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Ultimate Easy Chicken Parmesan Recipe Best-Ever
This Chicken Parmesan recipe is everything you want in a comforting dinner: crisp, golden chicken covered in rich marinara sauce, melted mozzarella, and savory Parmesan. It is simple enough for a weeknight yet satisfying enough to serve when guests are coming over.
Prep Time: Not provided
Cook Time: Not provided
Total Time: Not provided
Servings: Not provided
Why Make This Recipe
- Classic comfort food: Crispy breaded chicken, tangy marinara, and bubbling cheese make every bite satisfying.
- Simple ingredients: This recipe uses familiar pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients.
- Crowd-pleasing flavor: Chicken Parmesan is a family favorite that works well for casual dinners and special occasions.
- Easy to customize: Add fresh basil, adjust the cheese, or serve it with your favorite Italian-inspired sides.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh basil for garnish
How to Make It
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Set the oven to the required temperature so it is ready when the breaded chicken is assembled for baking.
Season chicken with salt and pepper. Coat both sides of the chicken breasts evenly to build flavor from the beginning.
Dredge each chicken breast in flour, dip into beaten eggs, and coat with breadcrumbs. Work with one chicken breast at a time, covering it in flour first, then egg, and finally breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs gently onto the chicken so they adhere well.
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and cook chicken until golden brown on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. Cook the breaded chicken in the hot oil until both sides develop a crisp, golden coating.
Transfer chicken to a baking dish, top each piece with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. Place the browned chicken in the baking dish, then spoon marinara sauce over each piece and cover with the shredded mozzarella cheese.
Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Add the grated Parmesan evenly over the mozzarella for a rich, savory topping.
Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly. Bake until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling and the dish is hot throughout.
Garnish with fresh basil before serving. Add fresh basil just before serving for a bright finish and a pop of color.
How to Serve It
- Serve the Chicken Parmesan with spaghetti tossed in marinara sauce for a classic Italian-inspired meal.
- Pair it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the rich, cheesy chicken.
- Garnish with additional fresh basil and serve with warm garlic bread for dipping into extra sauce.
How to Store It
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For the best texture, reheat the chicken in the oven until warmed through so the breadcrumb coating can crisp up again. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, though the coating may become softer.
To freeze, place cooled Chicken Parmesan in a freezer-safe container and seal it well. Thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven until hot throughout. Reheating gently helps prevent the chicken from drying out and keeps the cheese from becoming overly tough.
Helpful Tips
- Make sure the chicken is coated evenly in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs so the crust browns consistently.
- Avoid overcrowding the skillet while browning the chicken. Cooking in a single layer helps the coating become crisp and golden.
- Add the fresh basil after baking rather than before, so it stays bright and fragrant.
- Let the baked chicken rest briefly before serving to help the melted cheese settle.
Optional Variations
- Use seasoned breadcrumbs for extra flavor, or add Italian-style seasoning to the breadcrumb coating.
- Replace some or all of the mozzarella with provolone for a slightly sharper, richer cheese flavor.
- Add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for a spicy Chicken Parmesan variation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken cutlets instead of chicken breasts?
Yes. Chicken cutlets can be used in place of the 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Since they are thinner, watch them carefully while browning and baking.
Can I prepare Chicken Parmesan ahead of time?
You can bread and brown the chicken ahead of time, then add the marinara sauce and cheese before baking. Keep the prepared components refrigerated until ready to finish.
How do I keep the breading crispy?
Brown the chicken in the skillet before adding the sauce and cheese. For the best texture, avoid using more sauce than needed and reheat leftovers in the oven instead of only using the microwave.
What can I serve with Chicken Parmesan?
Spaghetti, garlic bread, a green salad, and roasted vegetables all pair well with this rich and comforting dish.
Can I freeze Chicken Parmesan?
Yes. Cool the finished chicken completely, place it in a freezer-safe container, and thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating it in the oven.
Chicken Parmesan
This Chicken Parmesan recipe features crisp, golden chicken covered in rich marinara sauce, melted mozzarella, and savory Parmesan. It's simple enough for a weeknight yet satisfying for guests.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- to taste salt and pepper
Breading
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
Toppings
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- to taste fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Season chicken with salt and pepper.
- Dredge each chicken breast in flour, dip into beaten eggs, and coat with breadcrumbs.
- Press the breadcrumbs gently onto the chicken.
Cooking
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and cook chicken until golden brown on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side.
- Transfer chicken to a baking dish, top each piece with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serving
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
Make sure the chicken is coated evenly in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs for consistent browning. Allow the chicken to rest briefly before serving.
