What is the Recipe About?
Chicken Parmesan is a beloved Italian-American dish that features breaded and fried chicken cutlets topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese.
This hearty and flavorful meal combines the crispy texture of the chicken with the rich, savory flavors of the sauce and cheese, making it a comforting and satisfying dish perfect for any occasion.
How to Serve?
Serve Chicken Parmesan hot, straight from the oven, on a large platter or individual plates.
Spoon extra marinara sauce over the top and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped basil for a burst of color and flavor.
Pair it with a side of spaghetti or your favorite pasta, garlic bread, and a crisp green salad for a complete and balanced meal.
How to Pair?
Chicken Parmesan pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes and beverages.
Serve it alongside a fresh Caesar salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. For beverages, a full-bodied red wine like Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon complements the rich flavors of the dish.
For non-alcoholic options, try serving with sparkling water with a slice of lemon or a robust iced tea. The savory, cheesy, and tomato-rich flavors of Chicken Parmesan make it a versatile and satisfying dish for any dinner table.
Some Notes About the Recipe
- Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Pound them to an even thickness to ensure they cook evenly and quickly.
- Breading: Set up a breading station with separate bowls for flour, beaten eggs, and a mixture of panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. Coat each chicken breast in flour, then egg, and finally the breadcrumb mixture.
- Frying: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the breaded chicken breasts until golden brown and crispy on both sides. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Sauce: Use a high-quality marinara sauce or make your own by simmering crushed tomatoes with garlic, onions, and Italian herbs until thickened.
- Cheese: Top the fried chicken cutlets with marinara sauce, then add slices of mozzarella cheese and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Extras: For added flavor, mix some Italian seasoning or fresh herbs into the breadcrumb mixture. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick.
Chicken Parmesan
Equipment
- 1 Baking sheet
- 1 Frying pan
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - pounded to an even thickness
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400℉ (200℃).
- In a shallow dish, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Dip each chicken breast in the breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides.
- In a frying pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Transfer the chicken to a baking sheet and top each piece with marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Chicken Parmesan!