Chicken Parmesan Recipe: Chicken Parmesan is one of those classic comfort dishes that never gets old. It’s crispy, cheesy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying.
Whether you’re cooking it for a family dinner, a romantic date night, or just indulging yourself, Chicken Parmesan is always a great choice.
In this step-by-step guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make a perfect Chicken Parmesan, right in your own kitchen. Let’s get cooking!
What is Chicken Parmesan?
Chicken Parmesan, or “chicken parmigiana,” is a dish that originated in Italy but has become an iconic meal in America. It features breaded, fried chicken cutlets, topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese, usually mozzarella and Parmesan. It’s typically served with a side of pasta or salad, making it a hearty, well-rounded meal. The combination of crispy chicken with tangy sauce and gooey cheese makes it a hit across the globe!
Ingredients for Chicken Parmesan
Before diving into the steps, let’s gather everything we need. Here’s a list of the key ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably seasoned)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Olive oil (for frying)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)
Optional: For a spicier twist, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to your marinara sauce.
Equipment Needed
You don’t need fancy equipment to make Chicken Parmesan, but having the right tools will make the process smoother:
- Large skillet for frying
- Three shallow bowls or plates for breading
- Baking dish for assembling and baking
- Meat mallet (for pounding the chicken)
- Tongs for flipping chicken
- Oven-safe dish or foil
How to Make Chicken Parmesan That’s Never Soggy
Chicken Parmesan is no doubt the most popular non-pasta dish in Italian-American style restaurants. And while this delicious meal may seem fancy, it’s actually pretty easy to make at home.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start with boneless, skinless chicken breasts. For an evenly cooked Chicken Parmesan, it’s essential to have chicken pieces that are an even thickness. If your chicken breasts are thick in the middle, butterfly them by cutting them in half horizontally. Alternatively, you can place the chicken between two pieces of plastic wrap and use a meat mallet to pound them to about 1/2-inch thickness.
Step 2: Seasoning the Chicken
Season both sides of your chicken with a pinch of salt and pepper. Don’t be afraid to go a little heavier on the seasoning here—this is what will ensure the chicken is flavorful, even beneath the breading and sauce.
Step 3: Breading the Chicken
Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls or plates:
- One for the flour
- One for the beaten eggs
- One for the breadcrumbs mixed with grated Parmesan cheese
Coat each chicken breast first in flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it in the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Finally, press it into the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture, making sure both sides are evenly covered.
Step 4: Frying the Chicken
Heat about 1/4 inch of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You want the oil hot enough to sizzle when the chicken hits the pan, but not so hot that it burns. Fry each chicken breast for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Once fried, transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Step 5: Preparing the Sauce
You can use store-bought marinara sauce for convenience, but if you want to make it extra special, homemade sauce is the way to go. For a simple marinara:
- Sauté minced garlic in olive oil.
- Add canned crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity.
- Let it simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. To elevate the flavor, add fresh basil or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Step 6: Layering and Assembling
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Place your fried chicken breasts on top of the sauce. Spoon more marinara over each piece of chicken, then sprinkle generously with shredded mozzarella cheese and a bit of grated Parmesan.
Step 7: Baking to Perfection
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you want a nice golden crust on the cheese, switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes, but watch closely so it doesn’t burn.
Step 8: Finishing Touches
Once baked to perfection, remove the Chicken Parmesan from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes. For a fresh, vibrant touch, garnish with chopped basil or parsley before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken Parmesan is traditionally served with pasta, often spaghetti, to soak up all that delicious sauce. You can also serve it with a crisp Caesar salad or roasted vegetables for a lighter meal. For an Italian restaurant feel, offer some garlic bread on the side!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the pan while frying: Frying too many pieces at once lowers the oil temperature, resulting in soggy chicken. Fry in batches if needed.
- Using low-quality cheese: Good mozzarella and Parmesan make a world of difference. Go for fresh, high-quality ingredients.
- Skipping the resting step after frying: Allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes after frying ensures it stays crispy.
FAQs about Chicken Parmesan Recipe
1. What kind of chicken is best for Chicken Parmesan?
For Chicken Parmesan, it’s ideal to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. These provide a lean, tender base for the recipe and cook evenly. Make sure to pound them to an even thickness for the best results!
2. Can I make Chicken Parmesan without breadcrumbs?
Yes, you can make Chicken Parmesan without breadcrumbs. For a gluten-free or low-carb alternative, you can use crushed pork rinds, almond flour, or grated Parmesan cheese mixed with Italian seasoning as a coating.
3. How do I prevent the breading from falling off while cooking?
To keep the breading intact, first, dredge the chicken in flour, then dip it in beaten eggs, and finally coat it with breadcrumbs. Let the breaded chicken sit for about 5-10 minutes before frying. This step helps the coating adhere better.
4. What are the best cheeses for Chicken Parmesan?
The best cheeses for Chicken Parmesan are mozzarella and Parmesan. Mozzarella melts beautifully, adding a creamy texture, while Parmesan offers a sharp flavor kick that complements the tomato sauce.
5. Can Chicken Parmesan be made in advance?
Yes, you can prepare Chicken Parmesan in advance. Bread the chicken and keep it refrigerated until ready to cook. You can also fully cook it and reheat in the oven, covered with foil, at 350°F until hot and bubbly.
6. What sides go well with Chicken Parmesan?
Classic side dishes include spaghetti, garlic bread, or a crisp green salad. For a healthier twist, try serving it with steamed vegetables or a quinoa salad.
Conclusion
Making Chicken Parmesan at home is easier than you might think, and the results are absolutely worth it. By following these steps, you’ll have a crispy, cheesy, saucy dish that’s guaranteed to impress. Whether it’s your first time making it or you’re a seasoned pro, there’s always room to tweak the recipe to your liking. Enjoy the process and, most importantly, enjoy the meal!
