Chicken Parmesan is a classic dish that everyone loves. It combines juicy, tender chicken with rich marinara sauce and gooey melted cheese. This recipe is not only delicious but also easy to make. Perfect for family dinners or impressing friends, this Chicken Parmesan stands out as the best ever.
How to Make Chicken Parmesan
Creating this amazing Chicken Parmesan is straightforward if you follow these steps:
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-style)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Olive oil for frying
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls. Place the flour in the first bowl, beat the eggs in the second bowl, and mix together the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, dried basil, salt, and black pepper in the third bowl.
- Dip each chicken breast first in the flour, then into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it with the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure to cover the chicken well for a nice crunch.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, carefully place the breaded chicken breasts in the skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Remove the chicken breasts and place them in a baking dish. Pour marinara sauce over each piece, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the chicken is cooked through.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired and serve warm.
How to Serve Chicken Parmesan
Serve Chicken Parmesan with your favorite pasta, a side salad, or some crusty garlic bread. It’s a complete meal that will make everyone happy.
How to Store Chicken Parmesan
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. You can also freeze leftover Chicken Parmesan for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it well.
Tips to Make Chicken Parmesan
- For extra flavor, you can add Italian seasoning to your breadcrumb mixture.
- Ensure the chicken breasts are of even thickness for even cooking.
- If you want, use fresh mozzarella for a creamier texture.
Variation
You can make Chicken Parmesan with leftover rotisserie chicken. Just shred the chicken and mix it with the marinara sauce. Layer it with cheese and bake as directed for a quicker version.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work great and add more flavor. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
2. Can I make Chicken Parmesan ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bread the chicken and store it in the fridge before frying. Bake just before serving.
3. Is it okay to use store-bought marinara sauce?
Yes, using store-bought sauce is perfectly fine for an easy meal. Just pick one that you enjoy the taste of.
Chicken Parmesan
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 2 cups breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-style)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Olive oil for frying for cooking the chicken
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional) for serving
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: place flour in the first, beat eggs in the second, and mix breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, dried basil, salt, and black pepper in the third.
- Dip each chicken breast first in the flour, then into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it with the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring it is well covered.
Cooking
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, carefully place the breaded chicken breasts in the skillet.
- Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Remove the chicken breasts and place them in a baking dish.
- Pour marinara sauce over each piece and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the chicken is cooked through.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired and serve warm.
