: Tiffani Brooks
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Chicken Parmesan is a beloved Italian classic that combines crispy breaded chicken, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese. This dish is perfect for family dinners or special occasions, offering a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Whether served over pasta or enjoyed on its own, Chicken Parmesan guarantees to impress and create lasting memories around the dinner table.

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Ingredients

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• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (for frying)
• Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Pound chicken breasts to about half an inch thick for even cooking.
3. Set up three bowls: one with flour seasoned with salt and pepper, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan.
4. Dredge each chicken breast in flour, dip into eggs, then coat with breadcrumbs.
5. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear the breaded chicken for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
6. Transfer the chicken to a baking dish, spoon marinara sauce over each piece, and top with mozzarella cheese.
7. Bake for approximately 20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Frying/Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (200g)
• Calories: 470
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 820mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 38g
• Cholesterol: 140mg