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Chicken Parmesan is a delicious and hearty dish that combines crispy breaded chicken with rich marinara sauce and melted cheese.
It’s a comforting meal that brings together savory flavors and textures.
Whether served with pasta or enjoyed on its own, this dish is sure to satisfy.
What is Chicken Parmesan?
Chicken Parmesan, also known as Chicken Parmigiana, is an Italian-American classic.
It consists of breaded and fried chicken cutlets topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese.
It’s typically baked in the oven to create a crispy, golden crust while the cheese becomes gooey and delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this recipe, gather the following ingredients:
- Chicken breasts (boneless and skinless)
- Eggs
- Bread crumbs (preferably Italian-style)
- Parmesan cheese
- Marinara sauce
- Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- Olive oil
- Garlic powder
- Dried basil
- Salt and pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Baked Chicken Parmesan
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C).
This ensures that the oven is at the perfect temperature for baking the chicken and melting the cheese.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Take the chicken breasts and season them with salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder.
You may want to flatten the chicken slightly to ensure even cooking.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
In one shallow dish, beat the eggs. In another dish, mix the bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, and a sprinkle of dried basil.
Dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated, then coat it in the breadcrumb mixture.
Press the breadcrumbs into the chicken to ensure it sticks well.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, fry the chicken breasts for about 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
You’re not cooking the chicken all the way through here, just giving it a nice crispy exterior.
Step 5: Assemble the Dish
Place the fried chicken breasts on a baking sheet.
Spoon marinara sauce over each piece, then top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
Step 6: Bake the Chicken
Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 7: Serve
Once the chicken is ready, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
Serve it with pasta, garlic bread, or a fresh salad for a complete meal. Enjoy your homemade Chicken Parmesan!
Tips for the Best Baked Chicken Parmesan
- Use fresh mozzarella for the best melting texture. It adds a creamy and gooey consistency that’s perfect for Chicken Parmesan.
- Ensure that the chicken is evenly coated with breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs into the chicken to get a crispy, golden crust.
- Fry the chicken for a few minutes before baking. This helps to create a crispy exterior, even though the chicken will finish cooking in the oven.
- Don’t skip the seasoning. Season both the chicken and the breadcrumb mixture well with salt, pepper, and garlic powder for full flavor.
- If you prefer a lighter version, you can bake the chicken breasts instead of frying them, though frying gives a crispier result.
Storing and Reheating Tips
- To store leftovers, place the Chicken Parmesan in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3 days.
- When reheating, place the chicken in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil to prevent the cheese from drying out. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
- You can also reheat the chicken in the microwave, but be aware that the breading may lose some of its crispiness.
- For longer storage, Chicken Parmesan can be frozen. Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat from frozen, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Parmesan is a crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
With its crispy chicken, flavorful marinara sauce, and melty cheese, it’s a comforting meal that brings joy to the table.
Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or a special gathering, this recipe is sure to impress.
By following the simple steps and using quality ingredients, you can make a delicious version of this classic dish at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breasts.
They’re slightly more flavorful and tend to stay juicier during cooking.
2. Can I make Chicken Parmesan ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the chicken and assemble it up to a day before. Just refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.
You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly if baking from the fridge.
3. Can I make Chicken Parmesan without frying?
Yes, you can bake the chicken breasts instead of frying them.
Coat the chicken with the breadcrumb mixture and bake it at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
4. Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?
Absolutely! Store-bought marinara sauce is a great time-saver.
If you want to elevate the flavor, consider adding a pinch of dried basil or garlic powder to it before using.
5. What should I serve with Chicken Parmesan?
Chicken Parmesan pairs well with a variety of sides such as spaghetti, garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
The choice of sides depends on your preference and the occasion.
Baked Chicken Parmesan
Equipment
- 1 shallow dish for egg mixture
- 1 shallow dish for breading mixture
- 1 Large skillet
- 1 Baking sheet
- 1 small saucepan (optional, for warming marinara sauce)
- 1 oven-safe dish (optional, for serving)
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- In one shallow dish, beat the eggs. In another dish, mix the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and dried basil.
- Dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture, then coat it in the breadcrumb mixture. Press the breadcrumbs firmly into the chicken.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Place the fried chicken on a baking sheet.Spoon marinara sauce over each chicken breast and top with mozzarella cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Serve immediately with pasta, garlic bread, or a side salad.
Notes
- For a lighter version, you can bake the chicken breasts instead of frying them.
- Use freshly shredded mozzarella for a creamier melt.
- If you don’t have Italian-style breadcrumbs, you can substitute with plain breadcrumbs and add a pinch of dried oregano and basil.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
