I’ve been making classic chicken parmesan for years, and it’s a staple in our household. It’s a dish that never fails to impress, whether I’m serving it to my family on a weeknight or to guests on a special occasion.
The crispy exterior and juicy interior of the breaded chicken cutlets, paired with the tangy tomato sauce and melted mozzarella cheese, is a combination that never gets old. My kids love helping me make it, and they’re always excited to take a bite of that first crispy piece of chicken.
It’s a recipe that’s easy to make and always yields delicious results. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner solution or a show-stopping main course, classic chicken parmesan is a great choice.
The best part is that it’s relatively healthy, considering how indulgent it tastes – just be sure to use whole-wheat breadcrumbs and lean ground beef if you’re using it in place of chicken. I’ve even started making it for my husband’s birthday every year, because it’s just that good.
In fact, I’ve made it so many times that I can practically make it in my sleep. But don’t worry if you’re new to making this dish – with these simple steps and tips, you’ll be whipping up delicious chicken parmesan in no time.
So go ahead, give this recipe a try, and see why it’s become a family favorite.
Classic Chicken Parmesan
4.7 from 1134 votes
Classic Chicken Parmesan is a comforting Italian-American dish featuring breaded chicken topped with marinara, melted mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses. It is a hearty and flavorful meal that is sure to satisfy.
2Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
3Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls.
4In the first bowl, combine flour, salt, and black pepper.
5In the second bowl, beat the eggs.
6In the third bowl, mix breadcrumbs, 1 cup grated parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning.
7Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
8Then, dip it in the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
9Finally, coat the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
10Place the breaded chicken on the prepared baking sheet.
11Drizzle the chicken with olive oil.
12Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
13While the chicken is baking, heat a skillet over medium heat.
14Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, until fragrant.
15Add marinara sauce and dried oregano, and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
16Remove the chicken from the oven.
17Spoon the marinara sauce evenly over each chicken breast.
18Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese on top of the sauce.
19Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is lightly golden.
20Remove the chicken parmesan from the oven.
21Let it rest for 2-3 minutes.
22Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately, while hot.
Tips: You can substitute whole wheat flour for a healthier option. For a crispier crust, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
Watch Video Of How Classic Chicken Parmesan Works
One of my favorite things about classic chicken parmesan is how versatile it is – whether you’re serving it as an entree or cutting it into smaller pieces for appetizers or snacks, there are countless ways to enjoy this delicious dish.
And because it’s so easy to reheat leftover slices in the oven or microwave, I often find myself preparing extra portions just so we have leftovers for later in the week.
When reheating leftovers, be sure to cover them with foil so they stay moist and flavorful – and consider adding some additional toppings like marinara sauce or melted mozzarella cheese for an extra-special treat.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Parmesan
What type of breadcrumbs should I use for the breading mixture?
I like to use panko breadcrumbs because they provide the perfect crunch without becoming soggy when you cook them. You can also use regular breadcrumbs if you don’t have panko on hand.
Can I make this recipe without the tomato sauce?
While traditional chicken parmesan typically involves layering tomato sauce on top of the chicken before adding the mozzarella cheese, you can definitely make this recipe without it if you prefer. Simply omit the tomato sauce step and proceed with the rest of the recipe as usual.
How do I prevent the breading from falling off during cooking?
One trick is to lightly beat the eggs before dipping the chicken in them – this will help the breadcrumbs adhere better. Another trick is to chill the breaded chicken in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before frying – this will help set the breading in place.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can definitely prepare this recipe ahead of time by breading and chilling the chicken cutlets overnight or even up to 24 hours in advance. However, be sure to cook them fresh before serving – freezing cooked chicken parmesan can result in an unpleasant texture.
What if I don’t have mozzarella cheese on hand?
You can substitute other types of cheese such as parmesan or provolone if you don’t have mozzarella available.
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