Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless, these are the main protein for the dish.

Italian seasoned breadcrumbs: These breadcrumbs are pre-seasoned with Italian herbs and spices, adding extra flavor to the chicken.

Parmesan cheese: Grated cheese that adds a salty, nutty flavor to the breadcrumb coating.

Marinara sauce: A tomato-based sauce that adds moisture and flavor to the dish.

Mozzarella cheese: Shredded cheese that melts beautifully over the chicken.

All-purpose flour: Used to coat the chicken before dipping in the egg and breadcrumb mixture, helping the coating stick.

Eggs: Beaten eggs act as a binder, helping the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken.

Olive oil: Used for frying the chicken to a golden brown before baking.

When coating the chicken breasts, ensure they are evenly coated with flour first. This helps the beaten eggs adhere better, creating a stronger bond for the breadcrumb mixture. For an extra crispy texture, press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken.

• boneless, skinless chicken breasts - Substitute with boneless, skinless turkey breasts: Turkey breasts have a similar texture and flavor profile, making them a good alternative.

• italian seasoned breadcrumbs - Substitute with panko breadcrumbs mixed with Italian seasoning: Panko breadcrumbs provide a similar crunch, and adding Italian seasoning will mimic the flavor.

• grated parmesan cheese - Substitute with grated pecorino romano: Pecorino Romano has a similar salty and nutty flavor, making it a good substitute.

• marinara sauce - Substitute with tomato basil sauce: Tomato basil sauce offers a similar tomato base with a slightly different herb profile.

• shredded mozzarella cheese - Substitute with shredded provolone cheese: Provolone melts well and has a mild flavor similar to mozzarella.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour can be used for dredging and adds a slightly nuttier flavor.

• beaten eggs - Substitute with buttermilk: Buttermilk can help the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken and adds a slight tanginess.

• olive oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil has a neutral flavor and a high smoke point, making it suitable for frying.

• Allow the chicken parmesan to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the breadcrumb coating soggy.
• Use an airtight container to store the chicken parmesan in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days.
• For longer storage, wrap each piece of chicken parmesan individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place the wrapped pieces in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Label the container with the date to keep track of freshness. Chicken parmesan can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
• To reheat refrigerated chicken parmesan, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
• For reheating frozen chicken parmesan, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, follow the same reheating instructions as for refrigerated chicken.
• If you're in a hurry, you can reheat chicken parmesan in the microwave. Place it on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a microwave-safe lid or another plate. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals until warmed through, but be aware that the breadcrumb coating may not be as crispy.
• To maintain the crispiness of the breadcrumb coating, consider reheating in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook for 5-7 minutes or until heated through and crispy.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover chicken parmesan in an oven-safe dish. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the cheese is bubbly.

• Stovetop Method: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of olive oil. Place the chicken parmesan in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is warmed and the cheese is melted.

• Microwave Method: Place the chicken parmesan on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through. Continue heating in 30-second intervals until the chicken is hot and the cheese is melted.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken parmesan in the air fryer basket. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is hot and the cheese is bubbly and slightly crispy.

• Toaster Oven Method: Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken parmesan on a toaster oven tray. Cover with aluminum foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly warmed and the cheese is melted.

• Oven: Used to bake the chicken parmesan until it is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

• Shallow dish: Used to mix the breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese for coating the chicken.

• Skillet: Used to heat the olive oil and cook the chicken until golden brown.

• Baking dish: Used to place the chicken in, top with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese, and bake in the oven.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure out the breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, marinara sauce, and shredded mozzarella cheese.

• Mixing bowl: Used to beat the eggs for coating the chicken.

• Tongs: Used to handle the chicken breasts while coating them and cooking them in the skillet.

• Spatula: Used to flip the chicken breasts in the skillet to ensure even browning.

• Knife: Used to trim any excess fat or uneven parts from the chicken breasts.

• Cutting board: Used as a surface to prepare the chicken breasts before coating and cooking.

• Grater: Used to grate the parmesan cheese if it is not pre-grated.

• Meat thermometer: Optional, but useful to check if the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure and mix the breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese ahead of time.

Use pre-made marinara sauce: Opt for a quality store-bought marinara sauce to save time on preparation.

Flatten chicken breasts: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for quicker and more uniform cooking.

Preheat oven early: Start preheating your oven before you begin prepping the chicken to save time.

One-pan method: Use an oven-safe skillet to cook the chicken on the stovetop and then transfer directly to the oven.