Chicken Parmesan Recipe

This Chicken Parmesan recipe is a classic Italian-American dish that’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser! Tender chicken cutlets are breaded and pan-fried, then topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic flavors: This recipe captures the essence of traditional Chicken Parmesan with its crispy breaded chicken, tangy marinara sauce, and gooey melted mozzarella cheese.
• Easy to make: This recipe is simple to follow and requires minimal prep work.
• Quick: It’s ready in just 22 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Versatile: Serve it with your favorite pasta, a side salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
  

this Recipe

Ingredients for Chicken Parmesan

This recipe uses fresh, high-quality ingredients to create a classic Chicken Parmesan that will impress your family and friends. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use fresh chicken breasts and filet them into cutlets, or use pre-cut chicken cutlets.
• Breadcrumbs: Use plain or Italian-style breadcrumbs.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor to the breading.
• Garlic Powder and Italian Seasoning: Enhance the flavor of the chicken and breading.
• Salt and Freshly Cracked Black Pepper: Season the chicken and breading to perfection.
• Egg: Helps the breading adhere to the chicken.
• All-Purpose Flour: Used to dredge the chicken before breading.
• Cooking Oil: For pan-frying the chicken.
• Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite marinara sauce, or make your own!
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Provides a gooey, cheesy topping.
• Chopped Fresh Parsley (optional): Adds a fresh, herbaceous garnish.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

How to Make Chicken Parmesan

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

If using whole chicken breasts, use a sharp knife to carefully filet them lengthwise into two cutlets. Lightly season both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.

Step 2: Prepare the Breading Station

In a wide shallow bowl or container, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg until smooth. In a third bowl, add the flour.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip in the egg mixture, making sure to fully coat the chicken. Finally, dip the chicken in the seasoned breadcrumbs, coating well on both sides.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Heat the cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the skillet and oil are very hot, add the chicken and cook on the first side until golden brown, about 5 minutes.

Step 5: Top with Sauce and Cheese

Flip the chicken and reduce the heat to medium. Top each cutlet with marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, the sauce is warmed through, and the chicken is cooked through.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Top the chicken with fresh chopped parsley, if desired. Serve immediately with your favorite pasta and additional marinara sauce.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Chicken: You can use pre-cut chicken cutlets for convenience.
• Breading: Make sure the chicken is evenly coated in the breading for a crispy crust.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.

How to Serve Chicken Parmesan

• Classic Italian-American meal: Serve the Chicken Parmesan with your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti or fettuccine, and a side salad.
• Low-carb option: Serve the chicken with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple green salad.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Chicken Parmesan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken gently in the microwave or in the oven until heated through.

FAQs

Can I bake the chicken instead of pan-frying it?
Yes, you can bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can bread the chicken cutlets ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Cook the chicken just before serving.

Can I freeze this recipe?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken parmesan. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can! Simply use eggplant slices instead of chicken cutlets. Bread and cook the eggplant as directed in the recipe.

There you have it! A simple and delicious recipe for Chicken Parmesan. I hope you enjoy it!

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