If you’re in search of a dish that brings together crispy chicken, rich tomato sauce, and melted cheese all in one delightful package, look no further than Chicken Parmesan. This classic recipe has Italian origins and has since become a beloved comfort food around the world. It’s hearty, full of flavor, and perfect for any occasion—from a casual family dinner to an intimate gathering with friends.
Why We Love This Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Chicken Parmesan is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. The crispy chicken cutlets, paired with a robust tomato sauce, creamy mozzarella, and the sharp flavor of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese create a symphony of tastes and textures. This dish manages to strike a perfect balance between comfort and sophistication, making it an ideal choice for a variety of dining scenarios.
The texture is a standout feature—crispy on the outside and tender on the inside—and the aroma when baking is simply irresistible. The rich sauce complements the chicken perfectly, and each bite feels like a warm hug. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to incorporate more protein into your diet while enjoying a delicious meal. Whether served with pasta, salad, or crusty bread, Chicken Parmesan is always a winner.
Ingredients about Chicken Parmesan
To create this delectable Chicken Parmesan, you’ll need a selection of quality ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in bringing the dish to life.
List of ingredients with measurements
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large garlic clove, lightly crushed
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 (24-ounce) bottles tomato puree or passata
- Salt, to taste
- Sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Fresh basil leaves, torn or coarsely chopped
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 1/4 cups unseasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, divided
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus more as needed
- 2 tablespoons sunflower or other mildly flavored vegetable oil, plus more as needed
- 1/2 pound low-moisture mozzarella, shredded
How to Make Chicken Parmesan Directions
Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, it’s time to get cooking! Here’s a detailed guide to making your Chicken Parmesan from scratch.
- Prepare the Tomato Sauce: In a large sauté pan, set over medium-low heat, pour in the 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Once the oil is warm, add the lightly crushed garlic and optional red pepper flakes. Cook this mixture for about 3-4 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not browned. Next, stir in the tomato puree, adding a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors. Allow this sauce to simmer on low for approximately 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Before you remove it from heat, stir in the fresh basil leaves for added freshness and flavor.
- Prepare the Chicken Cutlets: Take the chicken breasts and slice them horizontally to create cutlets. It’s important to pound them to an even thickness to ensure even cooking. Season both sides of each cutlet generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Set Up the Dredging Station: This step is crucial for the perfect crust. In three separate shallow plates, arrange your ingredients: one with flour, another with the beaten eggs, and the third with a mixture of breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, and Italian seasoning. The combination of these ingredients will give your chicken that signature crunchy texture.
- Dredge the Chicken: One piece at a time, dredge each chicken cutlet in the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any extra to drip back into the bowl. Finally, coat the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the crumbs adhere well.
- Fry the Cutlets: In a large skillet, combine the olive oil and sunflower oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the coated chicken cutlets into the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd them. Fry each cutlet for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they develop a beautiful golden-brown color. Once done, transfer the fried chicken to a wire rack to drain any excess oil.
- Assemble the Chicken Parmesan: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Start by adding a layer of the tomato sauce to a baking dish—roughly enough to cover the bottom. Next, arrange the fried chicken cutlets in the dish, adding more sauce on top of each cutlet. Finish this assembly by sprinkling the shredded mozzarella and the remaining Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese over everything.
- Bake to Perfection: Place your dish into the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes. If you want that bubbly, slightly charred top, consider broiling it for 1-2 minutes at the end. This last step elevates the dish, giving it a wonderful finish.
- Let it Rest: Once your Chicken Parmesan comes out of the oven, allow it to sit for a few minutes. This resting period helps the flavors meld together and makes it easier to serve.
How to Serve Chicken Parmesan
Your Chicken Parmesan is now ready to be enjoyed. There are many ways to serve this classic dish, making it as versatile as it is delicious. For a traditional approach, serve it over a bed of spaghetti or your favorite pasta. The rich tomato sauce complements the pasta perfectly, creating a complete meal that’s hard to resist.
If you’re looking for a lighter option, pair Chicken Parmesan with a fresh, green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. This combination balances the richness of the dish and adds a refreshing crunch.
For a cozy family dinner, serve it alongside garlic bread or crusty Italian bread. Guests will love scooping up extra sauce and cheese. Don’t forget to sprinkle some additional fresh basil or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil on top for that finishing touch.
Expert Tips: Chicken Parmesan
Getting your Chicken Parmesan just right can elevate your cooking game. Here are a few expert tips to ensure your dish stands out:
- Choose Quality Ingredients: The flavors of a dish can only be as good as the quality of its ingredients. Opt for fresh basil, high-quality olive oil, and authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese for the best results.
- Don’t Rush Cooking the Sauce: Allow your tomato sauce to simmer gently to intensify the flavors. The longer it simmers, the more robust the flavor becomes.
- Perfect Frying: Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken. If the oil is not sufficiently heated, the coating can absorb too much oil and become greasy. You can test this by dropping a crumb into the oil; it should sizzle immediately.
- Rest the Chicken: After frying, let the chicken cool slightly on a wire rack. This prevents sogginess, keeping the crust crispy.
- Experiment with Cheese: While mozzarella and Parmigiano-Reggiano are traditional, feel free to mix in other cheeses for added flavor, such as provolone or fontina.
How to Store Chicken Parmesan
After you’ve savored your mesmerizing Chicken Parmesan, you may find yourself with leftovers. Fear not! Properly storing your Chicken Parmesan will keep it delicious for future meals.
- Refrigeration: Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: If you wish to keep it longer, clear up some space in your freezer. Wrap the Chicken Parmesan tightly in plastic wrap or foil before placing it in a freezer-safe container. It can last for up to 3 months when frozen.
When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheat gently in the oven to maintain that beautiful crust. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the chicken rubbery.
Variation of Chicken Parmesan
Chicken Parmesan is a great base for creativity in the kitchen. Here are a few variations you might consider to switch things up:
- Eggplant Parmesan: For a vegetarian option, replace the chicken with slices of eggplant. Prepare them similarly, and you’ll have a hearty alternative loved by both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
- Chicken Parmesan Sandwich: After frying, place the chicken on a toasted sub roll, add sauce and cheese, and bake until bubbly for a delicious handheld version.
- Zoodles with Chicken Parmesan: Swap traditional pasta for zucchini noodles (zoodles) for a low-carb alternative. The zoodles will soak up the sauce while keeping the dish light.
- Spicy Chicken Parmesan: Include diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper in your breadcrumb mixture for those who love a kick of heat.
- Stuffed Chicken Parmesan: Stuff the chicken cutlets with mozzarella or spinach before breading and frying for an exciting twist.
Frequently Asked Questions about Chicken Parmesan
What is Chicken Parmesan?
Chicken Parmesan, also known as Chicken Parmigiana, is a dish consisting of breaded chicken cutlets topped with tomato sauce and melted cheese, typically served with pasta.
How long does it take to make Chicken Parmesan?
The preparation and cooking time for Chicken Parmesan is about 1 hour. This includes time for making the sauce, frying the chicken, and baking the assembled dish.
Can Chicken Parmesan be made ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and bread the chicken ahead of time. Assemble the dish, then store it in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking.
What sides pair well with Chicken Parmesan?
Popular side dishes include spaghetti, garlic bread, or a simple green salad. You can also serve it with steamed vegetables for a healthier option.
How do you keep the crust crispy on Chicken Parmesan?
Letting the fried chicken cool on a wire rack after frying prevents moisture build-up that can make it soggy. Avoid covering the chicken while it’s cooling!
Chicken Parmesan
Ingredients
For the Tomato Sauce
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large garlic clove, lightly crushed
- to taste Salt
- 2 bottles (24-ounce) tomato puree or passata
- to taste Sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- to taste Red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 bunch fresh basil leaves, torn or coarsely chopped
For the Chicken
- 3 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
- to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 1/4 cups unseasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, divided
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus more as needed
- 2 tablespoons sunflower or other mildly flavored vegetable oil, plus more as needed
- 1/2 pound low-moisture mozzarella, shredded
Instructions
Prepare the Tomato Sauce
- In a large sauté pan over medium-low heat, pour in the olive oil and add the garlic and optional red pepper flakes. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the garlic is fragrant.
- Stir in the tomato puree and a pinch of salt. Simmer for approximately 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Before removing from heat, stir in the fresh basil leaves.
Prepare the Chicken Cutlets
- Slice the chicken breasts horizontally to create cutlets and pound them to an even thickness. Season with salt and pepper.
Set Up the Dredging Station
- Arrange three shallow plates: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with 1/4 cup of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and Italian seasoning.
Dredge the Chicken
- Dredge each cutlet in flour, dip in the beaten eggs, then coat in the breadcrumb mixture.
Fry the Cutlets
- Heat the olive and sunflower oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry each cutlet for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden-brown. Transfer to a wire rack to drain excess oil.
Assemble the Chicken Parmesan
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Add a layer of tomato sauce to a baking dish and place the fried chicken cutlets on top. Add more sauce and sprinkle with mozzarella and remaining Parmigiano-Reggiano.
Bake to Perfection
- Bake for about 20 minutes and broil for 1-2 minutes for a bubbly top.
Let it Rest
- Allow the Chicken Parmesan to sit for a few minutes before serving.