Classic Chicken Parmesan

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Crispy breaded chicken breasts topped with rich tomato sauce and melted cheeses—an Italian-American favorite.

 Introduction

Few dishes deliver the soul-warming satisfaction that a plate of Classic Chicken Parmesan brings. It’s one of those iconic meals that feels like a warm hug after a long day—a crispy, juicy chicken cutlet smothered in luscious tomato sauce and molten cheese, all baked to bubbly, golden perfection.

Born out of Italian-American cuisine, Chicken Parmesan (or “Chicken Parmigiana”) has long been a staple in kitchens and restaurants across the U.S. It’s hearty, it’s comforting, and most importantly—it’s delicious.

What makes this dish a winner is its simplicity. With a handful of ingredients and a few easy techniques, you can make a restaurant-worthy meal in under an hour. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, weekend indulgence, or impressing guests at a dinner party.

Whether you serve it over a bed of spaghetti, pair it with garlic bread and a fresh salad, or enjoy it in a crusty sandwich roll, this dish is always a hit.

Let’s dive into how to master the ultimate Chicken Parmesan from scratch, step-by-step.

 Ingredients (US Measurements)

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building the flavor and texture of this dish. Here’s what you’ll need:

Chicken and Coating:

  • 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves – Choose high-quality, evenly sized pieces for even cooking.

  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste – Essential for seasoning your chicken well.

  • 2 large eggs – Help the breading stick to the chicken.

  • 1 cup panko bread crumbs – Panko offers a crunchier texture than traditional breadcrumbs.

  • ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided – Adds salty umami to the breading and topping.

  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour – A light dusting of flour helps the breading adhere properly.

For Frying:

  • ½ cup olive oil – Use for pan-frying the chicken to golden perfection.

Sauce and Cheese:

  • ½ cup prepared tomato sauce – Use a robust, flavorful sauce; marinara or arrabbiata are excellent options.

  • ¼ cup fresh mozzarella, cut into small cubes – Melts beautifully and adds creamy texture.

  • ¼ cup chopped fresh basil – Brings freshness and color to the finished dish.

  • ½ cup grated provolone cheese – A melty, mild cheese that complements the mozzarella and Parmesan.

  • 2 teaspoons olive oil – Drizzled over the top before baking to enhance the golden finish.

 Preparation & Cooking Time

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes

  • Cook Time: 30 minutes

  • Total Time: 45 minutes

  • Serves: 4 people

  • Calories: ~400 kcal per serving

 How to Prepare the Recipe (Step-by-Step)

Follow these stages for guaranteed success every time you make Chicken Parmesan.

 Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

  1. Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).

  2. Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness (about ½ inch). This ensures they cook evenly and stay juicy.

  3. Season both sides of each piece of chicken generously with salt and pepper.

  4. Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes:

    • Dish 1: Flour

    • Dish 2: Beaten eggs

    • Dish 3: Panko bread crumbs mixed with half of the grated Parmesan cheese (about ⅜ cup).

  5. Dredge the chicken: First in the flour, then dip in the egg, and finally coat thoroughly in the panko-Parmesan mix. Press the crumbs into the chicken to adhere well.

 Step 2: Fry the Chicken

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

  2. Once hot, carefully add the breaded chicken breasts (you may need to do this in batches).

  3. Fry for 2–3 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy.

  4. Transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

  5. Place the chicken in a baking dish or oven-safe skillet.

 Step 3: Add Toppings and Bake

  1. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of tomato sauce over each chicken breast.

  2. Top each piece with a mixture of cubed mozzarella, grated provolone, and the remaining Parmesan cheese.

  3. Sprinkle chopped basil over the top for flavor and aroma.

  4. Drizzle with 2 teaspoons of olive oil to encourage even melting and browning.

  5. Bake in the oven for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).

 Step 4: Serve It Up!

  • Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes.

  • Serve over cooked spaghetti, buttered noodles, or a bed of sautéed greens.

  • Garnish with more fresh basil and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan, if desired.

 Nutritional Information

Per serving (approximate):

  • Calories: 400 kcal

  • Protein: 34g

  • Carbohydrates: 11g

  • Fat: 24g

  • Fiber: 1g

  • Sugar: 3g

  • Sodium: 520mg

Note: Serving with pasta or bread will increase total calories.

 Expert Tips for the Best Chicken Parmesan

1. Pound Evenly for Perfect Cooking

Evenly pounded chicken cooks faster and more evenly, reducing the risk of dry meat.

2. Use Fresh Mozzarella for Creaminess

While shredded mozzarella works fine, using fresh mozzarella (cut into cubes) provides a creamier melt and richer flavor.

3. Panko is Your Friend

Regular breadcrumbs work in a pinch, but panko breadcrumbs give that signature golden crunch.

4. Don’t Drown in Sauce

A little sauce goes a long way. Too much can make the breading soggy. Keep it moderate and balanced.

5. Make Ahead

Bread and fry the chicken ahead of time. Store it in the fridge and just top and bake when ready to serve.

6. Reheating Tips

Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10–15 minutes for crispy results. Avoid microwaving, which softens the crust.

7. Freezing Instructions

Fully cook and cool the breaded chicken cutlets (without cheese or sauce). Freeze on a tray, then store in a freezer bag. When ready to use, thaw, top with sauce and cheese, and bake.

 Serving Suggestions

  • Spaghetti or Linguine: Classic pairing for Chicken Parmesan.

  • Garlic Bread: Crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside—perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.

  • Green Salad: A fresh counterbalance to the richness of the dish.

  • Roasted Vegetables: Think broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts.

 The Origins of Chicken Parmesan

Although “Chicken Parmigiana” sounds Italian, the dish is more a product of Italian-American kitchens. Its roots trace back to Southern Italy, where eggplant parmigiana (melanzane alla parmigiana) was the norm. Italian immigrants in America adapted the recipe using chicken instead of eggplant, which was more readily available and appealing to American palates.

Today, Chicken Parmesan is a staple of Italian-American cuisine and a beloved comfort food worldwide.

 FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Boneless, skinless thighs will be juicier but may take slightly longer to cook through.

Can I air fry the chicken?

Absolutely. Cook the breaded chicken in a 400°F air fryer for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.

What’s the best cheese for Chicken Parmesan?

A combination of mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan creates the best melt and flavor. You can also use fontina, asiago, or even gouda for unique twists.

Is Chicken Parmesan gluten-free?

Not as-is, but you can substitute the flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.

 Final Thoughts

Classic Chicken Parmesan is one of those dishes that never goes out of style. It’s comforting, satisfying, and loaded with bold flavors that come together in the most delightful way. With crispy chicken, tangy tomato sauce, gooey melted cheese, and fresh herbs, each bite is better than the last.

Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner, a romantic date night, or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. Once you try making it from scratch, you might never go back to store-bought again!

So roll up your sleeves, preheat that oven, and get ready to make the best Chicken Parmesan of your life.

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