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Chicken Parmesan Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 102 reviews

This classic Chicken Parmesan recipe features tender, breaded chicken breasts coated in a crispy parmesan and breadcrumb mixture, pan-fried to golden perfection, then baked with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. Finished with fresh basil, it makes a comforting and flavorful Italian-American favorite perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut in half horizontally to make 6 breast halves

Breading

  • ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, divided
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup panko bread crumbs
  • 1 cup Italian style bread crumbs or additional panko
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Cooking

  • 3 Tablespoons oil

Sauce and Topping

  • 24 ounces marinara sauce, homemade or store-bought
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create six thin chicken breast halves. This helps them cook evenly and makes for perfect portions.
  2. Make the breading mixtures: In one shallow bowl, beat the 2 eggs. In a second bowl, combine ½ cup grated parmesan cheese, 1 cup panko bread crumbs, 1 cup Italian style bread crumbs, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder. This mixture will give the chicken a flavorful and crispy coating.
  3. Bread the chicken: Dip each chicken half first into the beaten eggs, then dredge it thoroughly in the breadcrumb and parmesan mixture, pressing to adhere well. This double coating ensures a golden, crispy crust.
  4. Pan-fry the chicken: Heat 3 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the breaded chicken halves and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked in this step, as it will finish in the oven.
  5. Assemble the Chicken Parmesan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the fried chicken breasts over the sauce. Spoon additional marinara over each piece and sprinkle with the remaining parmesan cheese and 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
  6. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
  7. Garnish and serve: Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving for a pop of herbal freshness and color.

Notes

  • For juicier chicken, brine the chicken halves in salted water for 15-30 minutes before breading.
  • You can use homemade marinara sauce for a fresher taste or select a high-quality store-bought sauce.
  • If you prefer baking over frying, brush breaded chicken with oil and bake at 425°F for 20-25 minutes until golden and crispy before assembling with sauce and cheese.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
  • Serve with pasta, a green salad, or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Keywords: Chicken Parmesan, Breaded Chicken, Italian-American Recipe, Fried Chicken Parmesan, Easy Chicken Dinner

Find it online: https://busyrecipe.com/chicken-parmesan-recipe/