If you’re craving something comforting and delicious, this chicken parmesan recipe is just what you need. With crispy, golden chicken cutlets, a rich marinara sauce, and bubbly melted cheese, it’s a dish that brings smiles to the dinner table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s an easy weeknight meal that can impress anyone.
- Crunchy, cheesy, and full of flavor, it’s a family favorite.
- Great for leftovers; you can reheat it for lunch the next day.
- Customizable with your favorite herbs or sides.
Ingredients / What You’ll Need
- 6 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup flour
- 3 eggs
- 3 tablespoons cream (you can use milk or even thinned sour cream)
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- ¼ cup minced flat leaf parsley
- 1 ½ cups breadcrumbs
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- ½ cup olive oil
- 1 quart marinara sauce
- 2 cups grated/shredded whole milk mozzarella
How to Make It
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place one chicken breast inside a gallon ziplock bag. Using a smooth mallet, pound the chicken until it’s about ½ inch thick. Set aside and repeat with the remaining chicken breasts.
- Prepare three trays for the breading: place flour in the first, beaten eggs mixed with cream and half of the parsley in the second, and breadcrumbs mixed with parmesan cheese in the third.
- Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, dip it in the egg mixture, and then coat it well with the breadcrumb mixture. Set aside and finish breading all cutlets.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Cook two cutlets at a time, turning them when they start to turn golden brown. Once cooked, transfer them to a plate.
- Add 4 big spoonfuls of marinara sauce to the bottom of a large baking or lasagna pan. Arrange the chicken cutlets in a single layer, slightly overlapping if needed. Top each cutlet with a spoonful of marinara sauce and sprinkle mozzarella cheese over all the cutlets. Finish with the rest of the minced parsley.
- Bake for 25-35 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious creation!
Tips & Variations
- For an extra buttery flavor, use whole-milk mozzarella.
- Feel free to add fresh herbs like basil for an aromatic twist.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of spaghetti or a light salad.
- You can prepare the chicken in advance and bake it right before serving!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make chicken parmesan without frying the chicken?
Absolutely! You can bake the breaded chicken cutlets instead. Just place them on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes! Pecorino Romano or a blend of Italian cheeses can add a unique flavor to your chicken parmesan.
How do I store leftover chicken parmesan?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best results.
Can I freeze chicken parmesan?
Yes! You can freeze cooked chicken parmesan. Just make sure to let it cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven when ready to serve.