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How to Make the Best Authentic Chicken Parmesan

Delicious Chicken Parmesan, also known as Chicken Parmigiana, is a beloved Italian-American dish that never fails to satisfy. 

With its crispy breaded chicken, tangy marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese, it’s the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for any occasion. 

chicken parmesan

A Classic chicken Parmesan recipe features tender chicken breasts that are breaded, fried until golden and crispy, then smothered in marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. 

The result is a dish that’s crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and bursting with flavor. 

Served atop a bed of hot pasta or alongside a fresh salad, Chicken Parmesan makes for a satisfying and delicious meal that everyone will love.

Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or hosting a dinner party, this timeless dish is sure to impress. 

So how do you make chicken parmesan? 

chicken parmesan

How to Chicken Parmesan in the Oven

Ingredients:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-style)
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Olive oil for frying
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
chicken parmesan ingredients

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 375°F.

Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound chicken to an even thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin.

You will want to use thin chicken cutlets because they cook more quickly and evenly, resulting in tender and juicy Chicken Parmesan.

Use a paper towel to pat the chicken breasts dry before breading. Excess moisture on the surface of the chicken can prevent the breading from adhering properly.

Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.

How do you get breading to stick to chicken parmesan?

Set up a dredging station with three shallow bowls: one with all purpose flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with grated Parmesan cheese.

chicken parmesan

Dredge chicken breasts in the flour, shaking off any excess, then dip it into the beaten egg mixture, and finally coat it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.

Let the breaded chicken breasts sit for about a half hour in the refrigerator before cooking. This allows the breading to set and adhere to the chicken.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the breaded chicken breasts until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees. 

Don’t overcrowd the skillet. Fry the chicken breasts in batches if necessary to ensure they brown evenly.

frying chicken cutlets

Let the breaded chicken breast rest on a wire rack.

Transfer the browned chicken breasts to a baking dish. Spoon marinara sauce over each chicken breast and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce.

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the chicken is cooked through.

chicken parmesan

Garnish your baked chicken parmesan recipe with fresh basil leaves if desired, and serve hot.

Try These Recipes: 

chicken parmesan

What is the best marinara sauce for chicken parmesan?

For the best marinara sauce for chicken Parmesan, look for one with rich tomato flavor, balanced seasoning, and a smooth texture. A rich homemade tomato sauce is always a great option if you have the time to make it.

If you’re looking for a convenient store-bought option, Rao’s Homemade Marinara Sauce, Barilla Marinara Sauce, and Prego Traditional Italian Sauce are popular choices when making a classic chicken parmigiana recipe known for their quality ingredients and authentic taste. 

How long to bake chicken parmesan at 350 degrees?

Bake chicken Parmesan at 350°F for approximately 25 to 30 minutes. This should ensure that the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. However, it’s always a good idea to use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.

What to Serve with Chicken Parmesan

For a delicious and well-rounded meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table, try serving your chicken part recipe with: 

  • Serve your favorite pasta such as spaghetti tossed in marinara sauce or garlic butter makes a classic and comforting accompaniment to chicken Parmesan.
  • A fresh green salad or a classic caesar salad offers a light and refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the chicken. 
  • Crusty garlic bread or breadsticks brushed with garlic butter and sprinkled with Parmesan cheese are perfect for soaking up the marinara sauce and complementing the dish.
  • Roasted vegetables such as broccoli, zucchini, or asparagus are a healthy and flavorful side dish that adds color and nutrition to the meal.
  • A fresh Caprese Salad with fresh mozzarella and tomatoes makes a light and flavorful side dish that complements the Italian flavors of the chicken Parmesan.
chicken parmesan

How to reheat chicken parmesan

To reheat chicken Parmesan, you can use the oven or microwave. 

Preheat your oven to 350°F and Place the chicken Parmesan in an oven-safe dish or on a baking sheet. Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil to prevent the chicken from drying out. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Place the chicken Parmesan on a microwave-safe plate. Cover the plate with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. Microwave on high in 30-second intervals until heated through. 

How to reheat frozen chicken parmesan

If possible, thaw the frozen chicken Parmesan overnight in the refrigerator. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the thawed chicken Parmesan in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil.

Bake for about 30-40 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes to allow the cheese to become bubbly and golden. Ensure the chicken Parmesan is heated to an internal temperature of 165°F before serving

chicken parmesan

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chicken parmesan

Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Yield: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Savor the classic flavors of this mouth-watering Chicken Parmesan! This recipe guides you through creating crispy, golden chicken cutlets topped with rich marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-style)
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Olive oil for frying
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

    Preheat your oven to 375°F.
    Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound chicken to an even thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin.
    Use a paper towel to pat the chicken breasts dry before breading.
    Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
    Set up a dredging station with three shallow bowls: one with all purpose flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with grated Parmesan cheese.
    Dredge chicken breasts in the flour, shaking off any excess, then dip it into the beaten egg mixture, and finally coat it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
    Let the breaded chicken breasts sit for about a half hour in the refrigerator before cooking.
    Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the breaded chicken breasts until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.
    Let the breaded chicken breast rest on a wire rack.
    Transfer the browned chicken breasts to a baking dish. Spoon marinara sauce over each chicken breast and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce.
    Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the chicken is cooked through.
    Garnish your baked chicken parmesan recipe with fresh basil leaves if desired, and serve hot.

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