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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
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients
  

For the Marinara Sauce:
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion finely diced
  • 1 garlic clove minced
  • 400 g 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
  • 75 g 1½ cups panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon paprika optional
  • 75 g 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

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Marinara Sauce
  2. Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  3. Add diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
  4. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  5. Add passata, dried oregano, and sugar. Stir to combine.
  6. Simmer on low heat for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Set aside.
  7. Prepare the Chicken
  8. Butterfly or pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness.
  9. Mix the flour with salt and pepper in a shallow dish.
  10. Beat the eggs in a second shallow dish.
  11. In a third dish, combine panko breadcrumbs, paprika (if using), and Parmesan cheese.
  12. Bread the Chicken
  13. Coat each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off the excess.
  14. Dip the chicken into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated.
  15. Press the chicken into the breadcrumb mixture, evenly coating it.
  16. Fry the Chicken
  17. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  18. Fry the breaded chicken for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
  19. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
  20. Assemble the Dish
  21. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  22. Place fried chicken breasts in a baking dish.
  23. Spoon marinara sauce over each piece.
  24. Top with slices of mozzarella and a sprinkle of dried oregano.
  25. Bake the Chicken Parmesan
  26. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  27. Serve
  28. 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.