Introduction
Chicken Parmesan is a cherished Italian-American classic, loved for its crispy breaded chicken, tangy marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese, creating a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. This Chicken Parmesan recipe delivers a heartwarming dish that’s ideal for family dinners, special occasions, or cozy weekend meals with loved ones. Its straightforward preparation and robust ingredients make it a favorite for home cooks craving restaurant-style comfort. Paired with pasta or a simple salad, this dish brings timeless warmth and satisfaction to every table.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for breading)
- ½ cup vegetable oil (for frying)
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
- 8 oz spaghetti or linguine (for serving)
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: ½ tsp red pepper flakes for sauce
Step-by-Step Process
- Prepare Chicken: Slice each chicken breast horizontally into two thin cutlets. Pound to ¼-inch thickness. Season with ½ tsp salt and ¼ tsp pepper.
- Set Up Breading Station: Place flour in a shallow dish. Beat eggs in a second dish. Mix breadcrumbs and ½ cup Parmesan in a third dish.
- Bread Chicken: Dredge each cutlet in flour, shaking off excess. Dip in egg, then coat with breadcrumb mixture, pressing to adhere.
- Fry Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry cutlets in batches, 3-4 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through (165°F internally). Drain on paper towels.
- Assemble: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread ½ cup of marinara in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Place cutlets in the dish, top each with ¼ cup marinara, mozzarella, and ¼ cup Parmesan. Sprinkle with optional red pepper flakes.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly. Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package instructions; drain.
- Serve: Serve cutlets over pasta, spoon extra marinara on the side, and garnish with basil.
Tips for a Better Chicken Parmesan
- Pound chicken evenly for uniform cooking
- Use fresh Parmesan for better flavor
- Fry in hot oil to ensure a crispy crust
- Drain cutlets well to avoid greasiness
- Use a meat thermometer for doneness
- Bake just until the cheese melts to keep the chicken juicy
- Cook pasta al dente for the best texture
- Taste the marinara and adjust the seasoning
Variations and Customization
- Eggplant Parmesan: Replace chicken with breaded eggplant slices
- Spicy Parmesan: Add 1 tsp red pepper flakes to breadcrumbs
- Low-Carb: Serve with zucchini noodles instead of pasta
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs
- Cheesy Parmesan: Add ½ cup provolone with mozzarella
- Herb-Infused: Mix 1 tsp dried oregano into the marinara
- Chicken Parm Sandwich: Serve cutlets in rolls with sauce
- Baked Version: Bake breaded cutlets at 425°F for 20 minutes, skipping frying
Storage and Serving Tips
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
- Freeze unbaked cutlets or baked dish for 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating
- Serve with garlic bread or Caesar salad
- Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes
- Use leftovers in sliders or casseroles
- Keep chilled for meal prep to maintain quality
- Garnish with extra basil or Parmesan
- Pair with red wine or iced tea
Nutritional Information
The following nutritional information is approximate, based on 4 servings (1 cutlet with pasta and sauce):
- Calories: 720 kcal
- Total Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
- Sodium: 1280mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 58g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 8g
- Protein: 46g
- Vitamins and Minerals:
- Vitamin A: 15% of Daily Value
- Calcium: 30% of Daily Value
- Iron: 20% of Daily Value
Note: Nutritional values vary based on ingredient brands, portion sizes, and optional ingredients like red pepper flakes. Use a nutritional calculator for precise measurements. Chicken Parmesan is high in protein but also fat and sodium due to cheese and frying; low-carb or baked variations reduce calories. Chicken and marinara provide protein and antioxidants, making it a hearty, balanced meal.
Conclusion
This Chicken Parmesan recipe delivers a crispy, cheesy dish that’s perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknights to festive gatherings. Its golden cutlets and rich marinara create a comforting meal that’s both satisfying and nostalgic. Easy to prepare and endlessly adaptable, it’s a classic that brings warmth to every table. This recipe ensures a delicious, crowd-pleasing dinner that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Chicken Parmesan Recipe: Classic Italian Comfort
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 oz spaghetti or linguine
- 2 tbsp fresh basil chopped
- Optional: ½ tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Pound chicken cutlets; season with salt and pepper
- Dredge in flour, egg, and breadcrumb-Parmesan mix
- Fry cutlets 3-4 minutes per side; drain
- Top with marinara, cheeses; bake at 400°F for 10-12 minutes
- Cook pasta; drain
- Serve with pasta, sauce, and basil
Notes
- Use fresh Parmesan
- Fry in hot oil
- Store in fridge for 3 days or freeze for 2 months
- Serve with salad