classic chicken parmigiana recipe

The Best classic chicken parmigiana recipe

I’ve been making classic chicken parmigiana for my family for years, and it’s always a hit. The dish originated in Italy, where it’s known as ‘parmigiana di melanzane,’ but the American version has become a staple in many Italian-American households. The key to a great chicken parmigiana is the breading process – you want to make sure the chicken is coated evenly and that the breadcrumbs stick to the meat.

I like to use fresh breadcrumbs, not the dried-up kind from the store, and I also add a bit of grated Parmesan cheese to give it an extra layer of flavor. My kids love helping me prepare this dish because they get to dip the chicken in the egg wash and then roll it in the breadcrumbs – it’s a fun process that makes them feel like they’re part of the cooking process. When we’re all done, we sit down together and enjoy our delicious chicken parmigiana with a side of pasta or garlic bread.

It’s a meal that never fails to bring us together as a family. The health benefits of this dish are also something I appreciate – with lean protein from the chicken and whole grains from the breadcrumbs, it’s a relatively healthy option for our family dinners. Of course, we do add some cheese on top, but that’s just part of the fun of making this dish!

My husband loves when I serve this with a side salad or some steamed vegetables to round out the meal. And let’s be real – who doesn’t love a good sauce? I make mine with crushed tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, and herbs from my garden – it’s simple yet flavorful and pairs perfectly with the breading on the chicken.

I could go on and on about this recipe, but at its core, it’s just a delicious meal that brings people together.

Classic Chicken Parmigiana

4.7 from 578 votes

A comforting Italian-American classic Chicken Parmigiana recipe with crispy breaded chicken, rich tomato sauce, and melted cheese. Serve with a side of pasta or salad for a complete meal.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time50 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 550 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 eggs
2 cups breadcrumbs
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp Italian seasoning

For the Sauce

2 cups marinara sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced

For Frying

2 cups vegetable oil

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 450°F.
2Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
Set aside.
3Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes.
4In the first dish, place flour.
5In the second, beat eggs.
6In the third, mix breadcrumbs, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
7Dredge each chicken breast in flour, shaking off any excess.
8Dip in the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
9Coat in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
10Place the breaded chicken on a clean plate.
11In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F.
12Add the breaded chicken breasts and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
13Transfer the fried chicken to the prepared baking sheet.
14In a small bowl, mix together marinara sauce and minced garlic.
15Spread the sauce evenly over each chicken breast.
16Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
17Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the chicken is cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
18Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
19Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
20Serve hot with a side of pasta or salad.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Baking sheet
Oven
Large skillet
Tongs

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 550 kcal🧈Total Fat: 25g💛Saturated Fat: 8g❤️Cholesterol: 120mg🧂Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 35g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 7g🥩Protein: 40g

📝Notes

Tips: Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying the chicken to achieve a crispy crust. You can also use panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy texture.

Watch Video Of How Classic Chicken Parmigiana Works

I love serving chicken parmigiana at family gatherings because it’s easy to scale up or down depending on how many people are coming. And let’s be real – who doesn’t love leftovers?

You can store leftover chicken parmigiana in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or freeze it for up to two months. When reheating, simply thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat in the oven until hot through.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Parmigiana

Q: What is chicken parmigiana?

Chicken parmigiana is a popular Italian-American dish made by breading and frying chicken cutlets and serving them with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese.

Q: What type of breadcrumbs should I use?

I recommend using fresh breadcrumbs for this recipe – they’ll give your dish a better texture than dried-up breadcrumbs.

Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensuring that your breading station is free from cross-contamination.

Q: How do I prevent my breading from getting soggy?

To prevent your breading from getting soggy, make sure your chicken is dry before you bread it – pat it dry with paper towels if necessary.

Q: Can I use different types of cheese?

You can use other types of cheese such as ricotta or provolone if you prefer – just be aware that they may change the flavor profile of your dish.

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