Chicken Parmesan : This dish, with its crispy breaded chicken smothered in marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese, is a true crowd-pleaser and perfect for any occasion.
What is Chicken Parmesan?
Chicken Parmesan, or Chicken Parmigiana, is a dish that consists of breaded chicken breasts that are pan-fried, then topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese. It’s commonly served over a bed of pasta or with a side of fresh greens. The origins of Chicken Parmesan can be traced back to Italian immigrants in the United States, who adapted traditional Italian dishes like Eggplant Parmesan to include meat, making it heartier and even more flavorful.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Chicken Parmesan
- Butterfly and Pound: Always butterfly and pound your chicken to ensure even cooking. This prevents dry, overcooked edges and keeps the center juicy.
- Double Dredge: For an extra crispy crust, dredge the chicken twice in the egg and breadcrumb mixture.
- Use Fresh Mozzarella: If you can, use fresh mozzarella instead of pre-shredded for a creamier, richer taste.
- Homemade Marinara: While store-bought marinara works in a pinch, a homemade sauce will elevate your Chicken Parmesan to restaurant quality. It’s worth the effort!
Creative Variations to Try
Chicken Parmesan is versatile, and you can customize it to your heart’s desire. Here are some fun variations:
- Healthy Baked Chicken Parmesan: Instead of frying, bake the breaded chicken on a wire rack at 425°F (220°C) for a healthier version. This method cuts down on oil while still delivering a crispy texture.
- Spicy Chicken Parmesan: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy kick.
- Keto-Friendly Chicken Parmesan: Swap the breadcrumbs for crushed pork rinds or almond flour to make a low-carb version.
- Eggplant Chicken Parmesan: Layer slices of fried eggplant between the chicken for a vegetarian twist.
How to Serve Chicken Parmesan
Wondering how to make your Chicken Parmesan meal complete? Here are some of my favorite serving ideas:
- Classic Pasta: Serve with spaghetti tossed in extra marinara sauce. It’s a timeless combo.
- Zucchini Noodles: For a lighter, low-carb option, pair it with spiralized zucchini noodles.
- Garlic Bread: Crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up all the extra sauce.
- Fresh Salad: A simple Caesar salad or a fresh arugula and cherry tomato salad balances the rich flavors of the dish.
How to Store and Reheat Chicken Parmesan
If you have leftovers (lucky you!), here’s how to store and reheat them:
Storing:
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: You can freeze Chicken Parmesan for up to 3 months. Wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
Reheating:
- Oven: The best way to reheat Chicken Parmesan is in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes. This keeps the crust crispy.
- Microwave: You can use the microwave for convenience, but the crust will lose some of its crispiness.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make Chicken Parmesan ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bread and fry the chicken ahead of time. Store it in the fridge and bake with the sauce and cheese just before serving.
How do I keep the breading from falling off?
Make sure the chicken is patted dry before dredging and that you press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the meat. Chilling the breaded chicken for 30 minutes before frying also helps.
What’s the best cheese for Chicken Parmesan?
Mozzarella is the classic choice, but a blend of mozzarella and provolone works wonderfully. A sprinkle of Pecorino Romano or Parmesan adds extra flavor.
Chicken Parmesan
Chicken Parmesan : This dish, with its crispy breaded chicken smothered in marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese, is a true crowd-pleaser and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Marinara Sauce:
- 6 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 (28-oz.) can crushed tomatoes
- 3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 large sprigs basil
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Chicken:
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken cutlets (1/4"-thick, about 1.5 lbs total)
- 2 cups finely grated Parmesan, divided
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1 cup vegetable or canola oil, for frying
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Fresh chopped basil, for garnish
Instructions
Making the Marinara Sauce:
- Heat olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, then lower the heat.
- Cover and let the flavors meld, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes.
- Uncover and cook until the onion is translucent and fragrant, around 5 more minutes.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes and fresh basil. Bring to a boil, then simmer over medium-low heat for 30 minutes, letting the flavors blend beautifully. Season with salt and pepper, then discard the basil.
Preparing the Chicken:
- In one bowl, mix together panko, garlic powder, and 1 cup of Parmesan. Fill a second bowl with flour. In a third, whisk eggs with a splash of water.
- Pat chicken cutlets dry and season with salt and pepper. Dip each cutlet into the flour, then the egg, and finally the panko mixture, pressing gently so the coating sticks.
- Mix shredded mozzarella with the remaining Parmesan in a small bowl.
Cooking and Assembling:
- Heat oil in a large, heavy pot until it reaches 350°F. (If it smokes a bit, don’t worry!)
- Fry each chicken cutlet for about 1 minute per side, until golden brown. The sizzling sound will get louder as moisture evaporates—this means crispy perfection! Set fried cutlets on a wire rack placed over a baking sheet.
- Spoon marinara sauce over each cutlet and top generously with the mozzarella-Parmesan mix.
- Broil until the cheese is melted and golden brown in spots, around 2 minutes. Keep a close eye to prevent burning!
Serve It Up:
- Divide the cheesy, saucy chicken onto plates, sprinkle with fresh basil, and serve with extra marinara sauce on the side.
- Perfect with pasta, a crisp salad, or garlic bread.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 765Total Fat: 36gSaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 20gCholesterol: 249mgSodium: 1155mgCarbohydrates: 42gFiber: 3gSugar: 4gProtein: 66g
Chickenrecipes.blog, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
There you have it, friends! A complete guide to making the most delectable Chicken Parmesan. Whether you’re serving it for a special dinner or a weeknight meal, this dish is sure to impress. Try out some variations, experiment with different sides, and savor every cheesy, saucy bite.
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