Description
Classic Italian Chicken Parmesan featuring breaded and pan-fried chicken breasts baked with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. This hearty and flavorful dish is perfect for a comforting family dinner, garnished with fresh basil or parsley.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Breading
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce and Toppings
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional)
Cooking
- Olive oil for frying
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper to taste. This ensures the chicken is flavorful before breading.
- Set Up Breading Station: Arrange three shallow bowls: one with all-purpose flour, one with the beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of Italian-style breadcrumbs combined with grated Parmesan cheese. This setup helps achieve a crisp and cheesy coating.
- Bread the Chicken: Dredge each chicken breast first in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip into the beaten eggs, coating thoroughly, and finally press into the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture until evenly coated. Set aside on a plate.
- Pan-Fry the Chicken: Heat a generous layer of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, fry the chicken breasts for 3 to 4 minutes per side until they develop a golden-brown crust. Transfer the cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
- Assemble for Baking: Place the fried chicken breasts into a baking dish in a single layer. Spoon marinara sauce generously over each piece, ensuring good coverage, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
- Bake the Chicken Parmesan: Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. Optionally, broil for the last 1 to 2 minutes for an extra crispy top.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley on top for a fresh herbal note. Serve hot over pasta, zucchini noodles, or alongside a crisp salad and garlic bread.
Notes
- For a crispier cheese topping, use the broil function for the last 1 to 2 minutes of baking.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with spaghetti, zucchini noodles, or a fresh side salad and garlic bread.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.
- Ensure chicken is pounded to an even thickness to promote even cooking.
