Hey there, my friend. This Chicken Parmesan is a game-changer. The crispy, golden chicken, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese make it the perfect comfort food.
And guess what? You can make it right in your kitchen with simple ingredients. Let me show you how.
Utensils You Need
These are the utensils and/or equipment you need to make this recipe.
- Large mixing bowl
- Shallow bowls for breading
- Skillet or frying pan
- Baking dish
- Tongs
- Knife and cutting board
- Cheese grater
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven
Important Info
- Servings – 4 pieces of chicken
- Estimated Cost – Making this recipe costs about $12-$15, depending on ingredient prices.
- Prep Time – 15 minutes
- Cook Time – 25 minutes
- Total Time – 40 minutes
- Calories Per Serving – Around 450 calories
- Cook Method – Frying and Baking
- Season – Perfect for any season
- Courses – Main Course
- Cuisine – Italian-American
- Diets – Not suitable for vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free diets
Ingredients You Need
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut in half to make 4 thin fillets
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (Italian-style recommended)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Cooking spray
Alternative Ingredients
If you do not have the ingredients I listed above, do not worry. You can swap them out for the alternatives below.
| Ingredient | Alternative |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | Almond flour (for low-carb) |
| Breadcrumbs | Crushed cornflakes or panko |
| Parmesan cheese | Grated pecorino romano |
| Marinara sauce | Homemade tomato sauce |
| Mozzarella cheese | Provolone or gouda |
| Olive oil | Vegetable oil |
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a baking dish with cooking spray.
- Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Coat each chicken fillet in flour, dip it into the eggs, then press it into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring it’s well coated.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry each chicken fillet for about 3 minutes per side, until golden brown.
- Place the fried chicken fillets in the prepared baking dish. Spoon marinara sauce over each piece, then sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Notes
- Use a meat mallet to pound the chicken evenly for better cooking.
- To keep it crispy, don’t add too much sauce before baking.
- If you prefer a lighter version, bake the chicken instead of frying.
- For extra crunch, mix panko with regular breadcrumbs.
- Use fresh mozzarella for a richer taste.
What to Serve with Chicken Parmesan
- Spaghetti or any pasta
- Garlic bread
- Steamed vegetables
- Caesar salad
- Mashed potatoes
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes, you can. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Then, add the sauce and cheese before baking for another 10 minutes.
Can I make Chicken Parmesan ahead of time?
Yes, you can bread the chicken and store it in the fridge for a few hours before cooking. You can also freeze the breaded, uncooked chicken and bake it when needed.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, but make sure to pound them evenly so they cook at the same rate. They might take a few extra minutes to cook through.
What’s the best way to reheat Chicken Parmesan?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to keep it crispy. Microwaving is faster but will soften the breading.
Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?
Yes, store-bought works fine. Just choose a high-quality one with simple ingredients for the best taste.
