Classic Chicken Parmesan

🕒 Prep: 20 min
🔥 Cook: 25 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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Classic Chicken Parmesan is your ticket to a satisfying and hearty meal that’s bursting with flavor. This recipe takes the comforting Italian-American favorite and makes it accessible for any home cook, delivering a perfect balance of crispy, cheesy, and saucy goodness.

Ingredients for Classic Chicken Parmesan

The star of the show is the chicken breasts, which provide a hearty base. By slicing them into thin cutlets, you ensure they cook evenly and quickly. The all-purpose flour helps the breading adhere to the chicken, while the eggs add moisture and act as a binding agent. The combination of Italian breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese creates a flavorful, crispy coating. A hint of salt and pepper enhances the natural flavors of the chicken. Olive oil is used to fry the cutlets to a golden brown perfection. The marinara sauce adds a rich, tangy layer of flavor, and shredded mozzarella cheese melts beautifully on top, creating a gooey, cheesy finish. Finally, fresh basil leaves add a burst of freshness and color.

Tips & Tricks

  • Pound the chicken breasts slightly before slicing to ensure even thickness.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan and mozzarella for the best flavor and texture.
  • If you like a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Classic Chicken Parmesan with a side of spaghetti tossed in garlic and olive oil for a complete Italian meal. A crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette also pairs beautifully, balancing out the richness of the chicken. For a special touch, accompany with a glass of Chianti or your favorite red wine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used, but they may require longer cooking in the oven to ensure they’re fully cooked through.
What can I substitute for marinara sauce?
A homemade tomato sauce or even a store-bought pizza sauce can work in a pinch.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.

Classic Chicken Parmesan Recipe Walkthrough

First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the oven is ready to finish off the chicken, melting the cheese into a bubbly delight. Next, take your chicken breasts and carefully slice them in half horizontally. This might seem tricky, but it’s key to creating those perfect, thin cutlets that cook quickly and evenly.

In a shallow dish, season your all-purpose flour with a good pinch of salt and pepper. Dredge each chicken cutlet in the seasoned flour, making sure to shake off any excess. This step is crucial for helping the breading stick.

Then, dip the floured cutlets into the beaten eggs, letting any extra drip off. Now, mix your Italian breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese in another dish. Press the egg-coated cutlets into this mixture, ensuring each piece is well-covered in the cheesy breadcrumbs.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully lay each breaded cutlet into the skillet. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and crispy. Once done, transfer the cutlets to a baking dish.

Pour marinara sauce generously over the chicken, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top. Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is bubbly and starting to turn golden.

Finally, sprinkle the chopped fresh basil over the top just before serving. This adds a fragrant, fresh element that really elevates the dish.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Simple yet satisfying dish that feels like a restaurant-quality meal.
  • Uses pantry staples and fresh ingredients you likely already have.
  • Perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy night in.

Ingredients

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup olive oil
2 cups marinara sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice chicken breasts in half horizontally to create thin cutlets.
3. Season the flour with salt and pepper, then dredge each cutlet in the flour, shaking off excess.
4. Dip the cutlets into beaten eggs, ensuring they are well-coated.
5. Combine breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, then coat the cutlets in this mixture.
6. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
7. Fry the breaded chicken cutlets for 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
8. Remove cutlets and place them in a baking dish.
9. Pour marinara sauce over the chicken and top with mozzarella cheese.
10. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
11. Garnish with chopped basil before serving.

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