Dive into the heart of Italian cuisine with Classic Chicken Parmesan, a dish that marries simplicity with sophistication. This beloved recipe features tender chicken breasts, encased in a golden breadcrumb crust, smothered in a rich tomato sauce, and blanketed with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Perfect for a family dinner, a romantic evening, or any occasion that calls for a comforting yet elegant meal, Chicken Parmesan stands as a testament to the timeless appeal of Italian cooking. Let’s embark on creating this classic dish that promises not only to satiate your hunger but also to transport your senses to the picturesque landscapes of Italy.
Why You’ll Love Classic Chicken Parmesan:
- Rich and Flavorful: The perfect blend of savory chicken, tangy tomato sauce, and gooey cheese.
- Versatile Serving: Pairs beautifully with pasta, risotto, or a crisp salad, making it a flexible choice for any meal.
- Impressively Simple: Despite its sophisticated profile, Chicken Parmesan is surprisingly straightforward to prepare.
- Family Favorite: Loved by adults and kids alike, ensuring a crowd-pleasing experience.
Ingredients Notes For Classic Chicken Parmesan:
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced or pounded to even thickness for uniform cooking.
- Breadcrumbs: A combination of Italian seasoned breadcrumbs for flavor and panko for extra crunch.
- Tomato Sauce: Use your favorite marinara sauce, whether homemade or a quality store-bought brand, for convenience and taste.
- Cheeses: A blend of shredded mozzarella for meltiness and freshly grated Parmesan for a salty, nutty finish.
- Eggs and Flour: For dredging the chicken, ensuring the breadcrumbs adhere for a crispy exterior.
Recipe Steps:
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Dredge in flour, dip in beaten eggs, and coat in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the chicken until golden on both sides and cooked through. Transfer to a baking dish.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Spoon marinara sauce over the fried chicken. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve hot with a side of pasta, risotto, or salad.
Storage Options:
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to preserve the crispiness.
- Freeze: Freeze the breaded, uncooked chicken for later use, or freeze the cooked Chicken Parmesan for a quick meal. Thaw and reheat as needed.
How to Make Classic Chicken Parmesan at Home
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (Italian seasoned or add 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning to plain breadcrumbs)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For Assembly and Baking:
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1–2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
For Serving:
- Cooked spaghetti, linguine, or pasta of choice
Instructions
Preparing the Chicken:
- Prep Chicken: If the chicken breasts are thick, slice them horizontally to create thinner cutlets. Alternatively, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness using a meat mallet. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Dredging Station: Set up three shallow dishes for dredging. Place flour in the first dish. Beat the eggs with water in the second dish. Mix breadcrumbs and 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese in the third dish.
- Bread Chicken: Coat each chicken breast in flour, tapping off excess. Dip in egg mixture, then press into breadcrumbs to coat both sides evenly.
Cooking the Chicken:
- Fry Chicken: Heat a generous amount of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
Assembling the Dish:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Sauce & Chicken: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in the bottom of a baking dish. Place the fried chicken in a single layer over the sauce.
- Add Toppings: Spoon additional marinara sauce over each chicken breast. Cover with shredded mozzarella and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Baking:
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 20 minutes.
Serving:
- Prepare Pasta: While the chicken bakes, cook the pasta according to package instructions.
- Serve: Place chicken parmesan over the cooked pasta, garnish with fresh basil, and serve hot.
