I’ve always been a fan of traditional Italian-American cuisine, and chicken parmesan is one of my family’s favorite dishes. This recipe is a staple in our household, and I’m excited to share it with you. Chicken parmesan originated in Italy, where it’s known as ‘chicken cacciatora.’
However, the version we know and love today was popularized in the United States by Italian immigrants who adapted the recipe to suit American tastes. The result is a dish that’s crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and topped with a rich, creamy sauce. When I make chicken parmesan, I like to use fresh breadcrumbs for the breading mixture.
It gives the dish a nice texture and helps it brown nicely in the pan. My kids love helping me prepare this meal because they get to pound the chicken breasts thin and coat them with the breadcrumbs. It’s a fun process that makes them feel involved in the cooking process.
Once you’ve breaded the chicken, you can either bake it or fry it in a skillet. I prefer frying because it gives the dish a nice crunch on the outside, but baking is a healthier option if you’re watching your calories. Regardless of how you choose to cook it, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.
The key to making great chicken parmesan is using high-quality ingredients and not overcooking the chicken. A good rule of thumb is to cook it until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This ensures that the chicken is cooked through and safe to eat.
Another important aspect of this recipe is using fresh mozzarella cheese for the topping. It melts beautifully and adds a creamy texture to the dish. I like to serve chicken parmesan with a side of pasta or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Authentic Chicken Parmesan Recipe
4.6 from 509 votes
This authentic Chicken Parmesan recipe features breaded chicken cutlets topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. It is baked to perfection and served with pasta for a classic Italian meal.
5Combine breadcrumbs, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder in a third shallow dish.
6Dredge each chicken breast in flour, shaking off any excess.
7Dip in the beaten eggs, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
8Place the breaded chicken on the prepared baking sheet.
9Bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
10While the chicken is baking, heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
11Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
12Add marinara sauce, oregano, and basil.
13Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
14Remove the chicken from the oven and reduce the oven temperature to 400°F.
15Spoon the marinara sauce evenly over the chicken breasts.
16Top each with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
17Return the chicken to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
18While the chicken is finishing in the oven, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente.
19Drain and toss with 2 tbsp olive oil and 1 tsp salt.
20Remove the chicken from the oven.
21Let it rest for 2-3 minutes.
22Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
23Serve the Chicken Parmesan over the cooked spaghetti, with additional marinara sauce on the side if desired.
Tips: You can substitute whole wheat breadcrumbs for a healthier option. For a lighter version, use part-skim mozzarella cheese.
Watch Video Of How Authentic Chicken Parmesan Recipe Works
This authentic chicken parmesan recipe is perfect for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just need a quick weeknight meal.
The best part about this recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile – you can serve it with pasta, garlic bread, or even just on its own as a main course.
One tip for reheating leftovers is to cover them with foil and bake them at 350°F (175°C) until they’re heated through.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Parmesan
Q: What type of breadcrumbs should I use for this recipe?
Panko breadcrumbs are a great choice for this recipe because they’re light and airy, which helps them stick to the chicken evenly.
Q: Can I use store-bought marinara sauce instead of making my own?
While store-bought marinara sauce can be convenient, homemade sauce has so much more flavor and depth that it’s worth taking the extra time to make your own.
Q: How do I prevent the breading from falling off during cooking?
To prevent the breading from falling off during cooking, make sure you coat each piece of chicken evenly with breadcrumbs before placing it in the pan.
Q: Can I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken breasts work just as well as bone-in breasts for this recipe.
Q: What if I don’t have fresh mozzarella cheese? Can I substitute it with something else?
If you don’t have fresh mozzarella cheese, you can substitute it with shredded mozzarella or even grated Parmesan cheese.
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