Description
Chicken Parmesan is a classic Italian-American comfort food featuring crispy breaded chicken cutlets topped with marinara sauce, melted mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Baked to golden perfection, this hearty dish is perfect for a satisfying family dinner and pairs wonderfully with pasta or a fresh salad.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
Breading
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Cooking
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and lightly grease a large baking dish or oven-safe skillet to prepare for baking.
- Prepare the chicken: Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound them until they are about ½ inch thick for even cooking. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Set up the breading: Arrange three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs and ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bread the chicken: Dredge each chicken breast first in the flour, shaking off any excess, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally press firmly into the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture to coat thoroughly.
- Brown the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the breaded chicken breasts for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Cook in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding.
- Add the sauce and cheese: Spoon a layer of marinara sauce over each chicken breast in the skillet, then top with shredded mozzarella and the remaining grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle fresh chopped basil or parsley over the top before serving. Enjoy hot alongside spaghetti, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken breasts are pounded evenly to cook uniformly and prevent dryness.
- Avoid adding too much marinara sauce on top of the breaded chicken to maintain crispiness.
- For an extra-crispy crust, bake the breaded chicken on a wire rack inside the baking dish.
- Freshly shredded mozzarella cheese melts best and provides optimal texture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven or air fryer to preserve crispiness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
