When you think of the ultimate comfort food, Chicken Parmesan is likely at the top of the list. With its crispy, golden breaded chicken, gooey melted mozzarella, and rich marinara sauce, it’s a dish that satisfies every craving. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, Chicken Parmesan is always a winner.
In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about making this classic Italian-American dish. From creating the perfect marinara sauce to breading the chicken just right, you’ll have all the tips and tricks to make your Chicken Parmesan unforgettable.
Why Chicken Parmesan Is a Timeless Classic
Chicken Parmesan, also known as Chicken Parmigiana, is a dish that’s loved worldwide for its rich flavors and satisfying textures. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with it:
- Hearty and Filling: The combination of chicken, cheese, and marinara sauce served over pasta is a complete meal.
- Customizable: Adjust the spices, cheese, or sauce to suit your taste.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special celebration, Chicken Parmesan never disappoints.
Ingredients for Chicken Parmesan
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this iconic dish, broken down by components:
For the Marinara Sauce
| Ingredient | Quantity | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp | For sautéing the onion and garlic. |
| Onion | 1, finely diced | Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce. |
| Garlic | 1 clove, minced | For a bold, aromatic base. |
| Passata | 400g (14 oz) | Smooth tomato base for the marinara. |
| Dried oregano | 1 tsp | Classic Italian herb flavor. |
| Sugar | 1 tsp | Balances the acidity of the tomatoes. |
For the Chicken
| Ingredient | Quantity | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken breasts | 2 large | Butterflied or pounded thin for even cooking. |
| Plain flour | 3 tbsp | For coating the chicken. |
| Eggs | 2 | Lightly beaten, acts as a binder. |
| Panko breadcrumbs | 75g (1½ cups) | For a crispy breaded texture. |
| Paprika (optional) | 1 tsp | Adds color and a hint of smokiness. |
| Salt | ¼ tsp | Enhances flavor. |
| Black pepper | ¼ tsp | A touch of spice. |
| Parmesan cheese | 75g (¾ cup) | Finely grated for extra flavor in the crust. |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp | For frying the breaded chicken. |
To Finish
| Ingredient | Quantity | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Mozzarella cheese | 1 ball (4.4 oz) | Sliced, for melting on top. |
| Dried oregano | ¼ tsp | For a final sprinkle of flavor. |
To Serve
| Ingredient | Details |
|---|---|
| Cooked spaghetti | Classic pairing for Chicken Parmesan. |
| Fresh basil | Sliced, for a fresh garnish. |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Marinara Sauce
- Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, being careful not to burn it.
- Add the passata, dried oregano, and sugar. Stir to combine.
- Simmer the sauce on low heat for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken
- Butterfly or pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness. This ensures they cook evenly.
- In a shallow dish, mix the flour with salt and pepper.
- In another shallow dish, beat the eggs.
- In a third dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, paprika (if using), and grated Parmesan cheese.
3. Bread the Chicken
- Coat each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off excess.
- Dip the chicken into the egg, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Press the chicken into the breadcrumb mixture, making sure it’s evenly coated.
4. Fry the Chicken
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Fry the breaded chicken breasts for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
5. Assemble the Dish
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the fried chicken breasts in a baking dish.
- Spoon the marinara sauce over each piece of chicken.
- Top with slices of mozzarella cheese and a sprinkle of dried oregano.
6. Bake the Chicken Parmesan
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve
- Serve the Chicken Parmesan over cooked spaghetti and garnish with fresh basil.
Tips for the Perfect Chicken Parmesan
1. Use Fresh Ingredients
- Fresh mozzarella, high-quality passata, and freshly grated Parmesan make a world of difference.
2. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan
- When frying the chicken, cook in batches if necessary to maintain a crispy crust.
3. Let the Sauce Simmer
- Simmering the marinara sauce allows the flavors to meld and deepen.
Variations of Chicken Parmesan
1. Gluten-Free Version
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour. Serve with gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles.
2. Spicy Chicken Parmesan
- Add chili flakes to the marinara sauce for a spicy kick.
3. Low-Carb Option
- Replace the breadcrumbs with almond flour and serve over cauliflower rice or steamed vegetables.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | ~550 | Provides energy for your day. |
| Protein | ~40g | Supports muscle repair and growth. |
| Calcium | ~20% DV | Strengthens bones and teeth. |
| Vitamin A | ~15% DV | Boosts immune system and vision. |
FAQs About Chicken Parmesan
1. Can I make Chicken Parmesan ahead of time?
Yes! You can bread and fry the chicken in advance, then assemble and bake it just before serving.
2. Can I freeze Chicken Parmesan?
Absolutely. Assemble the dish without baking, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
3. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work well and add extra juiciness. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
4. What side dishes go well with Chicken Parmesan?
Garlic bread, Caesar salad, roasted vegetables, or sautéed spinach are excellent choices.
5. How can I make the dish vegetarian?
Use breaded and fried eggplant slices instead of chicken for a delicious Eggplant Parmesan.
6. Can I air fry the chicken instead of pan-frying?
Yes! Air fry the breaded chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Conclusion: Make Chicken Parmesan Tonight!
Few dishes bring people together like Chicken Parmesan. Its crispy, cheesy, and saucy perfection makes it a go-to comfort food for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet dinner at home or hosting a festive gathering, this recipe will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Gather your ingredients, follow these easy steps, and savor the joy of creating a classic dish that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat. Happy cooking! 🍽️
Chicken Parmesan: The Ultimate Comfort Food
Chicken Parmesan is the perfect blend of crispy, golden breaded chicken, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted mozzarella cheese. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, this classic Italian-American dish delivers hearty flavors and comfort in every bite.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Frying and baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
For the Marinara Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, finely diced
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 400g (14 oz) passata
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon sugar
For the Chicken:
- 2 large chicken breasts (butterflied or pounded thin)
- 3 tablespoons plain flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 75g (1½ cups) panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 75g (¾ cup) Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
To Finish:
- 1 ball (4.4 oz) mozzarella cheese, sliced
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
To Serve:
- Cooked spaghetti
- Fresh basil, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinara Sauce
- Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add passata, dried oregano, and sugar. Stir to combine.
- Simmer on low heat for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken
- Butterfly or pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness.
- Mix the flour with salt and pepper in a shallow dish.
- Beat the eggs in a second shallow dish.
- In a third dish, combine panko breadcrumbs, paprika (if using), and Parmesan cheese.
- Bread the Chicken
- Coat each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off the excess.
- Dip the chicken into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Press the chicken into the breadcrumb mixture, evenly coating it.
- Fry the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Fry the breaded chicken for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Assemble the Dish
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place fried chicken breasts in a baking dish.
- Spoon marinara sauce over each piece.
- Top with slices of mozzarella and a sprinkle of dried oregano.
- Bake the Chicken Parmesan
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve
- Serve hot over cooked spaghetti and garnish with fresh basil.
Notes
- Make It Ahead: Bread and fry the chicken in advance, then assemble and bake just before serving.
- Storage: Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave in intervals.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with breaded eggplant slices for Eggplant Parmesan.