Chicken Parmesan, also known as Chicken Parmigiana, is a classic Italian-American favorite. It features breaded chicken breast, topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese, baked to perfection. This homemade dish is a standout option for both main courses and sides at lunch or dinner.
Begin by warming olive oil over medium heat, then stir in garlic until its fragrance blooms.
Introduce chopped onions to the pan, sautéing until they're tender.
Blend in tomato purée, followed by a hearty sprinkle of dried oregano, basil, parsley, and chili flakes; season with salt and stir well.
Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and cover the pan, letting the sauce bubble for 5 to 7 minutes.
Remove the lid to reveal your homemade tomato sauce, now ready to enhance your dish or to be stored for future culinary creations.
To Bread the Chicken
Arrange the chicken breasts on a tray. Season with garlic powder, pepper, and salt, ensuring you coat both sides evenly.
Crack two eggs into a bowl, season with salt, and whisk to a froth for later use.
Combine all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, dried basil, oregano, and parsley in a tray; mix well and set aside.
In a different tray, mix panko breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan cheese thoroughly.
Coat each seasoned chicken breast in the flour mixture. Gently shake off any excess.
Submerge the floured chicken into the egg wash.
Finally, press the chicken into the breadcrumb Parmesan mix, ensuring a full and even coat. Your chicken is now breaded and ready to be cooked to golden perfection in oil.
To Fry the Chicken
Heat oil in a pan over medium heat, then gently place the breaded chicken breasts in the oil.
Fry the chicken for 4 to 5 minutes on each side or until both sides are crispy and golden brown.
Once cooked, transfer the chicken from the oil and set it aside for topping or serving.
To Make Chicken Parmesan
Arrange 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, add 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 done, take the Chicken Parmesan out of the oven, also known as Chicken Parmigiana, and garnish with fresh parsley leaves before serving.
To Serve
Serve your Crispy Chicken Parmesan atop a bed of your favorite pasta, or pair it with a side of roasted broccoli or green beans for a delightful meal.
Notes
Here are some essential tips to perfect your Chicken Parmesan:
Breading: The key to crispy chicken lies in a thorough breading process. Coat the chicken with flour, egg, breadcrumbs, and cheese for that ideal crunch. Skipping any of these steps might compromise the texture.
Italian Herbs: Whether fresh or dried, Italian herbs are crucial for that authentic flavor. It infuses the dish with a taste reminiscent of traditional Italian cuisine.
Tomato or Pasta Sauce: While I've prepared homemade tomato sauce for this recipe, a high-quality store-bought spaghetti, tomato, or pasta sauce can be a convenient substitute without sacrificing flavor.
Baking Temperature: For the perfect finish, bake your breaded and fried chicken, topped with sauce and cheese, at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This should take about 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully golden.
Air Fryer Option: Although this recipe is prepared on the stovetop, an air fryer is a great alternative for achieving similar results with a bit less oil.