Get ready for the ultimate Italian-American comfort food classic that you can master in your own kitchen. Imagine a perfectly golden and crispy chicken cutlet, smothered in a rich marinara sauce, and blanketed under a layer of bubbly, melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Served over a bed of pasta, this dish is pure, satisfying bliss. This recipe will show you how simple it is to create a restaurant-quality Chicken Parmesan that’s infinitely more delicious and rewarding than any takeout.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
For the Crispy Chicken:
- 4 (6 oz) boneless, skinless chicken breasts pounded to 1/2-inch thickness
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs lightly beaten
- 1 1/2 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs (or Panko for extra crunch)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup vegetable or canola oil, for frying
For Assembly:
- 2 cups marinara sauce your favorite store-bought or homemade
- 8 oz low-moisture mozzarella cheese freshly shredded from a block
- 1/4 cup fresh basil chopped or torn, for garnish
- 1 lb spaghetti or your favorite pasta, for serving
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the pounded chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper.
- Set Up Breading Station: Arrange three shallow dishes. Place the flour in the first. In the second, whisk the eggs. In the third, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, and garlic powder.
- Bread the Chicken: Working one at a time, dredge a chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess. Dip it into the beaten eggs, letting the excess drip off. Finally, press it firmly into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated on both sides. Place the breaded chicken on a plate.
- Pan-Fry the Chicken: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place two chicken cutlets in the hot oil and fry for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown, crispy, and cooked through. Do not overcrowd the pan. Transfer the cooked chicken to a wire rack to drain. Repeat with the remaining chicken.
- Preheat Oven and Cook Pasta: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the chicken is frying, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions.
- Assemble for Baking: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the fried chicken cutlets in a single layer. Spoon a generous amount of marinara sauce over each piece of chicken.
- Add Cheese and Bake: Top each chicken breast with a hearty layer of shredded mozzarella cheese. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the hot Chicken Parmesan immediately over a bed of the cooked pasta. Garnish generously with fresh basil.
Recipe Notes:
- Pound Your Chicken: Pounding the chicken to an even 1/2-inch thickness is the most important step. It not only tenderizes the meat but also ensures it cooks quickly and evenly.
- Shred Your Own Cheese: For that perfect, gooey cheese pull, always buy a block of low-moisture mozzarella and shred it yourself. Pre-shredded cheeses contain anti-caking agents that prevent them from melting as smoothly.
- Don’t Drown the Crispy Cutlet: To preserve some of that wonderful crispy texture you worked for, spoon the sauce over the center of the chicken, leaving the edges exposed.
- Fry Like a Pro: Use a wire rack, not paper towels, to drain the fried chicken. This allows air to circulate underneath, keeping the bottom side from getting soggy.
- Serving Variations: While classic with spaghetti, Chicken Parmesan is also fantastic served in a toasted sub roll for a Chicken Parm sandwich or alongside a simple green salad for a lighter meal.
There you have it—a truly perfect, homemade Chicken Parmesan that will rival any Italian restaurant. It’s a classic for a reason, and this recipe makes it easy to bring that incredible comfort food magic to your own dinner table. Enjoy!
Estimated Nutritional Information (per serving, chicken only)
Calories: 750; Fat: 40g (Saturated Fat: 13g); Carbohydrates: 42g; Sugar: 8g; Protein: 55g; Sodium: 1400mg; Fiber: 4g;
Disclaimer: Nutritional information is estimated and can vary depending on specific ingredients, brands, and serving sizes used. This information is provided for guidance only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or nutritional advice.
