The Best Chicken Parmesan Recipe: Crispy, Cheesy, and Irresistible
There’s something truly comforting about Chicken Parmesan—the perfect blend of crispy, golden-brown crust, rich tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese. I still remember the first time I made it for a family dinner; my kitchen smelled like an Italian trattoria, and everyone asked for seconds! Whether you're making it for a weeknight meal or a special occasion, this parmesan crusted chicken recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
2 large chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
¼ cup olive oil
For the Sauce:
2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1 teaspoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Topping:
1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
Slice each chicken breast in half horizontally to create thinner pieces.
Pound them gently with a meat mallet to an even thickness (about ½ inch).
Season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
2. Bread the Chicken
Set up a dredging station with three bowls:
Flour
Beaten eggs
A mixture of panko, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
Coat each chicken piece in flour, dip into the egg, then press into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring an even coating.
3. Pan-Fry the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Fry each chicken piece for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
4. Prepare the Sauce
In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Sauté garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add marinara sauce, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Let simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Assemble & Bake
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Place fried chicken in a baking dish and spoon marinara sauce over each piece.
Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Bake for 15 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and melted.
6. Serve & Enjoy!
Garnish with fresh basil and serve over pasta, rice, or with a side of garlic bread.
Pro Tips & Variations
For extra crispiness, double-coat the chicken by dipping it in egg and breadcrumbs twice.
Use mayonnaise instead of egg in the breading for extra juiciness (great for parmesan crusted chicken with mayo).
Make it healthier by air-frying instead of pan-frying.
Try a spicy version by adding cayenne pepper to the breadcrumbs.
Gluten-free option: Use almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to retain crispiness.
Freeze for up to 3 months (store in a single layer with parchment paper between pieces).
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 |
| Protein | 42g |
| Carbs | 35g |
| Fats | 20g |
Common Mistakes & Troubleshooting
Chicken too dry? Use a meat thermometer and cook until 165°F (74°C).
Breading falls off? Press the coating firmly onto the chicken and let it rest before frying.
Sauce too watery? Simmer longer to reduce excess moisture.
FAQs
Q: Can I make chicken parmesan ahead of time?
A: Yes! Bread and fry the chicken, then refrigerate. When ready, add sauce and cheese, then bake.
Q: What’s the best cheese for chicken parmesan?
A: Mozzarella for meltiness, Parmesan for flavor, and a little provolone for extra richness.
Q: Can I make this recipe in an air fryer?
A: Yes! Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Try This Recipe & Share Your Thoughts!
If you tried this easy chicken parmesan recipe, let me know in the comments below! Share your photos on social media and tag me. Happy cooking! 🍽️
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