If you have ever found yourself craving a hearty, comforting Italian-American classic that combines crispy chicken, rich tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese, then you are in for a treat with this Classic Chicken Parmesan Recipe. This dish is a perfect blend of textures and flavors—juicy breaded chicken cutlets covered in marinara and an irresistible cheese topping, all baked to bubbly perfection. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe brings restaurant-quality Chicken Parmesan into your own kitchen with simple, thoughtfully chosen ingredients and easy-to-follow steps that anyone can master.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the perfect Chicken Parmesan starts with a handful of staple ingredients that are easy to find and pack a huge punch in flavor. Each element—from the aromatic garlic powder to the freshly grated Parmesan cheese—plays a vital role in making this dish truly shine in taste, texture, and color.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These will be sliced and pounded thin to create tender cutlets that cook evenly.
- ½ cup all-purpose flour: Provides a light coating that helps the egg and breadcrumbs stick perfectly.
- 2 large eggs: Acts as the adhesive layer, ensuring the breadcrumbs coat the chicken beautifully.
- 1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs: Brings a crunchy, herb-infused crust that gives classic flavor and texture.
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (divided): Adds sharp, savory depth, with half mixed into the breadcrumbs and the rest sprinkled on top.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper: Provides a subtle heat to balance the dish.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Gives a warm, inviting aroma without overpowering the other ingredients.
- ⅓ cup olive oil: For frying the chicken cutlets to golden perfection with a hint of Mediterranean richness.
- 1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade): The heart of the dish—a tangy, hearty tomato sauce that keeps each bite moist and flavorful.
- 1¼ cups freshly grated low-moisture mozzarella cheese: Melts wonderfully to create that classic gooey cheese layer.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil: Adds a fresh, herbal brightness to finish the dish beautifully.
How to Make Classic Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 450°F to ensure it’s hot enough for melting the cheese and finishing the chicken with a crisp edge. Spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray so your chicken won’t stick and clean-up is a breeze.
Step 2: Create Thin Chicken Cutlets
Slice each chicken breast in half horizontally to make four thin cutlets. Placing them between plastic wrap and pounding them to about ¼-inch thickness ensures they cook quickly and evenly, plus it makes each bite tender and juicy.
Step 3: Set Up Your Breading Station
Use three shallow bowls to prep: the first with flour, the second with whisked eggs, and the third combining breadcrumbs, half of the Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. This process not only makes breading easy but guarantees that each cutlet is perfectly coated with flavor and crunch.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
Dip each chicken cutlet first in the flour, shaking off excess, then into the eggs, and finally dredge thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture. Press the crumbs down well so they stick, creating a golden, flavorful crust when cooked.
Step 5: Pan-Fry Until Golden
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully place two cutlets into the hot oil and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes each side. This step is crucial for developing that iconic crispy texture under the melting cheese.
Step 6: Arrange and Repeat
Transfer the fried cutlets to your prepared baking dish. Repeat frying with the remaining chicken pieces, adding more oil as needed. Layering everything in the pan readies it for the final assembly and baking.
Step 7: Assemble and Bake
Ladle marinara sauce generously over each cutlet, then top with mozzarella and the remaining Parmesan. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the chicken is cooked through. A sprinkle of fresh basil just before serving adds color and a burst of fresh herb flavor that elevates the dish.
How to Serve Classic Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Garnishes
A handful of chopped fresh basil brings a lovely fragrance and a pop of vibrant green, making the dish look as delightful as it tastes. If you like, a thin drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a little extra dimension and charm.
Side Dishes
This Classic Chicken Parmesan Recipe pairs beautifully with simple sides that complement rather than compete. Think al dente spaghetti tossed in olive oil and garlic, a light green salad with lemons, or buttery garlic bread to soak up every last bit of sauce and melted cheese.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Chicken Parmesan over creamy polenta or buttery mashed potatoes. You can also layer individual servings in small ramekins topped with cheese and broiled for a gratin effect, turning this traditional meal into something a little unexpected and extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Parmesan keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The breaded chicken maintains its texture reasonably well, and the sauce keeps everything moist and flavorful, making for an easy next-day meal.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish either before or after baking. To freeze prior to baking, cover the assembled dish tightly with foil and plastic wrap; it can last up to 2 months. Freeze baked leftovers in freezer-safe containers for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat your leftovers in a 350°F oven until warmed through and the cheese is melty again, about 15-20 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the crust soggy, but if pressed for time, use low power and cover the dish to retain moisture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and add a bit more juiciness and flavor, though you may want to adjust cooking times slightly due to the difference in thickness and fat content.
Is it necessary to pound the chicken cutlets?
Pounding ensures the chicken cooks evenly and remains tender. Without this step, thicker pieces might dry out or cook unevenly, so it’s worth taking the extra time.
Can I use gluten-free breadcrumbs for this recipe?
Yes, gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers work perfectly to keep this Classic Chicken Parmesan Recipe safe for those with gluten intolerance without sacrificing texture.
What type of marinara sauce is best?
Both homemade and quality store-bought marinara sauces are great choices. Look for one with a fresh tomato taste and balanced seasoning to compliment the dish without overpowering the chicken and cheese.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
While the cheese is central to the classic flavor, you can substitute dairy-free cheeses that melt well for a lactose-free version. Keep in mind the flavor and texture will differ slightly.
Final Thoughts
This Classic Chicken Parmesan Recipe has a way of turning any dinner into a memorable occasion filled with comforting flavors and satisfying textures. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for guests, making it a staple worth keeping in your recipe collection. I can’t wait for you to try this at home and enjoy every cheesy, crispy, saucy bite as much as I do!
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Classic Chicken Parmesan Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Chicken Parmesan recipe features tender, breaded chicken cutlets pan-fried to golden perfection and baked with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. It’s finished with fresh basil for a classic Italian-American comfort meal perfect for any weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Breading
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
For Cooking and Topping
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1¼ cups freshly grated low-moisture mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray and set it aside to prepare for baking the chicken later.
- Prepare the chicken cutlets: Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create 4 thin cutlets. Cover them with plastic wrap and gently pound with a meat mallet until they reach an even thickness of about ¼-inch, ensuring even cooking.
- Set up the breading station: Arrange three shallow bowls: one with flour, the second with whisked eggs, and the third with a mixture of breadcrumbs, ½ cup Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Bread the chicken: Coat each cutlet in flour first, shaking off the excess. Dip into the beaten eggs, then press into the breadcrumb mixture so it adheres well. Place breaded cutlets on a plate and repeat for all pieces.
- Pan-fry the cutlets: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add two chicken cutlets at a time, cooking for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Transfer to baking dish: Arrange the browned cutlets in the prepared baking pan. Repeat frying remaining cutlets, adding more oil as needed.
- Add sauce and cheese, then bake: Spoon marinara sauce evenly over each cutlet. Sprinkle with mozzarella and the remaining Parmesan cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and the chicken is cooked through.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from oven, sprinkle with chopped fresh basil, and serve hot. Enjoy your homemade classic Chicken Parmesan!
Notes
- For juicier chicken, pound cutlets to an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking.
- You can use homemade marinara sauce for a fresher taste or a good quality store-bought version for convenience.
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying to get a crispy crust without absorbing too much oil.
- To reduce mess, fry chicken in batches and keep finished pieces warm in the oven while frying the rest.
- Fresh basil adds a bright flavor contrast—feel free to add more if desired.
