Classic Chicken Parmesan
Indulge in the timeless elegance of Chicken Parmesan, a dish that’s as comforting as it is sophisticated. With its golden, crispy crust, rich marinara sauce, and gooey, melted mozzarella cheese, this Italian-inspired recipe is perfect for creating a memorable meal, whether you’re serving your family or hosting a dinner party. Each bite of this dish is a harmonious blend of flavors and textures — the savory Parmesan-breadcrumb coating, the succulent chicken, and the tangy-sweet marinara sauce all coming together in delicious unity. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you’ll be able to master the art of Chicken Parmesan and bring a touch of Italian charm to your dinner table.
Ingredients Overview
- Chicken Breast Fillets (4): Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe. If the fillets are thick, consider slicing them horizontally to create thinner pieces, ensuring even cooking and a tender, juicy interior.
- Regular Flour (1 cup): Used as the first step in the breading process, flour helps the egg wash and breadcrumb coating adhere to the chicken. It creates a light base that crisps up when pan-fried.
- Beaten Eggs (2): The beaten eggs act as a binder, allowing the breadcrumb mixture to stick to the chicken, creating that classic Chicken Parmesan crust.
- Breadcrumbs (1 cup): For a crunchy, golden coating. Opt for Panko breadcrumbs if you prefer a lighter, crispier texture.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (½ cup): Adds a nutty, salty flavor to the breadcrumb mixture and enhances the overall taste of the dish. Freshly grated Parmesan is ideal for the best flavor.
- Dried Basil Leaves (1 tsp) & Dried Oregano (1 tsp): These aromatic herbs bring authentic Italian flavors to the breading mix, adding a burst of freshness and fragrance.
- Garlic Powder (½ tsp): Adds a subtle garlic flavor without overpowering the dish, balancing the herbs and cheese.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning each component, ensuring every bite is perfectly seasoned.
- Olive Oil (½ cup): Used for pan-frying the chicken to a golden, crispy perfection. Olive oil adds a rich flavor that complements the Italian herbs.
- Tomato-Based Marinara Sauce (1 cup): Opt for a high-quality marinara or make your own to elevate the dish with a robust tomato flavor.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (1 cup): Melts into a bubbly, gooey topping, adding a creamy texture that contrasts beautifully with the crispy chicken.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Setting up your oven early ensures that it’s ready to go once the chicken is perfectly browned and ready for baking.
Step 2: Flatten the Chicken Breasts
Using a meat mallet, pound each chicken breast to an even thickness, about ½ inch. This not only ensures uniform cooking but also helps tenderize the meat, making it juicy and tender.
Step 3: Set Up the Breading Station
Prepare a breading station by arranging three shallow dishes side by side:
- First Dish: Fill with 1 cup of flour.
- Second Dish: Add the beaten eggs.
- Third Dish: Combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, dried basil, dried oregano, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Step 4: Bread the Chicken
- Coat Each Chicken Fillet: Start by dipping the chicken into the flour, ensuring each piece is lightly coated.
- Dip in Beaten Eggs: Next, dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, making sure it’s completely covered.
- Press into Breadcrumb Mixture: Finally, coat the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing down gently to ensure the coating adheres.
Step 5: Pan-Fry the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the breaded chicken fillets and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until they’re golden brown. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked through at this stage, as it will finish baking in the oven.
Step 6: Transfer to Baking Dish and Top
Place the pan-fried chicken fillets in a baking dish. Top each fillet with a few spoonfuls of marinara sauce and a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
Remove from the oven and let the Chicken Parmesan rest for a few minutes. Serve with extra marinara sauce on the side, and garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
