Chicken Parmesan is a yummy dish featuring crispy breaded chicken topped with rich marinara sauce and gooey melted cheese. It’s comforting and perfect for any dinner!
I love making this when I want something hearty and satisfying. Pair it with pasta and a side salad, and you’ve got a meal that pleases everyone at the table! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can use turkey cutlets instead. For a vegetarian twist, try using eggplant or zucchini slices.
Breadcrumbs: Italian-style breadcrumbs add flavor and texture. If you want a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crush cornflakes for a nice crunch. Alternatively, panko breadcrumbs give an extra crispy coating.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan cheese is a must for that rich flavor. If you don’t have it, skip it or substitute with Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
Marinara Sauce: You can use store-bought marinara for convenience, but homemade gives a fresher taste. If you don’t have marinara, any tomato sauce will work—just season it as needed!
How Do I Get the Chicken Perfectly Crispy?
Getting that golden, crispy chicken requires some key steps. Dredging in flour, egg, and then breadcrumbs creates a lovely crust. Make sure to shake off the excess flour and egg to avoid a gooey mess. Here’s how:
- Set up your breading station properly. It makes the process smoother and cleaner.
- Heat your oil before adding the chicken. A hot pan helps to seal the chicken quickly, keeping it juicy inside.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; fry in batches if necessary. This ensures that the temperature of the oil stays hot, resulting in a crispy coating.
Let the fried chicken rest on paper towels for a moment before adding sauce and cheese. This helps maintain its crispiness! Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Chicken Parmesan
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Breading:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (optional)
For Frying and Topping:
- 1/2 cup olive oil or vegetable oil, for frying
- 1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Chicken Parmesan will take about 15 minutes to prepare and about 30 minutes to cook, giving you a total of about 45 minutes from start to finish! It makes for a great meal any day of the week.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will get it ready for the chicken to bake and become bubbly and delicious.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
Take your chicken breasts and slice them horizontally in half to create thinner cutlets. If you prefer, you can also pound them to about 1/2-inch thickness. Don’t forget to season both sides with a little salt and pepper to enhance the flavor!
3. Set Up a Breading Station:
Get three shallow plates ready: one for flour, one for beaten eggs, and the last one for a mixture of breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, and dried Italian seasoning. This makes the breading process super easy!
4. Bread the Chicken:
Take each chicken cutlet and dredge it first in the flour, shaking off any extra. Then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally, coat it well with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help it stick.
5. Fry the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the breaded chicken cutlets in the skillet. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and crispy. Once done, remove them from the skillet and let them drain on a paper towel.
6. Layer with Sauce:
In a baking dish or an oven-safe skillet, pour a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Then, place the fried chicken on top of the sauce, making sure to cover the bottom of the dish.
7. Add More Sauce and Cheese:
Next, spoon more marinara sauce over each piece of chicken to keep it moist. After that, sprinkle a generous amount of mozzarella cheese on top.
8. Bake It:
Pop the baking dish or skillet into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top. The aroma will be divine!
9. Rest and Garnish:
Once baked, take it out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps the cheese set a bit. Then, garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley to add a touch of color and flavor.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Dig in and enjoy your Chicken Parmesan hot! It’s delicious served alongside pasta, a fresh side salad, or garlic bread for a complete meal. Bon appétit!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work perfectly and will be even juicier. Just make sure to remove the skin and bone, and adjust the cooking time slightly if they’re thicker.
What Can I Substitute for Breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have breadcrumbs, try crushed cornflakes or tortilla chips for a crispy coating. You can also use ground almonds for a gluten-free option.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and bread it in advance. Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before frying. You can also assemble the dish before baking; just cover it and refrigerate, baking it right before serving.
How Should Leftovers Be Stored?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at a low temperature or in the microwave until warmed through. For best results, use the oven to maintain the crispiness of the chicken.
