Chicken Parmesan is a classic Italian-American dish featuring crispy breaded chicken breasts topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese. It’s a hearty, comforting meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Serve it with spaghetti or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 large chicken breasts, halved horizontally
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare a breading station with three shallow dishes: flour in the first, beaten eggs in the second, and a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper in the third.
- Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off excess. Dip into the eggs, then coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Transfer them to a baking dish.
- Spoon marinara sauce over each chicken breast and top with shredded mozzarella.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the chicken is cooked through.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving, if desired.
Time and Servings:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 4
Variations:
- Use provolone or fontina cheese instead of mozzarella for a twist on flavor.
- Add a layer of cooked spinach or sautéed mushrooms between the chicken and marinara.
- Make it gluten-free by using almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
FAQs:
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes! Bread the chicken and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Add sauce and cheese just before baking.
What sides go well with Chicken Parmesan?
Spaghetti, garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a Caesar salad pair wonderfully with this dish.
Can I freeze Chicken Parmesan?
Absolutely! Freeze the breaded, cooked chicken breasts separately from the sauce. Add sauce and cheese before reheating in the oven.
Chicken Parmesan
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking, Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Chicken Parmesan is a classic Italian-American dish featuring crispy breaded chicken breasts topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese. It’s a hearty, comforting meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Serve it with spaghetti or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts, halved horizontally
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare a breading station with three shallow dishes: flour in the first, beaten eggs in the second, and a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper in the third.
- Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off excess. Dip into the eggs, then coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Transfer them to a baking dish.
- Spoon marinara sauce over each chicken breast and top with shredded mozzarella.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the chicken is cooked through.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving, if desired.
Notes
- For a healthier option, bake the breaded chicken instead of frying. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour for a gluten-free version.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce and cheese
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 960mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 43g
- Cholesterol: 140mg