Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Few dishes capture the heart of Italian-American comfort food like Chicken Parmesan—a crispy fried chicken breast smothered in hearty tomato sauce and loads of gooey cheese. This classic recipe brings together everything we love about home-cooked favorites: golden crust, juicy chicken, tangy tomato, and a blanket of bubbling cheeses, all finished with the freshness of basil. Whether you’re serving it for a casual family dinner or dazzling guests, Chicken Parmesan is a surefire crowd-pleaser that always feels special, and making it from scratch is much simpler than you might think!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the true joys of Chicken Parmesan is how a few essential ingredients can come together to create pure restaurant-worthy magic. Each part of the ingredient list serves a unique role, from building up that signature crust to delivering rich flavor and color.

• Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless, these are the foundation of the dish; pound them evenly for tender, juicy results.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to highlight and deepen the natural flavor of the chicken.
• Eggs: Help the breadcrumbs adhere, making the crisp coating possible.
• Panko Bread Crumbs: Offer that classic, extra-crunchy texture you crave in Chicken Parmesan.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, salty depth to the crust and topping—don’t skimp here!
• All-Purpose Flour: Creates a dry surface so the egg and crumbs bond perfectly.
• Olive Oil: Needed for shallow frying; use a good quality one for both frying and drizzling at the end.
• Prepared Tomato Sauce: Brings bold, savory flavor and luscious moisture to every bite.
• Fresh Mozzarella: Melts into creamy puddles atop the crisp chicken—absolutely essential.
• Fresh Basil: A pop of herbal brightness that lifts the entire dish.
• Provolone Cheese: Melts smoothly and adds extra richness to your cheese layer.

How to Make Chicken Parmesan

Step 1: Prep and Pound

Start by preheating your oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C) and gathering all your ingredients. Place each chicken breast between two sheets of heavy plastic wrap or resealable freezer bags on a solid surface. With the smooth side of a meat mallet (or even a rolling pin in a pinch), firmly pound the chicken to about 1/2-inch thick. This helps every piece cook evenly and end up perfectly tender.

Step 2: Season and Flour

Generously season both sides of the pounded chicken breasts with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Next, lightly sprinkle each breast with all-purpose flour using a sifter or strainer to ensure a thin, even coating; this step provides the critical foundation for the breading to stick.

Step 3: Dip and Dredge

Crack the eggs into a shallow bowl and whisk until blended. In another bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with half of your grated Parmesan cheese. Dip each floured chicken breast first in the beaten eggs, then press both sides firmly into the breadcrumb mixture, making sure every inch is coated. Let the breaded chicken rest for 10 to 15 minutes—this helps the coating adhere when frying.

Step 4: Shallow Fry

Pour about 1/2 inch of olive oil into a large skillet and heat over medium-high until shimmering. Add the chicken pieces and cook for about 2 minutes per side, or until just golden; they’ll finish cooking in the oven. Don’t overcrowd the pan—work in batches if needed for even browning.

Step 5: Layer and Bake

Transfer the briefly fried chicken breasts to a baking dish. Top each one with two tablespoons of tomato sauce. Pile on the mozzarella cubes, sprinkle with fresh basil, and add the grated provolone cheese. Finish with a dusting of the remaining Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil for extra richness.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully browned and bubbling, and a thermometer in the chicken reads 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). Your kitchen will smell incredible, and the result will be classic Chicken Parmesan in all its golden, melty glory!

How to Serve Chicken Parmesan

Garnishes

Finish each plate of Chicken Parmesan with a shower of freshly chopped basil, a generous crack of black pepper, and maybe a little extra Parmesan for good measure. These finishing touches add color, aroma, and that unmistakable homemade vibe you just can’t get at a restaurant.

Side Dishes

Chicken Parmesan shines alongside pasta—think spaghetti tossed with a touch of olive oil, or linguine lightly coated in more tomato sauce. For a lighter pairing, try a crisp green salad with a zippy vinaigrette or garlicky sautéed broccoli. Garlic bread is always welcome for sopping up every last drop of sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

While classic plating is always a hit, you can also serve Chicken Parmesan family-style right from the baking dish for a cozy dinner party feel. Slice the chicken and arrange over a bed of pasta for a dramatic, shareable platter, or make it into a sandwich with crusty Italian rolls for a next-level lunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Chicken Parmesan (lucky you!), let it cool completely before covering and refrigerating in an airtight container. It will keep well for up to three days, and the flavors only deepen as they meld together.

Freezing

Chicken Parmesan freezes better than you might think! Cool the dish, wrap each piece individually or in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge to maintain the best texture.

Reheating

For crispier results, reheat Chicken Parmesan in a 350 degrees F oven until warmed through and the cheese is bubbling—about 15 minutes. Microwave works in a rush, though the crust may soften a bit, but the flavor will still satisfy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for Chicken Parmesan if you prefer darker, juicier meat. Just pound them to even thickness for proper cooking.

Is it necessary to fry the chicken, or can I bake it?

Frying gives you a classic crunchy crust, but you can bake breaded chicken on a rack in a hot oven for a lighter version. Spritz it with a little olive oil for golden color.

Can I make Chicken Parmesan gluten free?

Absolutely! Replace the flour and panko with your favorite gluten free alternatives, and make sure your prepared tomato sauce is gluten free as well.

What cheeses work best for Chicken Parmesan?

The classic combo is mozzarella, Parmesan, and provolone, but feel free to play! Try fontina, asiago, or even a bit of sharp cheddar for your own twist.

What’s the secret to keeping the crust crispy?

Letting breaded chicken rest before frying helps the coating set, and using hot oil ensures a quick, crispy sear. Draining the chicken on a wire rack after frying also prevents sogginess.

Final Thoughts

Chicken Parmesan is the kind of meal that just begs to be shared—whether you’re making it for a special gathering or battling a Wednesday night dinner slump. Give this homemade version a try; you’ll taste the love (and the cheese!) in every single bite. Let it become a staple in your kitchen, and enjoy how quickly it turns into a family favorite.

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