Chicken Parmesan, or Chicken Parmigiana as it's also known, is one of those Italian-American classics that I absolutely love. It starts with the idea of Eggplant Parmesan but uses breaded chicken breast instead.
What You’ll Find On This Page
Each piece of chicken is generously topped with savory tomato based sauce like marinara or pasta sauce and melted mozzarella cheese before being baked to perfection in a high-temperature oven. Known worldwide for its crispy, cheesy deliciousness, Chicken Parmesan really shows off how flexible Parmesan cheese can be in the kitchen.
Whether as a filling main dish or a hearty side, Chicken Parmesan is a winner. It’s great on its own or over pasta, and in some cozy American diners, it even gets tucked into sandwiches for a truly satisfying meal.
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Ingredients and Substitutions Overview
To make a delicious Chicken Parmesan, you’ll need some basic ingredients that you can easily find at your local supermarket. Here’s what to gather:
Ingredient for Tomato Sauce
- Tomato Puree: While store-bought is convenient, consider homemade crushed tomatoes for a fresher, more vibrant flavor. If you're short on time, a high-quality canned puree can also work well.
- Garlic and Onion: Use freshly minced garlic and finely chopped onion to infuse your sauce with a deep, aromatic flavor.
- Italian Seasonings: A blend of basil, parsley, oregano, and garlic powder enriches the sauce with authentic Italian flavors. Feel free to adjust the quantities to suit your taste, or use fresh herbs if they’re available.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Opt for full-fat mozzarella for the best melting properties and a rich, creamy texture.
- Olive Oil: Choose a good quality extra virgin olive oil for sautéing; it adds a subtle fruitiness to the sauce.
For Breading the Chicken:
- Chicken Breast: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved for even cooking. For a richer flavor and more tender texture, you can also use skinless chicken thighs as an alternative.
- Eggs: Essential for their rich flavor and excellent binding properties, eggs help adhere the flour and breadcrumbs to the chicken.
- Flour Mix: Combine all-purpose flour with cornstarch to create a base that promotes crispy breading. The cornstarch lightens the mixture, ensuring a crunchier finish.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs are crucial for achieving a light, airy, and crispy exterior on the chicken.
- Parmesan Cheese: This hard, granular cheese is great for its rich, nutty flavor and adds a savory depth when mixed into the breadcrumbs.
- Chili Flakes & Pepper Powder: Add these spices for a kick. Chili flakes provide a smoky heat, while pepper powder offers a sharp, pungent flavor that complements the chicken perfectly.
How to Make Chicken Parmesan at Home?
Let's make Chicken Parmesan together! Follow my step-by-step guide, complete with photos and a video, to learn how to prepare a rich tomato sauce, bread and fry the chicken, and assemble and bake it into the perfect classic Chicken Parmesan. Ready to get started? Let’s cook!
Explore More Parmesan Based Recipes:
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- Eggplant Parmesan
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- Garlic Parmesan Pasta
- Garlic Parmesan Orzo
Chicken Parmesan (Chicken Parmigiana)
Ingredients
For Tomato Sauce
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 2 tbsp Garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp Onion, chopped
- 14 oz Tomato puree
- 1 tsp Oregano
- 1 tsp Basil Leaves
- 1 tsp Parsley
- 1 tsp Chili Flakes
- Salt, to taste
For Breading
- 2 Chicken Breast, pounded and halved
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Pepper Powder
- Salt, as needed
- 2 Eggs
- 4 tbsp All-Purpose Flour
- 2 tbsp Cornstarch
- 1 tsp Oregano
- 1 tsp Basil Leaves
- 1 tsp Parsley
- ½ cup Panko Bread Crumb
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese
- ¼ cup Olive Oil
For Topping
- Mozzarella Cheese
- Parmesan Cheese
- Parsley Leaves
- Italian Seasoning, to sprinkle
Instructions
Making Tomato Sauce
- Start by warming olive oil over medium heat in a saucepan. Add the garlic and stir until you can smell its delightful aroma—this is a sign that the garlic is releasing its flavor.
- Add chopped onions to the pan. Sauté them until they become soft and translucent, ensuring they blend well with the garlic.
- Pour in the tomato purée followed by dried oregano, basil, parsley, and chili flakes for a little heat. Season with salt and stir everything well to combine the flavors.
- Reduce the heat to keep a gentle simmer and cover the pan. Let the sauce cook slowly, allowing the flavors to blend together wonderfully.
- After 5 to 7 minutes, remove the lid. The sauce should have thickened slightly and be aromatic. It's now ready to be used in the next steps of the recipe.
Breading the Chicken
- Arrange the chicken breasts on a tray, and generously season both sides with garlic powder, pepper, and salt for a flavorful base.
- Crack eggs into a bowl, sprinkle with salt, and whisk until they're frothy, creating a perfect binding agent for the breading.
- Combine all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, dried basil, oregano, and parsley in a tray for a well-balanced mix of herbs and spices that will infuse the chicken with delicious flavor.
- In another tray, thoroughly mix panko breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan cheese, ensuring an even distribution of the breading mixture.
- Coat each seasoned chicken breast in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess for a perfectly coated piece ready for frying.
- Dip the floured chicken into the egg wash, providing a sticky surface for the breadcrumb mixture to adhere to evenly.
- Now, press the chicken firmly into the breadcrumb Parmesan mixture, making sure it's evenly coated for that extra crispy texture when fried. Your chicken is now perfectly breaded and all set to be cooked until it turns a beautiful golden brown in hot oil. Alternatively, you can allow it to rest for about 10 minutes before frying; this helps the coating adhere better while cooking.
Frying the Chicken
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat until it shimmers, then carefully add the breaded chicken breasts.
- Fry the chicken for 4 to 5 minutes on each side or until they turn crispy and golden brown.
- Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it from the oil to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Set it aside for the next steps in your recipe.
Making Chicken Parmesan
- Place the fried chicken breasts on a greased baking sheet and spoon your homemade tomato sauce over each piece.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of mozzarella cheese on top, followed by a dash of Italian seasoning, and finish with a layer of Parmesan cheese.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Once finished, take the Chicken Parmesan out of the oven and garnish it with fresh parsley leaves before serving. There you have it, your delicious Chicken Parmesan is ready to be enjoyed.
Serving
- Serve your Crispy Chicken Parmesan with your favorite pasta, or pair it with a side of roasted broccoli or green beans for a delightful meal. For more pairing ideas, check out our Serving Suggestions section below.
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Recipe Video
Chef's Notes and Tips
- Cheese Quality: For the best results, choose high-quality cheeses. Fresh mozzarella melts more smoothly and has a creamier taste compared to pre-shredded varieties, and freshly grated Parmesan brings a deeper, richer flavor than its pre-packaged counterparts. If fresh isn't available, pre-grated cheese, like the kind I used in this recipe, still works great as well.
- Breading: The secret to that irresistibly crispy chicken is all in the breading. Make sure to coat each piece thoroughly with flour, then dip it in egg, and finally, cover it with a mix of breadcrumbs and cheese for that perfect crunch. If you skip a step, you might miss out on some of that crunch.
- Tomato or Pasta Sauce: I’m all for homemade tomato sauce, but if you’re pressed for time, a high-quality store-bought sauce works just fine without losing much flavor.
- Pre-frying Temperature Check: Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding your chicken. The ideal temperature for frying is about 350°F. This prevents the chicken from absorbing too much oil and becoming greasy.
- Layering Cheese: To make your Chicken Parmesan extra cheesy, try layering slices of mozzarella between the chicken and the sauce, and also on top before baking. This technique creates pockets of gooey cheese throughout the dish
- Air Fryer Option: If you're looking to use less oil, an air fryer is a great alternative to prepare this dish. It achieves similar crispy results and is a handy option if you prefer a slightly healthier cooking method.
Nutrition Info
Disclaimer
We're not nutrition experts, and the nutritional information provided is an estimate. Please use it as a guide. For precise details, it's best to consult a professional. To learn more, please view our Detailed Disclaimers.
Craving more? Browse our collection of chicken breast and fried chicken recipes, each packed with unique flavors and satisfying crunch. Perfect for both casual meals and special occasions, these dishes are guaranteed to delight anyone looking for crispy, savory perfection.
Serving Suggestions
This crispy Chicken Parmesan, also known as Chicken Parmigiana, pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Here are some combinations I often turn to for a complete and satisfying meal:
- Pasta: A classic pairing, serving it over your favorite pasta makes for a comforting Italian meal.
- Roasted Vegetables: Enjoy it with roasted vegetables like green beans or broccoli for a balanced, wholesome dish.
- Garlic Bread: Warm garlic bread on the side makes for a comforting, hearty addition.
- Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad offers a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the chicken.
- Polenta: Creamy polenta is a lovely alternative to pasta, its smooth texture beautifully complementing the crispy chicken.
- Risotto: Pairing it with creamy risotto creates an luxurious, Italian-inspired side that feels a bit special.
- Couscous or Quinoa: Opting for couscous or quinoa can lighten the meal, adding a subtle nutty flavor.
- Zucchini Noodles: Zucchini noodles are a fantastic low-carb alternative that still satisfies the craving for pasta.
Storage Suggestions
Chicken Parmesan tastes best when it's hot or warm, fresh out of the oven. If you end up with leftovers, you can store them in the refrigerator in a sealed container for up to three days.
When you're ready to enjoy it again, I recommend reheating it in an oven preheated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10-15 minutes. Just wait until the cheese starts bubbling again—it brings back that fresh from the oven taste and keeps the chicken crispy!
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