Amazing Chicken Parmesan Recipe

The Juiciest Chicken Parmesan Recipe For Italian Food Lovers

Crafting the perfect chicken parmesan sparks joy in every home cook’s kitchen.

Layers of crispy breading and melted cheese create an irresistible combination that feels like a warm culinary hug.

Generations of Italian cooks have perfected this classic dish with love and passion.

Tender chicken breasts get a golden crunch that makes mouths water instantly.

Marinara sauce adds a vibrant splash of richness to each delectable bite.

Simplicity meets flavor in this crowd-pleasing meal that comes together faster than you might expect.

Discover why this recipe will become your new go-to dinner that everyone will request again and again.

Flavor Options For Amazing Chicken Parmesan

  • Gluten-Free Chicken Parmesan: Replace breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free cornflakes or almond flour for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Spicy Mediterranean Variation: Add red pepper flakes to breadcrumb mixture and top with crumbled feta cheese instead of mozzarella for a zesty kick.
  • Lighter Baked Option: Skip initial skillet searing, coat chicken with cooking spray, and bake directly on a wire rack to reduce oil content.
  • Vegetarian Eggplant Alternative: Substitute chicken with thick eggplant slices, following same breading and baking technique for a plant-based rendition.

Great Sides For Amazing Chicken Parmesan

  • Crisp White Wine Complement: Select a bright, acidic Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the richness of the cheesy chicken and balance the marinara's tanginess.
  • Fresh Herbal Salad Partner: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and shaved parmesan to provide a zesty, refreshing counterpoint to the hearty main dish.
  • Rustic Garlic Bread Sidekick: Serve warm, crusty Italian bread brushed with olive oil and roasted garlic to soak up extra marinara sauce and add textural contrast.

How To Store Amazing Chicken Parmesan Properly

  • Store leftover chicken parmesan in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and food safety.
  • Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers. Chicken parmesan can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing significant quality.
  • Place a single serving on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stopping halfway to ensure even warming.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F, place chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

FAQs About Amazing Chicken Parmesan

  • Why do I need to sear the chicken before baking?

Searing creates a beautiful golden crust that locks in moisture and adds extra flavor, ensuring the chicken remains juicy and develops a crispy exterior before final baking.

  • Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! While mozzarella is traditional, you can experiment with provolone, fontina, or a blend of Italian cheeses to customize the dish’s flavor profile.

  • How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F at the thickest part of the chicken breast, ensuring it’s safe to eat and perfectly cooked.

What Makes Amazing Chicken Parmesan Live Up To Its Name

  • Craft a Crispy Coating: Achieve restaurant-quality crunch with a simple breadcrumb and parmesan mixture that transforms ordinary chicken into a delectable masterpiece.
  • Speed Through Preparation: Master this crowd-pleasing dish with minimal steps, perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous dinner gatherings.
  • Family-Friendly Flavor Explosion: Combine classic comfort food elements like marinara and melted mozzarella that appeal to both kids and adults, making mealtime a delightful experience.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add personal touches like different herbs or cheese varieties to match your taste preferences and kitchen inventory.

Ingredients You’ll Need For Amazing Chicken Parmesan

For the Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: Large, boneless cuts that serve as the main protein and foundation of the dish.
For the Coating Components:
  • Eggs: A binding agent that helps the breadcrumb mixture adhere to the chicken surface.
  • Breadcrumbs: Provides a crispy and textured exterior for the chicken.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds a rich, salty flavor and enhances the breading's golden-brown color.
For the Sauce and Cheese:
  • Marinara Sauce: A classic Italian tomato-based sauce that adds moisture and tangy flavor to the chicken.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully, creating a creamy and stretchy topping for the chicken.
For the Seasoning and Herbs:
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the chicken's natural flavors.
  • Olive Oil: Used for searing the chicken and creating a golden, crisp exterior.
  • Fresh Basil, Fresh Parsley: Aromatic herbs that provide a bright, fresh finish to the dish.

How To Make Amazing Chicken Parmesan At Home

Step 1: Crank Up The Oven

Set your oven to a blazing 425°F, preparing for chicken magic that’ll make taste buds dance.

Step 2: Egg Wash Wonder

Grab a shallow bowl and whisk those eggs until they’re smooth and ready to help create an epic chicken coating.

Step 3: Breading Bonanza

In another bowl, mix together:
  • Breadcrumbs
  • Parmesan cheese

Creating a flavor-packed crunch station for your chicken.

Step 4: Season Like A Pro

Sprinkle salt and black pepper generously over chicken breasts, ensuring every inch gets some love.

Step 5: Dunk And Coat

Dive each chicken breast into the whisked eggs, letting excess drip off, then roll completely in the breadcrumb-parmesan mixture for maximum crispiness.

Step 6: Sizzle And Gold

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear each breaded chicken breast for 3-4 minutes per side until it develops a gorgeous golden exterior.

Step 7: Sauce It Up

Transfer partially cooked chicken to a baking dish and lavish marinara sauce over each piece, covering every nook and cranny.

Step 8: Cheese Explosion

Sprinkle mozzarella cheese across the sauced chicken, ensuring total cheese coverage.

Step 9: Bake To Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. You’re looking for fully cooked chicken and cheese that’s melted into bubbly deliciousness.

Step 10: Rest And Garnish

Pull the dish out and let chicken rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle freshly chopped basil and parsley on top for a burst of herbal freshness.

Step 11: Serve And Celebrate

Plate up your chicken parmesan and get ready for a flavor explosion that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

Pro Cooking Tips For Amazing Chicken Parmesan

  • Sear for Perfect Crust: Pat chicken dry before breading to ensure maximum crispiness and better adhesion of the breadcrumb mixture.
  • Cheese Selection Matters: Use freshly grated parmesan for richer flavor compared to pre-packaged grated cheese.
  • Prevent Dry Chicken: Don't overcook the chicken; use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature reaches 165°F for juicy results.
  • Sauce Distribution Technique: Spread marinara evenly to guarantee each bite has consistent moisture and flavor.
  • Herb Freshness Boost: Chop basil and parsley just before garnishing to maintain vibrant color and maximize aromatic release.
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Amazing Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Amazing Chicken Parmesan Recipe


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4.7 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 40-45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent chicken parmesan brings Italian culinary magic to dinner tables with crispy breaded chicken nestled under melted cheese. Robust marinara sauce and perfectly seasoned breading make this classic dish a crowd-pleasing comfort meal you’ll savor with pure delight.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 chicken breasts
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
  • 2 eggs

Sauce and Coating:

  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Cheese and Garnish:

  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tbsp fresh basil leaves
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F, creating an ideal environment for achieving a crispy, golden-brown chicken exterior.
  2. Whisk eggs in a shallow bowl, preparing a smooth coating base for the chicken breasts.
  3. Combine breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese in another bowl, creating a flavorful and textured breading mixture.
  4. Thoroughly season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper, ensuring even flavor distribution.
  5. Dip each chicken breast into the whisked eggs, allowing excess to drip off, then generously coat with the breadcrumb-parmesan mixture.
  6. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, preparing to create a preliminary crisp on the breaded chicken.
  7. Sear each breaded chicken breast for 3-4 minutes per side until a beautiful golden crust develops.
  8. Transfer the partially cooked chicken to a baking dish and generously spread marinara sauce over each piece.
  9. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly across the sauced chicken, ensuring complete coverage.
  10. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  11. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
  12. Garnish with freshly chopped basil and parsley before serving, adding a burst of fresh herbaceous flavor.

Notes

  • Swap breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond meal or crushed pork rinds for a low-carb, celiac-friendly version.
  • Pat chicken breasts completely dry before seasoning to ensure maximum breading adherence and achieve an extra crispy exterior.
  • Use thin-sliced chicken breasts to reduce cooking time and guarantee even, consistent cooking throughout the meat.
  • Select marinara with low sodium content to control overall salt levels and create a balanced flavor profile for health-conscious individuals.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 150 mg
Olivia Brooks

Olivia Brooks

Contributing Writer

Expertise

  • Healthy recipe development
  • Plant-based cooking
  • Nutritional analysis
  • Food writing and content creation

Education

Culinary Institute of America
Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate Program
Focus: Culinary fundamentals, nutrition, and healthy cooking technique


Olivia believes good food should feed both the body and the soul. She earned her Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate from the Culinary Institute of America, where she focused on nutrition and practical cooking techniques that make healthy eating easy.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Olivia shares single-serving recipes that are fresh, plant-forward, and full of heart. She loves helping people eat better, without stress, strict rules, or sacrificing flavor.
Beyond the kitchen, Olivia spends her time tending her backyard garden, practicing yoga, and discovering hidden gems in Portland’s food scene.

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