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If you’re craving a meal that’s bursting with comforting Italian flavors and crispy, cheesy goodness, you’re about to fall head over heels for this Classic Chicken Parmesan Recipe. This dish takes tender, breaded chicken cutlets and transforms them into a golden, melty masterpiece with rich marinara sauce and gooey mozzarella cheese. It’s the perfect combination of crunch, savoriness, and heartwarming familiarity that makes everyone’s weeknight dinners feel a little more special and every celebration a delicious tradition.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Classic Chicken Parmesan Recipe plays a vital role, from the crispy breadcrumbs that give it that satisfying crunch to the luscious melted mozzarella that invites you to indulge. These simple staples come together to create a dish that’s both approachable and impressively flavorful.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish, tender and perfect for slicing into cutlets to achieve even cooking and the ideal bite size.
- Breadcrumbs: They provide the signature crispy coating that gives the chicken that crave-worthy texture.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a subtle nutty flavor and enhances the breadcrumb crust with a savory depth.
- Garlic powder: For a gentle, aromatic punch that blends perfectly with the Italian seasonings.
- Italian seasoning: A classic blend that brings just the right hint of herbaceous warmth to the chicken and crumbs.
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken and ensuring every bite is well-balanced and tasty.
- Egg: Acts as the glue that holds the breadcrumbs securely on the chicken while frying.
- All-purpose flour: Helps the egg adhere to the chicken by creating a dry base for dredging.
- Cooking oil: Necessary for frying the chicken to a golden brown perfection with a crispy outer shell.
- Marinara sauce: Brings a bright, tangy tomato flavor that complements the richness of the cheese and chicken.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully over the top, creating the iconic gooey texture Classic Chicken Parmesan Recipe is known for.
- Fresh parsley (optional): Adds a fresh, vibrant pop of color and mild herbal brightness to finish the dish.
How to Make Classic Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Cutlets
Using a sharp knife, carefully slice each chicken breast lengthwise to create two thinner cutlets, making a total of four. This ensures quick, even cooking and helps the crispy coating develop just right. If you’re short on time, pre-cut chicken cutlets work perfectly as well.
Step 2: Season Your Chicken
Give each cutlet a generous yet balanced sprinkle of salt, cracked black pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. This seasoning layer infuses the chicken with classic Italian flavors, creating a mouthwatering base for the crunchy coating.
Step 3: Create the Breading Station and Coat the Chicken
Set up three shallow bowls: one with all-purpose flour, one with whisked egg, and one with a mixture of breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and freshly cracked pepper. First, dredge the chicken lightly in the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it fully into the egg wash to help the breadcrumb mixture stick. Finally, press each piece thoroughly into the breadcrumb mix, coating it on all sides to achieve that perfect, flavorful crust.
Step 4: Pan-Fry to Golden Crisp
Heat the cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat—hot enough so the chicken sizzles as soon as it touches the pan. Carefully place the cutlets in and cook for about five minutes without moving them to develop a golden, crispy exterior that’s simply irresistible.
Step 5: Add the Sauce, Cheese, and Finish Cooking
After flipping the cutlets, reduce the heat to medium and top each piece with a couple of tablespoons of marinara sauce and a generous quarter cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Placing a lid over the skillet traps the heat and steam, allowing the cheese to melt to perfection and the chicken to cook through gently for about five to seven minutes.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a bright, fresh finish. Serve your Classic Chicken Parmesan Recipe hot with your favorite sides, and enjoy every tender, crispy, cheesy bite.
How to Serve Classic Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley is a simple yet beautiful garnish that brings a touch of color and a burst of mild herbal brightness. You can also add a grating of extra Parmesan for those who love an added cheese kick.
Side Dishes
Classic sides such as spaghetti tossed lightly in marinara sauce complement the dish wonderfully, soaking up any extra sauce. Roasted or steamed vegetables, garlic bread, or a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette also balance the richness of the chicken parmesan beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a twist, serve your Classic Chicken Parmesan Recipe as a hearty sandwich with crusty rolls and extra marinara for dipping. Alternatively, layer it in a casserole dish with pasta and extra cheese for a family-style bake that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once fully cooled, place any leftover chicken parmesan in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep its flavor and texture well for up to three days, making it perfect for quick lunches or next-day dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked Classic Chicken Parmesan Recipe by wrapping each piece individually in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen chicken parmesan can be stored for up to two months, ready to be enjoyed whenever you need a comforting meal.
Reheating
To reheat, place the chicken on a baking sheet and warm it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 to 15 minutes until heated through and the cheese is melty again. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the crispy coating from becoming soggy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used, but be aware they might take a bit longer to cook through and their texture is a little different—juicier and more tender.
What’s the best way to get a super crispy crust?
Make sure your oil is hot before adding the chicken and avoid overcrowding the pan. Pressing the breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken before frying also helps build a thick, crispy crust.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free versions. Many stores offer gluten-free panko-style breadcrumbs that work perfectly here.
Is it necessary to cover the skillet when melting the cheese?
Covering the skillet traps steam and heat, helping the cheese melt evenly and thoroughly while gently finishing cooking the chicken without drying it out. It’s definitely recommended for the best result.
What marinara sauce works best for this recipe?
While homemade marinara is ideal for rich flavor, a quality store-bought marinara with fresh tomato, garlic, and herb flavors will work beautifully and save time.
Final Thoughts
This Classic Chicken Parmesan Recipe is truly a comforting, crowd-pleasing favorite that brings warmth and joy to the table. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special weekend feast, I encourage you to try this recipe and savor each tender, crunchy, cheesy bite—you might just find yourself making it again and again!
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Classic Chicken Parmesan Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This classic Chicken Parmesan recipe features crispy breaded chicken cutlets topped with savory marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese, all cooked to perfection in a skillet. Ready in just under 25 minutes, it’s a quick and comforting Italian-American favorite perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Chicken and Breading
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- â…“ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- 1 egg
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
Cooking and Toppings
- ¼ cup cooking oil
- ½ cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken cutlets: Use a sharp knife to carefully filet the chicken breasts lengthwise into two thin cutlets each, making 4 cutlets total. Alternatively, use pre-cut chicken cutlets for convenience.
- Season the chicken: Lightly season both sides of each chicken cutlet with a pinch of salt, freshly cracked black pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder to enhance the flavor.
- Bread the chicken: In one shallow bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and freshly cracked pepper. In a second shallow bowl, whisk the egg until smooth. In a third shallow bowl, place the flour. Dredge each chicken cutlet first in flour, shaking off excess, then dip into the beaten egg, letting excess drip off. Finally, coat thoroughly in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture on both sides.
- Cook the chicken: Heat the cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until very hot. Add the chicken cutlets and cook without moving until the underside is golden brown, about 5 minutes.
- Add sauce and cheese: Flip the chicken cutlets. Reduce the heat to medium. Spoon 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce over each cutlet, then sprinkle ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Cover the skillet with a lid to trap heat, allowing the cheese to melt and the chicken to cook through, about 5–7 minutes more.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the lid and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the chicken, if using. Serve hot with your choice of pasta and extra marinara sauce.
Notes
- For even cooking, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before slicing.
- If you prefer a crispier crust, finish the chicken under a broiler for 1-2 minutes after melting the cheese.
- Use low-moisture mozzarella for less sogginess.
- Serve with your favorite pasta or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
