Irresistible Classic Chicken Parmigiana Recipe for Cozy Nights

Classic chicken parmigiana represents a beloved Italian-American comfort dish that always sparks incredible memories.

Crispy breaded chicken breasts get topped with rich marinara and melted cheese for an irresistible combination.

My grandmother first taught me how to craft this delectable recipe during summer weekends.

Golden-brown chicken cutlets emerge from the skillet with a perfectly crunchy exterior and tender interior.

Melted mozzarella creates a luxurious blanket that complements the savory tomato sauce.

Authentic Italian techniques merge with American culinary creativity in this mouthwatering meal.

Each bite promises a delightful blend of textures and robust flavors that you’ll absolutely adore.

Dive into this classic recipe and experience a culinary journey that connects generations of home cooks.

Chicken Parmigiana That’s Crispy Saucy And Classic

• Simplify Cooking Technique: Master this classic Italian-American dish with straightforward steps that transform basic ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Prepare this entire recipe in under 45 minutes, perfect for busy families craving a delicious, satisfying dinner that doesn't require hours of kitchen work.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Explosion: Crispy breaded chicken, rich marinara sauce, and melted cheese create an irresistible combination that appeals to both kids and adults, guaranteeing clean plates and happy smiles around the dinner table.
• Versatile Meal Option: Easily customize by serving with different sides like roasted vegetables, spaghetti, or creating a sandwich, making this recipe adaptable for various dining preferences and occasions.

What’s Coated in Chicken Parmigiana

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein base for the main dish, choose boneless and skinless for easier preparation.

• Flour: Light, powdery base for creating crispy exterior, all-purpose white flour works best.
• Eggs, Milk: Binding agents that help breadcrumbs stick to chicken, use fresh ingredients.
• Breadcrumbs, Parmesan Cheese: Provides crispy, flavorful coating, Italian-style breadcrumbs recommended.

• Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper, Oregano: Essential flavor enhancers for the coating, use dried herbs for consistent taste.

• Marinara Sauce: Classic tomato-based sauce that adds moisture and traditional flavor.
• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Melty, rich cheese topping that creates golden, bubbly crust.

• Olive Oil: Provides smooth frying medium with light flavor, extra virgin preferred.
• Fresh Basil: Aromatic garnish that adds fresh, bright finish to the dish.

Breaded and Baking Guide for Chicken Parmigiana

Step 1: Slice and Tenderize Chicken

Grab your chicken breasts and slice each one horizontally to create 4 thin cutlets.

Use a meat mallet to gently pound the chicken until it’s uniformly thin, ensuring every bite cooks evenly and stays super tender.

Step 2: Create Crispy Coating Station

• Flour
• Whisked eggs and milk
• Breadcrumb mixture with
• Parmesan cheese
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Dried oregano

Dip each chicken piece first in flour, then egg wash, and finally roll in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture.

Step 3: Fry to Golden Perfection

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot pan.

Cook each side for 3-4 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown and develop a crispy exterior.

Step 4: Build Cheesy Layers

Heat the oven to 400°F.

Spread marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.

• Marinara sauce
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly

Slide the dish into the oven and bake uncovered for 12-15 minutes.

The cheese should melt and become irresistibly bubbly.

For an extra touch, broil for 2-3 minutes to create a gorgeous golden cheese crust.

Step 6: Garnish and Enjoy

Sprinkle fresh basil leaves over the top.

Serve immediately alongside pasta, a crisp salad, or warm garlic bread for a complete meal that’ll make everyone at the table cheer.

Chicken Parm Crisp & Sauce Tips

• Use a sharp knife and cut chicken breasts evenly to ensure uniform thickness and consistent cooking time.
• Pound cutlets gently between plastic wrap to create tender, even-sized pieces that cook quickly and prevent tough texture.
• Press breadcrumb mixture firmly onto chicken to create a thick, crunchy exterior that locks in moisture and adds delicious texture.
• Maintain medium heat while frying to achieve golden-brown crust without burning the breading or undercooking the chicken.
• Allow cheese to bubble and slightly brown during final broiling stage for rich, appetizing presentation and enhanced flavor profile.

Chicken Parmigiana That Reheats Like It’s Just Made

• Store leftover chicken parmigiana in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation.
• Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for maximum 2 months to maintain best quality and texture.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through and cheese melts.
• Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, checking to prevent overcooking. Add a splash of marinara sauce to keep chicken moist and prevent rubbery texture.

Zesty Matches For Chicken Parm

• Pair Crisp Italian Pinot Grigio: Light, zesty white wine cuts through the richness of the cheesy chicken, complementing its savory flavors with bright, refreshing notes.
• Create Classic Caesar Salad Side: Tangy dressing and crisp romaine provide a cool, crunchy contrast to the hot, melted cheese and crispy chicken coating.
• Serve Garlic Herb Focaccia Bread: Soft, herbed Italian bread absorbs the marinara sauce perfectly, offering a delicious accompaniment that enhances the main dish's Mediterranean profile.
• Select Robust Chianti Red Wine: Medium-bodied Italian red wine with subtle tannins matches the tomato sauce's acidity and the chicken's hearty texture, creating a harmonious dining experience.

Parmigiana Chicken Crust Variants

• Gluten-Free Chicken Parmigiana: Replace traditional breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free panko for a celiac-friendly version that maintains crispy texture.
• Keto-Friendly Chicken Parmesan: Swap breadcrumbs for crushed pork rinds or ground almonds, use low-carb marinara sauce, and choose full-fat cheeses to align with ketogenic dietary requirements.
• Vegetarian Eggplant Parmigiana: Substitute chicken with thick-sliced eggplant, following the same breading and baking techniques for a plant-based alternative that delivers similar flavor profiles.
• Lighter Baked Chicken Parmigiana: Skip pan-frying and instead spray chicken cutlets with olive oil cooking spray, then bake directly on a wire rack to reduce oil content and create a healthier preparation method.

FAQs

• What is the best type of chicken for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work perfectly. They provide a lean, tender base that cooks evenly and absorbs flavors well.

• How can I make the breading extra crispy?

Use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs. Panko creates a crunchier, lighter coating that stays crisp longer. Pat the chicken completely dry before coating to prevent sogginess.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the flour and regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs. The technique remains the same, ensuring you’ll still get a delicious crispy exterior.

• Why do I need to pound the chicken?

Pounding chicken creates uniform thickness, which ensures even cooking. Thinner cutlets cook faster and more consistently, preventing dry or undercooked sections. It also helps the breading adhere better and creates a more tender texture.

Classic Chicken Parmigiana Recipe

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4.7 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Irresistible classic chicken parmigiana delivers Italian-American comfort on a plate, promising crispy golden chicken beneath rich marinara and melted cheese. Passionate cooks can savor each perfectly layered bite, bringing restaurant-quality magic directly to home kitchens.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (halved to make 4 cutlets)

Breading and Seasoning:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

Sauce and Cheese Topping:

• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup olive oil (for frying)
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil (chopped, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Butterfly and tenderize chicken breasts by slicing them horizontally and gently pounding to ensure uniform thickness, promoting even cooking and optimal texture.
2. Create a strategic three-station coating setup: first dredge cutlets in flour to absorb moisture, then immerse in seasoned egg wash for adhesion, and finally coat thoroughly with herbed breadcrumb mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
3. Heat olive oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet until shimmering, then carefully place breaded cutlets, allowing each side to transform into a golden, crisp exterior without overcrowding the pan.
4. Prepare a baking vessel by spreading a thin marinara layer, creating a flavorful foundation for the chicken cutlets to rest upon before adding a generous blanket of melting mozzarella and sharp Parmesan cheese.
5. Transfer the assembled dish to a preheated oven, allowing the cheese to melt luxuriously and develop a slightly caramelized surface, intensifying the overall flavor profile.
6. Finish the dish with a delicate sprinkle of freshly torn basil leaves, presenting a visually appealing and aromatic classic chicken parmigiana that pairs wonderfully with complementary side dishes.

Notes

• Slice chicken breasts carefully to ensure uniform thickness, preventing uneven cooking and dry edges.
• Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound cutlets gently, creating tender and consistent pieces that cook evenly.
• Add extra crunch by double-dipping cutlets in breadcrumb mixture for a thicker, crispier coating that stays golden and crisp.
• Experiment with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour for a low-carb version that maintains the classic crispy texture.
• Pat chicken completely dry before coating to help breading adhere better and create a crispier exterior.
• Control oil temperature between 350-375°F to prevent burning and ensure perfectly golden chicken without greasy results.
• Swap marinara for lighter tomato sauce to reduce calories and create a healthier version of this classic dish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 577
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 1043 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 46 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 151 mg