This classic Chicken Parmesan is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines crispy, breaded chicken with rich marinara sauce and gooey melted mozzarella cheese. Perfectly seasoned and baked to golden perfection, it’s a crowd-pleasing meal that’s easy to make at home. Serve it with spaghetti or garlic bread for a complete Italian-inspired dinner.
Ingredients
(Serves 4)
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to an even thickness)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs , beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil , for serving
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) . Lightly grease a baking sheet or a casserole dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
2. Prepare the Breading Station
- Set up three shallow bowls for breading:
- Bowl 1: Place the flour .
- Bowl 2: Add the beaten eggs .
- Bowl 3: Combine the breadcrumbs , grated Parmesan cheese , Italian seasoning , salt , and black pepper . Mix well.
3. Bread the Chicken
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
- Dredge each chicken breast in the flour , shaking off any excess.
- Dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs , ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Finally, press the chicken into the breadcrumb mixture , patting gently to adhere the coating evenly.
4. Pan-Seal the Chicken
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the breaded chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes per side , or until golden brown. You’re not fully cooking the chicken here—just sealing the breading. Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Add Sauce and Cheese
- Spoon 2–3 tablespoons of marinara sauce over each chicken breast, spreading it evenly.
- Top each piece of chicken with a slice of mozzarella cheese , covering the sauce completely.
6. Bake the Chicken
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes , or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C ) and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
7. Garnish and Serve
- Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 2–3 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the Chicken Parmesan over a bed of cooked spaghetti or linguine, topped with extra marinara sauce.
- Pair with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Tips for Success
- Pound the Chicken Evenly: Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness (about ½ inch). This ensures even cooking.
- Use Fresh Mozzarella: For a creamier texture, substitute sliced fresh mozzarella for standard cheese slices.
- Make Ahead: Bread the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Chicken Parmesan is a perfect balance of crispy, cheesy, and saucy goodness. The Parmesan-infused breadcrumb coating adds extra flavor, while the marinara and mozzarella create a rich, melty topping that’s irresistible. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress.
Enjoy this classic Italian favorite—it’s comfort food at its finest!
