Delicious Chicken Parmesan: A Classic Italian Favorite

Chicken Parmesan is a beloved dish that has captivated the hearts of many food enthusiasts around the world. This popular Italian-American hybrid features tender breaded chicken breasts layered with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese, typically served over spaghetti or ziti pasta. If you're looking for a comforting and delicious meal to prepare at home, this recipe is perfect for you.

This dish not only tastes great but also offers a wonderful balance of flavors from the sweet tomato sauce, savory herbs, and gooey melted cheese. Making Chicken Parmesan can be as simple or complex as you'd like it to be; we’ll keep things straightforward so that even beginners in the kitchen will have success when following these steps.

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb/0.5 kg)
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
4 large eggs (beaten)
3 cups breadcrumbs (store-bought or homemade)
2 tablespoons olive oil
8 ounces spaghetti or ziti pasta
1 jar of your favorite marinara sauce (about 24 oz/675 g)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, plus extra for serving

Instructions

Prep the Chicken: Pat dry the chicken breasts with paper towels. In a shallow dish mix together the flour and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan. In another dish whisk together the eggs, then combine them with 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs along with the remaining Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Bread the Chicken: Dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture and then press it through the flour and breadcrumb mix. Transfer to a plate or baking sheet lined with wax paper as you go.
Fry the Chicken Parmesan: Heat up 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Working in batches if necessary, add the breaded chicken breasts to the hot oil and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through.
Bake the Chicken Parmesan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the chicken is cooked, arrange it on a baking dish. Pour the marinara sauce over top, and then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese. Place in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the cheese has melted.
Prepare Pasta: While the chicken is baking, cook your pasta according to package instructions. Drain when done and toss it with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
Serve: Once the chicken has finished cooking in the oven, remove from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Arrange the cooked pasta on plates, top each portion of pasta with a piece of Chicken Parmesan, garnished with extra mozzarella cheese if desired.

Cooking Time & Servings

Preparation time: About 30 minutes
Cooking time in the oven: Approximately 25 minutes
Total preparation and cooking time: Around 1 hour
Servings: 4 generous portions

Tips for Success

To ensure your chicken stays juicy, make sure you don't overcook it. It should be golden brown but still slightly pink in the center.
The sauce can vary based on personal taste preferences or what kind of marinara is available to you. You could also add fresh basil leaves for extra flavor!
If you want a lighter version, use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour and replace some breadcrumbs with crushed whole almonds or walnuts.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

This dish is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile. It can be enjoyed as part of a casual weeknight dinner, served alongside various vegetables for a balanced meal, or transformed into a delightful appetizer by reducing portion sizes and serving with toothpicks.

The combination of savory herbs, tangy sauce, and gooey cheese makes Chicken Parmesan a satisfying and comforting dish. Whether you're craving something familiar from your childhood or looking for a new recipe to impress friends and family, this classic Italian-American favorite is sure to please everyone at the table!