Chicken Parmesan, often called Chicken Parm, is a classic Italian-American dish that combines breaded chicken breasts with marinara sauce and melted cheese. It’s beloved for its crispy exterior, juicy chicken, and rich, comforting flavors. Here’s a straightforward recipe to make a delicious Chicken Parm at home.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups breadcrumbs (Italian seasoned or plain with added Italian seasoning)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- Olive oil, for frying
For Assembly:
- 2 cups marinara sauce, homemade or store-bought
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Cooked spaghetti or your choice of pasta, for serving
Instructions:
- Prep the Chicken:
- Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Dredge the Chicken:
- Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, the second with beaten eggs, and the third with a mixture of breadcrumbs and half of the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Dredge each chicken breast in flour, shaking off the excess. Dip in the beaten eggs, then coat in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing the crumbs onto the chicken to adhere.
- Fry the Chicken:
- Heat a few tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
- Assemble the Dish:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in the bottom of a baking dish. Place the fried chicken breasts in the dish in a single layer.
- Top each chicken breast with more marinara sauce, a sprinkle of the remaining Parmesan cheese, and a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the chicken is cooked through.
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve the Chicken Parmesan hot, alongside cooked spaghetti or your favorite pasta, drizzled with additional marinara sauce if desired.
Tips:
- For Extra Crispiness: You can briefly broil the Chicken Parmesan during the last few minutes of baking to get a golden, bubbly cheese topping.
- Breadcrumb Alternative: For a lighter version, you can use panko breadcrumbs for a lighter, crispier coating.
- Serving Suggestion: While spaghetti is traditional, Chicken Parmesan can also be served with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Enjoy your homemade Chicken Parmesan, a satisfying and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a comforting dinner at home.