Chicken Parmesan, or Chicken Parmigiana, is a classic Italian-American dish that's always a favorite. It features breaded chicken breast topped with tomato based sauce and melted mozzarella cheese, all baked until perfectly golden. This homemade delight is perfect as a main dish or a hearty side for either lunch or dinner.
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.
Notes
Here are some of my handy tips to really nail that Chicken Parmesan:
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.