Classic Chicken Parmesan

Introduction

Chicken Parmesan, also known as Chicken Parmigiana, is an iconic Italian-American comfort food. It features breaded chicken cutlets fried until golden, then topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. It’s baked to perfection and typically served over pasta or with crusty bread.

Why I Love This Recipe

It combines everything we crave in comfort food — crispy coating, tender chicken, zesty tomato sauce, and gooey cheese. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for a dinner party. It’s a dish everyone loves, and once you make it at home, you’ll never go back to frozen versions!

Recipe Summary

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: ~480 kcal per serving (without pasta)

Ingredients

For Chicken:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (halved horizontally to make 4 thin cutlets)
• Salt & black pepper
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs (beaten)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (Italian-style preferred)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• 2–3 tbsp olive oil (for frying)

For Assembly:

• 1½ cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (extra)
• Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

• Slice chicken breasts in half horizontally to make 4 thin cutlets.
• Pat dry, then season both sides with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Bread the Chicken

• Set up three shallow bowls:
  1. Flour
  2. Beaten eggs
  3. Breadcrumbs + Parmesan + garlic powder + oregano
• Dredge chicken in flour, dip in egg, then press into breadcrumb mixture.

Step 3: Pan-Fry the Chicken

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Fry each cutlet for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown.
• Drain on paper towels.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

• Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
• In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce.
• Place fried chicken cutlets on top. Spoon marinara over each.
• Sprinkle with mozzarella and a little Parmesan.
• Bake for 10–15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Serve

• Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
• Serve hot with spaghetti, garlic bread, or a green salad.

How to Serve

• With pasta: Classic spaghetti or linguine tossed in marinara.
• With bread: Toasted garlic bread or ciabatta.
• As a sandwich: Tuck into a crusty sub roll with extra sauce and cheese.
• With salad: A fresh green salad or Caesar pairs beautifully.

Tips & Variations

Tips:

• Pound chicken evenly for quicker, even cooking.
• Use panko for extra-crispy coating.
• Always preheat your oil for crispier breading.

Variations:

• Spicy Parm: Add crushed red pepper to the breadcrumbs or sauce.
• Lighter Version: Bake chicken instead of frying.
• Eggplant Parmesan: Replace chicken with thin eggplant slices.

Freezing & Storage

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
• Reheat: In the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10–15 mins or until hot.
• Freezing: Freeze assembled (uncooked) Chicken Parmesan in a baking dish. Wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw and bake when ready.

Special Equipment Needed

• Meat mallet (or rolling pin)
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Baking dish
• Tongs or slotted spatula
• Shallow bowls for breading station

Conclusion

Classic Chicken Parmesan is one of those dishes that brings people together. It’s crispy, saucy, cheesy, and so satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just indulging yourself, this is a recipe worth mastering — a true comfort food legend you’ll return to again and again.