Chicken Parmesan, or Chicken Parmigiana, is a classic Italian-American dish that features breaded chicken cutlets smothered in a rich tomato sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and parmesan cheese, and often served over a bed of perfectly cooked pasta. This comforting and satisfying meal is a favorite in households and restaurants alike, celebrated for its delicious flavors and hearty portions.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This Chicken Parmesan recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The crispy, golden-brown chicken cutlets paired with the tangy, flavorful tomato sauce and the gooey, melted cheese create a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more. It’s a relatively straightforward recipe to follow, perfect for a weekend dinner or a special occasion. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable – you can adjust the sauce, cheese, and spices to suit your preferences, making it a recipe you can truly call your own. This recipe will become a staple in your recipe rotation, bringing joy and deliciousness to your table.
Ingredients:
- 16 ounces spaghetti, fettuccini, linguini or a pasta of your choice
- 1 – 1½ pound chicken breasts, cut lengthwise in half (butterfly)
Breaded Chicken Cutlets:
- Salt and pepper, enough to season both sides of each chicken breast
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided (½ for breading, ½ for cheese topping)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Frying:
- ¼-⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 24 ounces marinara sauce or your favorite pasta sauce
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, cut into 6-9 thin slices, grate remaining mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Preparation:
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Begin by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta, cover it, and set it aside to keep warm. Preheat your oven to 450º Fahrenheit (232º Celsius). Prepare the mozzarella cheese by cutting 6-9 thin slices and grating the remaining cheese. Set both aside. Grate 1 cup of Parmesan cheese, dividing it into ½ cup portions – one for the breading and one for sprinkling on the marinara sauce.
Step 2: Prepare the Breading Station
Set up your breading station by preparing two shallow dishes. In the first dish, crack and lightly beat the eggs with a fork until well combined. In the second dish, combine ½ cup of the grated Parmesan cheese with the panko breadcrumbs. Mix well to ensure the cheese is evenly distributed throughout the breadcrumbs.
Step 3: Prepare the Chicken
Butterfly the chicken breasts by slicing them lengthwise in half, creating thinner cutlets. Place the cutlets between two sheets of plastic wrap or plastic foil. Use a meat mallet (or a rolling pin) to pound the chicken until the slices are thin and tender. This ensures even cooking and a more delicate texture. Season each side of the pounded chicken cutlets generously with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Bread the Chicken
Dip each chicken cutlet into the egg wash, making sure to fully coat both sides. Allow any excess egg to drip off. Then, transfer the chicken cutlet into the dish with the Parmesan-panko breadcrumb mixture. Press the chicken firmly into the breadcrumbs, ensuring it is fully coated on both sides. The breadcrumb mixture should adhere well to the chicken.
Step 5: Fry the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. The oil should be hot enough to sizzle gently when a breadcrumb is dropped into it. Carefully transfer the breaded chicken cutlets into the hot frying pan, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook the chicken until golden brown and crispy on both sides, approximately 3-5 minutes per side. Monitor the heat to prevent burning and ensure the chicken is cooked through.
Step 6: Assemble the Chicken Parmesan
Use 2-3 tablespoons of marinara sauce (or your favorite pasta sauce) and spread it evenly across the bottom of a 9×13-inch casserole dish. This creates a flavorful base for the chicken. Transfer the fried chicken cutlets to the casserole dish and arrange them in a single layer. Coat each chicken cutlet generously with the remaining pasta sauce. Top each cutlet with the mozzarella slices, ensuring they cover the entire surface. Sprinkle the remaining grated Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the chicken and sauce.
Step 7: Bake the Chicken Parmesan
Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese has melted completely and is bubbly and golden brown. Keep a close eye on the dish to prevent the cheese from burning. Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, remove the dish from the oven.
Step 8: Serve
Serve the Chicken Parmesan immediately over a bed of your favorite cooked pasta. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor. Enjoy the dish while it’s hot and the cheese is gooey.
COOKING Rating:
- Difficulty: Medium
- Yields: 6 servings
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 30 minutes
Serving Suggestions:
Chicken Parmesan is traditionally served over pasta. Spaghetti, fettuccini, or linguini are all excellent choices. You can also serve it with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad. For a more complete meal, consider adding steamed vegetables or roasted asparagus.
Tips:
- Pounding the Chicken: Pounding the chicken to an even thickness is crucial for even cooking. It also tenderizes the chicken, making it more enjoyable to eat.
- Breadcrumb Adhesion: For the breadcrumbs to adhere properly, ensure the chicken is well-coated in the egg wash before dredging it in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Preventing Soggy Chicken: Frying the chicken until golden brown on both sides before baking helps to keep the breading crispy and prevents the chicken from becoming soggy in the sauce.
- Cheese Quality: Using high-quality mozzarella and Parmesan cheese will significantly enhance the flavor of the dish. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is always preferable.
- Sauce Options: Feel free to use your favorite store-bought or homemade marinara sauce. For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Prep Time:
- 20 minutes
Cook Time:
- 30 minutes
Total Time:
- 50 minutes
Nutritional Information (estimated per serving):
- Calories: 650-750
- Protein: 50-60g
- Sodium: 800-1000mg
Conclusion
Chicken Parmesan is a classic dish that’s easy to love. With its crispy chicken, rich tomato sauce, and gooey cheese, it’s the perfect comfort food for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a special celebration, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Enjoy the process of creating this delicious meal and savor every bite.
Questions and Answers About This Recipe:
Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A: Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs as a substitute for chicken breasts. Keep in mind that chicken thighs will have a slightly different flavor and texture compared to chicken breasts, and they may require a longer cooking time. Ensure the chicken thighs are cooked through before serving.
Q2: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the Chicken Parmesan ahead of time by assembling the dish and refrigerating it until you’re ready to bake. However, it’s best to add the cheese just before baking to prevent it from drying out. Allow the dish to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
Q3: What can I add to the sauce to give it more flavor?
A: There are several ways to enhance the flavor of the sauce. You can add a clove or two of minced garlic, a splash of red wine, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or a teaspoon of dried oregano or basil. Simmer the sauce with these additions for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Q4: How do I prevent the breading from falling off the chicken?
A: To prevent the breading from falling off, make sure the chicken is well-coated in the egg wash before dredging it in the breadcrumb mixture. Press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken to ensure they adhere properly. Also, avoid overcrowding the frying pan, as this can lower the oil temperature and cause the breading to become soggy.
Q5: Can I freeze Chicken Parmesan?
A: Yes, you can freeze Chicken Parmesan for longer storage. Allow the dish to cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. You can also freeze individual portions for easy reheating. When ready to eat, thaw the Chicken Parmesan in the refrigerator overnight and bake in a preheated oven until heated through and the cheese is melted.
