The aroma of bubbling marinara sauce wafts through the air, mingling with the savory scent of melting cheese, as you prepare to indulge in an irresistible Chicken Parmesan. Picture this: succulent chicken breasts, coated in crispy breadcrumbs, smothered in rich tomato sauce, and topped with gooey mozzarella, creating a delicious symphony of flavors that makes your taste buds dance. savory chicken sausage orzo.
I remember the first time I made Chicken Parmesan for my friends during a cozy dinner party. There were gasps of delight and forks clattering against plates as they savored every bite. creamy mashed potatoes This dish always brings people together, making it perfect for family gatherings or simply a night in when you want to treat yourself to something special.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Chicken Parmesan is easy to prepare, even for busy weeknights
- The flavor is an explosion of savory goodness, with a crispy coating and gooey cheese topping
- Visually appealing and comforting, it’s perfect for impressing guests or family alike
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve with pasta or a fresh salad
I once made this dish for my grandma’s birthday, and her joyful reaction was priceless; she devoured every morsel like it was her last meal!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts but adjust according to your guest list.
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Fresh Garlic: Choose firm, fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor; nothing beats that aromatic punch.
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Breadcrumbs: I recommend using panko for extra crunch; trust me, you want that texture.
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Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is ideal; it adds depth and richness that pre-packaged just can’t compete with.
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Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade sauce; either works wonders here.
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Mozzarella Cheese: Opt for whole milk mozzarella; it melts beautifully and makes everything extra cheesy.
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Italian Seasoning: A pinch of this blend elevates the flavor profile and gives it that authentic Italian vibe.
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Olive Oil: Extra virgin is always best; it enhances flavors while keeping everything moist.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper.
Prepare your breading station by setting up three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs mixed with Italian seasoning, and one filled with breadcrumbs. crispy chicken taquitos This will give the chicken its delicious crispy coating.
Dip each chicken breast into flour first to coat lightly. Shake off any excess before moving on to the egg mixture. Ensure it’s covered completely in gooey goodness.
Next, roll the chicken in breadcrumbs until well-coated. For extra crunchiness, press down firmly so they adhere nicely.
In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and allow it to heat until shimmering. Carefully place each breaded chicken breast in the pan and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
Transfer the golden chicken breasts to your baking dish. Spoon marinara sauce generously over each piece before topping them with mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned on top—trust me; you’ll want to keep an eye on it because this part smells divine!
Once baked, remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving; this helps prevent melted cheese from escaping everywhere when you cut into it.
Serve your Chicken Parmesan hot over spaghetti or alongside garlic bread for an unforgettable meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds! For more inspiration, check out this sticky honey chicken recipe recipe.
You Must Know
- This Chicken Parmesan recipe is a delightful blend of crispy, cheesy goodness that will impress everyone at the table
- The rich aroma of marinara sauce wafting through your kitchen will draw in even the pickiest eaters
- It’s perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear the chicken first for a crispy crust, then prepare the pasta while the sauce simmers to maximize efficiency and flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out traditional breadcrumbs for panko or add fresh basil for an extra flavor boost.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days and reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use thin chicken breasts for quicker cooking and better texture
- Always season your breadcrumbs with herbs for enhanced flavor
- Pair with a side salad for a balanced meal that feels indulgent yet healthy
The first time I made Chicken Parmesan, my family thought they were dining at a fancy restaurant. The smiles on their faces after that first bite? Priceless!
FAQ
What is Chicken Parmesan?
Chicken Parmesan is a popular Italian-American dish featuring breaded chicken topped with marinara sauce and cheese.
Can I make Chicken Parmesan ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it beforehand and bake it just before serving to keep it fresh.
What side dishes pair well with Chicken Parmesan?
Serve Chicken Parmesan with pasta, garlic bread, or a simple side salad for a complete meal. spicy cajun chicken pasta.
Chicken Parmesan
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Chicken Parmesan is a classic Italian-American dish that combines crispy breaded chicken, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese for a truly comforting meal. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, bringing family and friends together over a delicious plate. Serve it over spaghetti or alongside garlic bread for an unforgettable dining experience.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded whole milk mozzarella cheese
- 2 tsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Set up three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs mixed with Italian seasoning, and one filled with panko breadcrumbs.
- Coat each chicken breast in flour, then dip into the egg mixture, and finally roll in breadcrumbs until well-covered.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat; sear the breaded chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Place the cooked chicken in the baking dish, spoon marinara sauce over each piece, and top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned. Let cool before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (200g)
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
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