italian chicken parmigiana recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
italian chicken parmigiana recipe
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The Best italian chicken parmigiana recipe

I’ve always been a big fan of Italian cuisine, and one dish that never fails to impress is chicken parmigiana. This classic recipe originated in Italy, where it’s known as ‘parmigiana di pollo.’ It’s a simple yet flavorful dish that consists of breaded and fried chicken topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese.

The combination of crunchy breadcrumbs, tangy sauce, and gooey cheese is absolute perfection. My family and I love making this recipe for special occasions like holidays and birthdays, but it’s also a staple in our household for weeknight dinners. The best part?

It’s incredibly easy to make and can be adapted to suit any dietary needs. My kids adore helping me prepare the chicken cutlets, dredging them in breadcrumbs, and assembling the final dish. It’s a great way to spend quality time together in the kitchen while creating a delicious meal.

I’ve experimented with various ingredients over the years, but the traditional method remains my favorite. There’s something about the way the breading crisps up in the pan that just can’t be beat. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner cook, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your household.

So why not give it a try? You won’t regret it! The health benefits of this dish are also worth noting – lean protein from the chicken, whole grains from the breadcrumbs, and plenty of vitamins from the vegetables make it a nutritious choice for families.

I’ve even adapted it to suit my kids’ dietary needs by using gluten-free breadcrumbs and serving it with a side of steamed broccoli.

Italian Chicken Parmigiana

Italian Chicken Parmigiana

4.5 from 1324 votes

A classic Italian dish featuring breaded chicken cutlets topped with tomato sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. Served with a side of pasta or salad for a complete meal.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 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 dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
Vegetable oil for frying

For the Sauce

1 cup tomato sauce
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 clove garlic minced
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

For Assembly

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 450°F.
2Prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Set aside.
3In a shallow dish, combine flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, dried oregano, and dried basil.
4In another dish, beat the eggs.
5Place breadcrumbs in a third dish.
6Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
7Then, dip it in the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
8Finally, coat the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
9Heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
10Once hot, add the breaded chicken breasts and cook until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
11Transfer the chicken to the prepared baking sheet.
12In a medium bowl, mix tomato sauce, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper.
13Spread the sauce evenly over the chicken breasts.
14Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce-covered chicken.
15Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the chicken is cooked through, about 15-20 minutes.
16The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F.
17Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowls
Skillet
Baking sheet
Oven
Tongs

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

You can substitute whole wheat flour for a healthier option. Serve with a side of pasta or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

This recipe is perfect for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a holiday party or just need a quick weeknight dinner solution. My family loves helping me prepare this dish, and we always have fun assembling the final product together.

One of my favorite aspects of this recipe is how versatile it is – you can serve it with pasta, rice, or even as a sandwich! The leftovers reheat beautifully, making it an ideal choice for meal prep or packing lunches for school/work.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Italian Chicken Parmigiana

Q: What is the origin of chicken parmigiana?

Chicken parmigiana is an Italian-American dish that originated in Italy, where it’s known as ‘parmigiana di pollo.’ The name ‘parmigiana’ refers to the region of Parma in Italy.

Q: What is the difference between chicken parmesan and chicken parmigiana?

While both dishes are similar, there are some key differences. Chicken parmesan typically uses a breading mixture that includes cheese, whereas chicken parmigiana uses plain breadcrumbs. Additionally, chicken parmesan often involves adding cheese to the breading mixture itself.

Q: Can I use different types of meat instead of chicken?

Sure! You can experiment with other proteins like pork, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.

Q: How do I store leftover chicken parmigiana?

Store leftover chicken parmigiana in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot and crispy.

Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

You can easily adapt this recipe to be gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs and checking that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

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