Chicken Parmesan

Chicken Parmesan is the epitome of comfort food: crispy, golden chicken breasts coated in a flavorful breading, smothered in marinara sauce, and topped with gooey, melted mozzarella cheese. This dish combines all the savory, cheesy, and hearty flavors that make Italian-American cuisine so beloved. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, hosting friends, or treating yourself to a comforting meal, Chicken Parmesan never disappoints.

In this blog post, we’ll take you through the step-by-step process of making Chicken Parmesan at home, plus some helpful tips, kitchen equipment recommendations, and variations that will take your dish to the next level. Let’s dive into this tasty journey and make the perfect Chicken Parmesan together!

Why Chicken Parmesan Is a Perfect Meal for Any Occasion

Chicken Parmesan is a go-to dinner choice for so many reasons. It’s not only a crowd-pleaser, but it’s also easy to customize and can be prepared in advance for a stress-free meal. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters, trying to impress guests, or just craving something delicious, Chicken Parmesan fits the bill.

It’s versatile too: you can serve it over spaghetti, penne, or even just alongside some roasted vegetables for a lighter twist. Plus, it’s an ideal dish for meal prep, as it stores well and tastes even better the next day.

Let’s get started and show you how to make this delicious dish in your own kitchen!

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need to Make Chicken Parmesan

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s first go over the equipment needed to make Chicken Parmesan. Here’s your shopping list of essential tools:

Oven-safe baking dish – To cook the chicken and let it melt with the cheese.
Large skillet – For frying the chicken breasts.
Shallow bowls or plates – To set up a breading station for the chicken.
Meat mallet or rolling pin – To pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness.
Tongs or spatula – For flipping the chicken safely during frying.
Large spoon – To spoon the marinara sauce over the chicken.
Grater – If you prefer freshly grated Parmesan or mozzarella.
Aluminum foil or parchment paper – To line baking trays or cover dishes when cooking.

With these kitchen essentials in place, you’re ready to start the cooking process. Let’s move on to the recipe!

Ingredients for Chicken Parmesan

Here’s a simple ingredient list for making Chicken Parmesan at home:

For the Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crispiness)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Olive oil, for frying

For the Topping

2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)

How to Make Chicken Parmesan: Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Preparing the Chicken

Start by prepping the chicken breasts. Place them between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper and gently pound them to an even thickness (about 1/2 inch thick) using a meat mallet or rolling pin. This ensures they cook evenly.

Next, season the chicken with a pinch of salt and pepper on both sides.

Step 2: Breading the Chicken

In three shallow bowls or plates, set up your breading station:

In the first bowl, add the flour.
In the second bowl, beat the eggs.
In the third bowl, combine breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and basil.

Dip each chicken breast into the flour, coating it thoroughly. Then dip it into the beaten eggs, followed by the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the crumbs stick well.

Step 3: Frying the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the breaded chicken breasts and fry for about 4-5 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy. The chicken should be cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Once fried, remove the chicken and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Step 4: Baking the Chicken Parmesan

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Place the fried chicken breasts in an oven-safe baking dish. Spoon marinara sauce generously over each chicken breast, then top with shredded mozzarella cheese. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Garnishing and Serving

Remove the dish from the oven, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and serve immediately.

Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Chicken Parmesan

While Chicken Parmesan is delicious on its own, you can elevate the meal by pairing it with the following:

Pasta – Serve with spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine for a traditional Italian pairing.
Roasted Vegetables – A side of roasted broccoli, asparagus, or zucchini adds a healthy balance to the dish.
Garlic Bread – Because who doesn’t love a slice of crispy, buttery garlic bread to scoop up any leftover sauce?
A Fresh Salad – A simple green salad with olive oil and balsamic vinaigrette will complement the richness of the chicken.

For drinks, a glass of red wine like Chianti or Pinot Noir pairs wonderfully with Chicken Parmesan. For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with a splash of lemon works well to cleanse the palate.

How to Store Leftover Chicken Parmesan

Chicken Parmesan stores beautifully for later. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

Refrigerating: Place the leftover Chicken Parmesan in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: If you want to freeze it for future meals, wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before placing it in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep for up to 3 months.
Reheating: For the best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also use a microwave, though the crust may lose some crispiness.

Chicken Parmesan Recipe Variations

While this classic Chicken Parmesan recipe is delicious on its own, there are a few fun variations you can try:

Baked Chicken Parmesan: Instead of frying, you can bake the breaded chicken breasts at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes for a lighter, healthier version.
Eggplant Parmesan: Swap out the chicken for eggplant for a vegetarian twist on the classic dish.
Chicken Parmesan Sandwich: Place the breaded, saucy chicken on a sub roll with extra mozzarella and marinara for a delicious sandwich version.
Spicy Chicken Parmesan: Add red pepper flakes to the breadcrumbs or marinara sauce for an added kick.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make Chicken Parmesan ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the chicken and bread it ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator for up to a day, then bake it when you’re ready to eat.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative and can be more tender and juicy. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure they’re fully cooked.

What’s the best marinara sauce to use?

For convenience, store-bought marinara sauce works perfectly. However, if you have the time, homemade marinara will add an extra layer of flavor. You can even jazz it up with fresh herbs or red pepper flakes.

Can I make Chicken Parmesan gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and a gluten-free flour substitute like rice flour or cornstarch for the breading.

How can I make Chicken Parmesan less greasy?

To reduce the grease, try baking the chicken instead of frying it, or place the fried chicken on a rack to allow excess oil to drip off.

Conclusion: Why You Should Try This Chicken Parmesan Recipe

This Chicken Parmesan recipe is a winner for its simplicity, flavor, and versatility. It’s perfect for any home cook, whether you’re an experienced chef or just starting out. With a few ingredients and basic cooking techniques, you’ll have a meal that’s sure to impress everyone at the table.

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