Chicken Parmesan Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
You’ll love how this Chicken Parmesan recipe brings together crispy, golden chicken with gooey melted cheese and tangy marinara sauce. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to make, even on busy weeknights. The crispy coating stays perfectly crunchy**, even under all that cheesy goodness. It’s a one-pan wonder, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal. Plus, it’s versatile**—serve it with pasta, a salad, or even on a sandwich for a delicious twist.
Recipe
Chicken Parmesan is a classic Italian-American dish that combines crispy breaded chicken with rich marinara sauce and melted cheese. It’s a comforting and flavorful meal that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (optional)
- Olive oil for frying
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness using a meat mallet. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Set up a breading station: place flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning in a third bowl.
- Dredge each chicken breast in flour, dip in the egg, and coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing to adhere.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Transfer the chicken to a baking dish. Top each piece with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh basil if desired and serve hot.
Notes:
- For a lighter version, bake the breaded chicken instead of frying.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
- Pair with pasta or a side salad for a complete meal.
Time:
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Serving: 4
Nutrition
This classic Chicken Parmesan is a delicious and satisfying dish. Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 35 g |
| Carbohydrates | 25 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sodium | 800 mg |
What To Serve With It
I love serving my chicken parmesan with pasta because the sauce ties everything together, but a crisp side salad balances the meal perfectly. Garlic bread is always a hit, too, if you want something extra comforting. Let’s talk about the best pasta pairings and fresh salad ideas to round out your plate.
Pasta Pairings
Since chicken parmesan is rich and cheesy, you’ll want something light and simple to balance it out—that’s where pasta comes in. I love pairing it with spaghetti or angel hair because their thin shapes are perfect for soaking up marinara sauce without overwhelming the dish. For cooking techniques, I always boil my pasta al dente—it’s got the perfect bite and doesn’t get mushy. Sometimes, I’ll toss it with a little olive oil and garlic for extra flavor. Trust me, keeping it simple lets the chicken parmesan shine while still adding that comforting pasta vibe to the meal.
Side Salad Options
Pairing a side salad with chicken parmesan is a great way to add freshness and balance to the meal. I love using a mix of healthy greens like spinach, arugula, and romaine—they’re crisp and full of flavor. Adding cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese makes it even better. For dressing choices, I keep it simple with a tangy balsamic vinaigrette or a creamy Caesar. Sometimes, I’ll toss in some croutons for crunch. It’s light enough to complement the richness of the chicken parmesan but still satisfying. Trust me, it’s the perfect side!
