Description
Classic Chicken Parmesan is an easy-to-make Italian-American favorite featuring breaded and pan-fried chicken breasts topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. This recipe delivers a flavorful, crunchy coating enhanced by Parmesan cheese and finished off in the oven for a gooey cheesy topping. Perfect for a comforting family dinner that’s both simple and delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Breading
- 1.5 pounds Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (pounded to an even thickness for uniform cooking)
- 1.5 cups Italian-style Breadcrumbs (for a crunchy coating)
- 0.5 cups Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese (mixed with breadcrumbs to enhance flavor)
- 2 large Eggs (used for the egg wash)
- Salt and Pepper to taste (for seasoning chicken)
Sauce and Toppings
- 2 cups Marinara Sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1.5 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (for topping the chicken)
- 1 handful Fresh Basil Leaves (for garnish)
Cooking Oil
- 0.5 cups Olive Oil (for frying the chicken)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch to ensure they cook evenly. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- Set up breading station: In one bowl, whisk the eggs to create an egg wash. In another bowl, combine Italian-style breadcrumbs with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Heat oil: Pour olive oil into a skillet and heat it over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking.
- Bread the chicken: Dip each chicken breast into the egg wash, allowing excess to drip off, then dredge thoroughly in the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.
- Fry the chicken: Place breaded chicken into hot oil and fry for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C).
- Drain excess oil: Transfer fried chicken breasts onto a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil and keep crisp.
- Prepare for baking: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a layer of marinara sauce in a baking dish to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Assemble dish: Place the fried chicken breasts into the baking dish, spoon more marinara sauce evenly over each piece, and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and has golden brown spots.
- Serve: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking, then garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve hot for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For even more flavor, consider marinating the chicken in Italian herbs and garlic before breading.
- Use fresh mozzarella instead of shredded for a creamier topping if preferred, but adjust bake time accordingly as fresh mozzarella releases more moisture.
- If you want a lower-fat option, bake the breaded chicken instead of frying, but frying gives the signature crispy texture.
- Ensure chicken breasts are pounded evenly to avoid uneven cooking and dryness in thicker parts.
- Reserve some basil leaves for garnish to add a fresh herbal finish.
