Chicken Parmesan: The Classic Italian Comfort Food
If you’re craving a dinner that’s both comforting and full of flavor, look no further than Chicken Parmesan. This classic Italian-American dish combines crispy, breaded chicken cutlets, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, all baked to golden perfection. It’s the kind of meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table, whether it’s for a cozy weeknight dinner, a Sunday family meal, or even a special occasion.
At Kathryn Cooks, we love transforming traditional recipes into something truly delicious and easy to make. Our Chicken Parmesan recipe is just that—simple, flavorful, and satisfying. With a crunchy breadcrumb coating, rich marinara sauce, and plenty of gooey cheese, this dish is the epitome of comfort food. Plus, it's quick enough to make on any busy night!
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Parmesan Recipe
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Crispy & Crunchy: The breaded chicken cutlets are crispy on the outside while staying tender and juicy on the inside. This perfect balance of texture is key to making the best Chicken Parmesan.
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Cheese, Cheese, and More Cheese: This dish features both mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, giving you that satisfying cheesy goodness in every bite. The cheese melts beautifully over the chicken and marinara, adding richness and depth of flavor.
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Family-Friendly: Chicken Parmesan is a universally loved dish, making it perfect for family dinners. Whether you have kids or picky eaters in the house, this recipe is a guaranteed hit with everyone.
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Easy to Make: Although Chicken Parmesan might seem like a restaurant-style dish, it’s surprisingly simple to make at home. With a few pantry staples and a little time in the kitchen, you can recreate this beloved classic in no time.
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Versatile: While Chicken Parmesan is perfect on its own, you can serve it with a variety of sides. Pair it with pasta, garlic bread, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
How to Serve Your Chicken Parmesan
Chicken Parmesan is delicious on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can really elevate the meal. Here are a few ideas to round out your dinner:
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Pasta: Serve your Chicken Parmesan on top of a bed of spaghetti, penne, or your favorite pasta. The marinara sauce from the chicken will coat the pasta, making for a classic Italian combination.
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Garlic Bread: Crunchy, buttery garlic bread is always a perfect side to serve with Chicken Parmesan. It’s great for dipping into any leftover marinara sauce!
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Green Salad: A light, fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette is a great way to balance out the richness of the chicken. Try a simple arugula salad or a Caesar salad for a classic touch.
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Roasted Vegetables: Roasted veggies like zucchini, broccoli, or roasted bell peppers add a pop of color and nutrients, making them the perfect side for this hearty dish.
Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Ready to dive into this delicious recipe? Here’s how to make your own Chicken Parmesan from scratch:
Chicken Parmesan
Rated 5.0 stars by 1 users
Servings
4
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Chicken Parmesan is one of those dishes that’s sure to bring everyone to the table with a smile. Crispy chicken, marinara sauce, and melted cheese—it’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, hosting a gathering, or just craving a delicious homemade meal, this Chicken Parmesan recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
So why wait for takeout when you can make this comforting dish at home in no time? Grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy this classic Italian-American favorite!
Yum! this is the perfect comfort meal and packed with flavor. If you’ve ever been intimidated to make Chicken Parmesan, don’t be! Make this restaurant worthy recipe yourself in the comfort of your own home.
Author:Kathryn Martens
Ingredients
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1 cup breadcrumbs or panko
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2 eggs beaten with 1 tsp water added
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½ cup all purpose flour
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1 lb skinless chicken breast
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¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan, plus more for garnish
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1 lb fresh mozzarella slices
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24 oz marinara sauce homemade or store bought
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salt and pepper to taste
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1 lb spaghetti or pasta of choice cooked per instructions
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8-10 basil leaves
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4-5 slices provolone cheese
Directions
Preheat oven to 400º.
Cook pasta per instructions and set aside when done cooking.
Trim any access fat off chicken. If the breasts are uneven, use a meat hammer to pound them down to insure more even cooking.
Prepare breading station with three large mixing bowls or plates: one with panko/breadcrumbs and Parmesan mixed with a fork; another with the egg mixture; and the third with flour.
Season chicken with salt and pepper (or "Multi Tool"), then coat each piece of chicken in flour and shake off excess. Dip chicken into egg mixture and then into bread crumb mixture; repeat steps for remaining chicken and set aside on a plate.
In a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat, add 1/4" oil. Once oil is hot, add chicken. Cook until golden brown, 5 to 7 minutes, flipping halfway through. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
While chicken cooks, pour marinara sauce into a 9"x13" baking dish. Once chicken has drained, place chicken on top of sauce. Top with basil, provolone cheese, and mozzarella. You can add more parmesan if desired.
Place in heated oven and bake until cheese is melted, 10-12 minutes. If desired broil until cheese gets golden brown for 2-3 minutes at the end.
Garnish with parsley and Parmesan cheese and serve over cooked pasta.
Recipe Note
Tips for the Best Chicken Parmesan
Use Fresh Mozzarella: For the best melt and flavor, opt for fresh mozzarella rather than pre-shredded mozzarella. It will give your Chicken Parmesan a creamier, more luxurious texture.
Make It Ahead: You can prep the chicken and bread it earlier in the day, then store it in the fridge until you’re ready to fry and bake. This helps save time on busy evenings.
Customizing the Sauce: If you love a little spice, add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce to give it a subtle heat. You can also mix in some freshly chopped garlic or herbs like oregano for extra flavor.
Serve Over Pasta: For the ultimate Chicken Parmesan experience, serve it over your favorite pasta. Spaghetti, penne, or linguine work great with this dish!
Freezer-Friendly: If you have leftovers (or if you want to make a double batch), Chicken Parmesan freezes really well. Just freeze the cooked chicken with sauce and cheese, and bake it when you’re ready to enjoy it again.