Chicken Parmesan

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty: Moderate
Cuisine: Italian-American

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Overview

Chicken Parmesan, also known as Chicken Parmigiana, features tender chicken breasts breaded and pan-fried to a golden crisp, topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. It’s served over pasta, in a sandwich, or alongside a green salad. This comforting dish is crispy, cheesy, and full of classic Italian flavor.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• Salt and pepper

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

• 2 large eggs

• 1 tablespoon milk

• 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs (or plain + 1 tsp Italian seasoning)

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

• 1/4 cup olive oil (or enough for frying)

For Assembly:

• 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)

• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (additional)

• Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)

• Cooked spaghetti or pasta of choice (optional, for serving)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally to make 4 thinner cutlets.

2. Place the cutlets between plastic wrap or parchment and pound to even thickness (about 1/2 inch thick).

3. Season both sides with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Bread the Chicken

1. Set up a breading station with 3 shallow bowls:

   • Bowl 1: Flour

   • Bowl 2: Beaten eggs mixed with 1 tbsp milk

   • Bowl 3: Breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup Parmesan, and garlic powder

2. Dredge each chicken cutlet:

   • First in flour (shake off excess)

   • Then in egg mixture

   • Finally, coat with breadcrumb-Parmesan mix

Step 3: Pan-Fry the Chicken

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

2. Fry chicken cutlets 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temp).

3. Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate to drain.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).

2. Spoon 1–2 tablespoons marinara sauce onto the bottom of a baking dish.

3. Arrange the fried chicken cutlets in the dish.

4. Top each cutlet with marinara sauce (about 2–3 tbsp), mozzarella cheese, and a sprinkle of Parmesan.

5. Bake for 10–15 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Optional: Broil for 1–2 minutes for a golden, bubbly top.

Step 5: Serve

• Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley.

• Pair with cooked spaghetti, garlic bread, or a crisp Caesar salad.

Tips for Success

• Extra Crispy: Use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular for extra crunch.

• Time Saver: Use thin sliced chicken cutlets to skip pounding.

• Sauce Tip: Warm the marinara before spooning it onto the chicken to keep everything hot and melty.

• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.

Storage & Reheating

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Reheat: In the oven at 350°F until warmed through (best for crispiness), or microwave in short bursts.

• Freezing: Freeze breaded and fried (but unbaked) chicken cutlets separately, then thaw and bake with sauce and cheese when ready to serve.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, approx.):

• Calories: 520

• Protein: 42g

• Fat: 28g

• Carbs: 25g

• Sugar: 4g

• Sodium: 900mg

Based on 1 chicken cutlet with sauce and cheese, without pasta.

Variations

• Spicy Chicken Parm: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce or breading.

• Chicken Parm Sandwich: Serve on toasted hoagie rolls with extra sauce and melted cheese.

• Air Fryer Version: Cook breaded chicken cutlets in an air fryer at 400°F for 10–12 minutes before topping and baking.

• Light Version: Bake the breaded cutlets instead of frying for a lower-fat option.

Conclusion

Chicken Parmesan is a go-to comfort food that combines crispy chicken with rich tomato sauce and gooey cheese. Whether you’re cooking for family, impressing guests, or simply craving something hearty and homemade, this classic dish is always a winner.