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Chicken Parmesan: The Ultimate Comfort Food

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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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.

Find it online: https://friendlywell.com/chicken-parmesan-the-ultimate-comfort-food/