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Chicken Parmesan

Chicken Parmesan

This easy Chicken Parmesan recipe features crispy breaded chicken breasts topped with rich marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a comforting and cheesy Italian-American classic perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. With simple pantry ingredients and versatile serving options, this dish satisfies the whole family with its irresistible textures and flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup Italian-seasoned bread crumbs or panko bread crumbs
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Olive oil, for frying

Sauce and Cheese

  • 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce, warmed
  • 8 oz mozzarella cheese, sliced or shredded
  • Optional: fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Optional Seasonings and Variations

  • Red pepper flakes (for spicy twist)
  • Provolone or fontina cheese (as cheese variations)
  • Gluten-free panko (for gluten-free version)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Gently pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about half an inch. This ensures the chicken cooks quickly and evenly, staying juicy and tender.
  2. Set up the breading station: In one shallow bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth. In another bowl, combine bread crumbs, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.
  3. Bread the chicken: Dip each chicken breast into the egg wash, allowing excess to drip off, then press firmly into the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated.
  4. Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the breaded chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy, maintaining a juicy interior.
  5. Add sauce and cheese: Transfer the cooked chicken to a baking dish. Spoon a generous amount of warm marinara sauce over each piece, then top with slices or shredded mozzarella cheese.
  6. Bake until bubbly: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes, until cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.

Notes

  • Pound chicken to even thickness for uniform cooking and juiciness.
  • For extra crunch, double bread by dipping again in egg and crumbs before frying.
  • Avoid overcrowding the skillet; fry in batches to keep oil temperature consistent.
  • Use fresh mozzarella for best melting and creaminess.
  • Homemade marinara sauce enhances flavor but store-bought works well for convenience.
  • Leftovers store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze up to 2 months.
  • Reheat in oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes to retain crispiness; microwaving may make it soggy.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chicken Parmesan, Italian-American, breaded chicken, marinara, mozzarella, easy dinner, family meal, crispy chicken, cheesy chicken