Classic Chicken Parmesan: A Taste of Italy at Home

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 cups bread crumbs
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
  2. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
  3. Place the flour, beaten eggs, and bread crumbs mixed with the Parmesan cheese in three separate shallow dishes.
  4. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess, then dip in the eggs, and finally coat in the breadcrumb mixture.
  5. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
  6. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in a baking dish. Place the cooked chicken breasts on top, then spoon some more sauce over each piece of chicken.
  7. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the chicken.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 20-25 minutes.
  9. Garnish with chopped fresh basil before serving.

Tools for making

  • Cutting board - Used for preparing and cutting the chicken breasts.
  • Knife - Essential for trimming the chicken breasts and cutting other ingredients if needed.
  • Meat mallet - Used for pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness.
  • Shallow dishes - Required for the flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumb mixture for coating the chicken.
  • Skillet - Used for frying the chicken breasts until golden brown.
  • Baking dish - Required for baking the chicken parmesan in the oven.
  • Spoon - Used for spreading the marinara sauce over the chicken breasts.
  • Oven - Required for baking the chicken parmesan to perfection.

Recipe variations

  • Use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs for a lighter and crispier crust.
  • Replace all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.
  • Try using boneless skinless turkey cutlets instead of chicken breasts.
  • Experiment with different cheeses like provolone or cheddar instead of mozzarella.
  • Add a layer of sautéed mushrooms and onions between the chicken and the sauce for added flavor.
  • Make it spicy by adding red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture or using a spicy marinara sauce.
  • For a healthier version, bake the breaded chicken instead of frying it.
  • Make it vegetarian by using breaded and fried eggplant slices instead of chicken breasts.
  • Add some fresh herbs like oregano or thyme to the breadcrumb mixture for extra aromatic flavors.
  • For a tangy twist, squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the cooked chicken before serving.

Recipe overview

Chicken Parmesan is a classic Italian dish that is both hearty and comforting. Tender chicken breasts are breaded and fried to a golden brown, then smothered in a rich marinara sauce and topped with a generous sprinkling of mozzarella cheese. Baking the dish in the oven allows the flavors to meld together and the cheese to melt into a gooey, delicious topping. Finished off with a sprinkle of fresh basil, this Chicken Parmesan is the perfect dish to serve for a family dinner or a special occasion. This recipe is straightforward and can be easily followed, even by novice cooks. Expect a meal that's satisfying, rich in flavor, and sure to impress.

Common questions

  1. How long does it take to cook the chicken? The chicken needs to be cooked for about 3-4 minutes per side on the stovetop and then baked in the oven for an additional 20-25 minutes.
  2. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts if you prefer. However, the cooking time may vary, so make sure to adjust accordingly.
  3. Can I use pre-made marinara sauce? Absolutely! You can use your favorite store-bought marinara sauce, or you can make your own homemade marinara sauce if you prefer.
  4. Can I freeze Chicken Parmesan? Yes, you can freeze Chicken Parmesan. Once it has cooled completely, you can store it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
  5. What can I serve with Chicken Parmesan? Chicken Parmesan pairs well with pasta, such as spaghetti or fettuccine, and a side of garlic bread. A fresh green salad or steamed vegetables can also be great accompaniments.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Baking dish - A baking dish is needed to place the chicken and sauce in the oven for baking.
  • Skillet - A skillet is used to cook the chicken breasts on the stovetop before baking.
  • Shallow dishes - Shallow dishes are used to hold the flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumb mixture for coating the chicken.
  • Spatula - A spatula is helpful for flipping the chicken breasts while cooking.
  • Cheese grater - A cheese grater is needed to grate the Parmesan cheese for the breadcrumb mixture.
  • Cutting board - A cutting board is useful for chopping fresh basil as a garnish.
  • Knife - A knife is needed to chop fresh basil and for general food preparation.
  • Measuring cups - Measuring cups are used to accurately measure the flour, marinara sauce, and vegetable oil.
  • Measuring spoons - Measuring spoons are used to measure precise amounts of salt and pepper.
  • Oven mitts - Oven mitts are necessary to safely handle the hot baking dish when removing it from the oven.

Origin stories

Chicken Parmesan is a hearty dish loved for its comforting and savory flavors. However, as much as it might surprise you, this dish does not originate from Parma, a city in Italy, as the name might suggest. In fact, Chicken Parmesan, or Chicken Parmigiana, is a classic example of Italian-American cuisine and is more popular in the United States than Italy itself. This delightful dish was likely inspired by Eggplant Parmigiana, a classic Southern Italian dish. Italian immigrants brought this recipe to America, where they adapted it to include chicken, which was more readily available and preferred by American palates. So, next time you enjoy a forkful of this cheesy, crispy, and saucy delight, remember its humble beginnings and the culinary adaptability of immigrants seeking to create a taste of home with what was available in their new homeland.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.