Irresistible Chicken Parmesan Recipe for Cozy Dinners

The aroma of bubbling marinara sauce wafts through the air, mingling with the crispy, golden crust of chicken parmesan. Imagine biting into tender chicken smothered in rich tomato sauce and gooey cheese that stretches as you pull away. It’s a culinary hug, perfect for cozy family dinners or impressing that special someone.

This dish isn’t just food; it’s a memory maker. I can still hear my grandmother’s laughter as she taught me to make chicken parmesan in her tiny kitchen. The sizzle of the frying pan and the smell of garlic always bring back memories of family gatherings filled with love and laughter. Whether it’s a rainy Sunday or a birthday celebration, chicken parmesan promises an explosion of flavor that will delight your taste buds.

I remember the first time I made this dish for my friends; their eyes lit up like Christmas lights when they tasted it.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding.

• Fresh Garlic: Choose firm, fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor.

• All-Purpose Flour: Helps create that perfect crispy coating on your chicken.

• Eggs: Acts as a binder for the breadcrumbs; fresh is always best for richness.

• Breadcrumbs: Use seasoned breadcrumbs for extra flavor; panko gives an extra crunch.

• Marinara Sauce: Homemade or store-bought—just ensure it’s full of flavor.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Opt for fresh mozzarella if possible; it melts beautifully and adds creaminess.

• Parmesan Cheese: Grate it fresh if you can; it adds nutty flavor and depth to your dish.

• Olive Oil: A must for frying; use high-quality oil for great taste.

• Fresh Basil (optional): For garnish; adds freshness and color that elevates your dish.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prepare Your Chicken: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Use nonstick spray on a baking dish to prevent sticking. Pat dry each chicken breast with paper towels.

Breading Station Setup: Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour seasoned with salt and pepper, another with beaten eggs, and the last with breadcrumbs mixed with Italian seasoning.

Dredge Your Chicken: Coat each breast in flour first, shaking off excess before dipping into egg wash and finally covering evenly with breadcrumbs.

Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil until shimmering. Carefully place breaded chicken breasts into the hot oil and cook until golden brown on both sides—about 4-5 minutes per side.

Add Marinara Sauce and Cheese: Once browned, transfer chicken to the prepared baking dish. Pour marinara sauce generously over each piece, then sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.

Bake Until Golden and Bubbly: Place the baking dish in your preheated oven. Bake for about 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown while ensuring the chicken is cooked through.

Now you’ve created a masterpiece! Serve this delicious chicken parmesan over pasta or alongside garlic bread for an unforgettable meal.

Enjoy every bite!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve crispy chicken parmesan, start by searing the chicken in a hot pan first. While it cooks, prepare your pasta and sauce simultaneously to save time.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out traditional breadcrumbs for panko for extra crunch. You can also add fresh basil or oregano to elevate the flavor profile.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover chicken parmesan in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 minutes to maintain its crispy texture.

Cooking chicken parmesan brings back memories of my grandma’s kitchen, filled with laughter and delicious smells. It was always a crowd-pleaser at family gatherings.

FAQ

What type of cheese works best for chicken parmesan?

Mozzarella and Parmesan are classic choices for chicken parmesan, providing great flavor and meltiness.

Can I make chicken parmesan ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the chicken and sauce in advance; just assemble before baking.

What side dishes pair well with chicken parmesan?

Serve with spaghetti, garlic bread, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.

Print

Chicken Parmesan

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• Author: Ethan Brooks
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Indulge in the heartwarming flavors of homemade Chicken Parmesan, where tender, breaded chicken meets rich marinara sauce and gooey melted cheese. This dish is perfect for cozy family dinners or impressing guests with its crispy crust and savory aroma. With simple ingredients and easy preparation steps, you can create a delicious meal that brings back fond memories and delights everyone’s taste buds.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs (or panko for extra crunch)
• 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with nonstick spray.
2. Pat each chicken breast dry with paper towels.
3. Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour seasoned with salt and pepper, another with beaten eggs, and the last with breadcrumbs mixed with Italian seasoning.
4. Dredge each chicken breast in flour, dip in egg wash, then coat evenly with breadcrumbs.
5. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the breaded chicken until golden brown on both sides (about 4-5 minutes per side).
6. Transfer the chicken to the prepared baking dish. Pour marinara sauce over each piece and sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
7. Bake for about 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown; ensure the chicken is cooked through.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking, Frying
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (180g)
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 840mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: For extra flavor, consider adding fresh basil or oregano to the breadcrumbs. Store leftovers in an airtight container; reheat at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes to maintain crispiness.