Chicken Parmesan is a classic Italian-American dish that combines crispy breaded chicken, savory marinara sauce, and gooey melted mozzarella cheese. It's a comforting and delicious meal that's perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion.
If you don't usually keep Italian seasoned breadcrumbs or marinara sauce in your pantry, you'll need to pick these up at the supermarket. Italian seasoned breadcrumbs add a flavorful coating to the chicken, while marinara sauce provides a rich, tomato-based topping. Make sure to also get parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese for that perfect cheesy finish.
Ingredients for 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.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
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.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
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.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Dish
How to Store / Freeze This Dish
- 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.
How to Reheat Leftovers
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.
Best Tools for This Recipe
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).
How to Save Time on This Recipe
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.
Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces Chicken breasts boneless, skinless
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs Italian seasoned
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 2 cups Marinara sauce
- 1 cup Mozzarella cheese shredded
- ¼ cup All-purpose flour
- 2 units Eggs beaten
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese in a shallow dish.
- Coat chicken breasts in flour, dip in beaten eggs, then coat with breadcrumb mixture.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Place chicken in a baking dish. Top with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake in preheated oven until chicken is cooked through and cheese is melted and bubbly, about 20-25 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts for This Dish
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