Italian Chicken Parmesan

Who doesn’t love a classic Chicken Parmesan? The crispy, golden-brown chicken cutlets topped with rich marinara sauce and gooey, melted cheese—what could be better than that? This Italian Chicken Parmesan is a total crowd-pleaser and the kind of dish that never fails to impress. It’s hearty, comforting, and filled with all the flavors you crave from Italian cuisine. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to make and perfect for any occasion—whether you’re cooking for the family or hosting a cozy dinner with friends. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be hooked!

Why You’ll Love Italian Chicken Parmesan

• Classic Comfort Food: It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug. Crispy chicken, melty cheese, and savory sauce—all piled together to make a comforting meal that’s simply irresistible.
• Crowd-Pleasing: This recipe is perfect for feeding a group. Kids and adults alike will be clamoring for more, and it’s sure to be the star of any dinner table.
• Made from Scratch: From the crispy breading to the homemade marinara sauce, you’ll taste the difference when you make this from scratch. (Don’t worry—it’s easy to make!)
• Versatile: You can serve this with pasta, on a sandwich, or even on top of a fresh salad. The possibilities are endless, and it’s always delicious.
• Satisfying Yet Simple: It’s impressive without being complicated. You can whip this up without any special skills—just a little time and love!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless, and pounded thin for even cooking.
• Breadcrumbs: Use seasoned breadcrumbs for extra flavor.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated for the best flavor.
• Eggs: To dip the chicken in before breading.
• Flour: For coating the chicken before dipping in the egg wash.
• Salt and pepper: To season the chicken and breading.
• Olive oil: For frying the chicken to crispy perfection.

For the Marinara Sauce:

• Olive oil: For sautéing garlic and onions.
• Garlic: Freshly minced to bring out the bold Italian flavor.
• Crushed tomatoes: The base of the marinara sauce.
• Tomato paste: To thicken the sauce and deepen the flavor.
• Dried oregano and basil: For authentic Italian seasoning.
• Sugar: Just a pinch to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
• Salt and pepper: To taste.

For Assembling:

• Mozzarella cheese: Freshly shredded for that gooey, melty texture.
• Parmesan cheese: Extra for sprinkling on top of the chicken.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Take your chicken breasts and gently pound them to an even thickness (about 1/2 inch thick). This ensures they cook evenly and stay juicy. Season the chicken with salt and pepper on both sides.

Next, set up a breading station: Place flour in one shallow dish, beaten eggs in another, and a mixture of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese in a third. Coat each chicken breast in flour, dip it in the egg wash, and then dredge it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure it sticks.

Step 2: Fry the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the breaded chicken breasts and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your skillet. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Step 3: Make the Marinara Sauce

While the chicken is cooking, prepare the marinara sauce. In a separate saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and onion, and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.

Add in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the flavors to meld together and thicken slightly.

Step 4: Assemble the Chicken Parmesan

Once the chicken is cooked and the sauce is ready, it’s time to assemble! Place each crispy chicken breast in a baking dish. Spoon a generous amount of marinara sauce over each piece of chicken, and top with a handful of mozzarella cheese and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Step 5: Bake

Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. If you like your cheese extra bubbly, feel free to broil for the last 2-3 minutes.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Remove the Chicken Parmesan from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving. You can serve it with your favorite pasta, a side of garlic bread, or even on its own with a simple green salad.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 620
Total Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 140mg
Sodium: 1000mg
Total Carbohydrate: 44g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 8g
Protein: 45g
Vitamin A: 15%
Vitamin C: 25%
Calcium: 25%
Iron: 15%

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

How to Serve Italian Chicken Parmesan

• With Pasta: This is a classic pairing. Serve with spaghetti, fettuccine, or your favorite pasta for a hearty meal.
• With Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread is the perfect accompaniment for scooping up the delicious marinara sauce.
• On a Sandwich: For a fun twist, turn this Chicken Parmesan into a sandwich with some crispy bread and a side of salad.
• With a Fresh Salad: A light, crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette will balance out the richness of the chicken.

Additional Tips

• Make Ahead: You can bread and fry the chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just top with sauce and cheese, then bake until bubbly.
• Add Veggies: Toss in some sautéed spinach or roasted bell peppers in with the sauce for extra veggies.
• Leftovers: Chicken Parmesan makes fantastic leftovers! Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven for the best results.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A1: Yes! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure your pasta is also gluten-free for a completely gluten-free meal.

Q2: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A2: Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add extra juiciness and flavor. Just make sure they are boneless and skinless for easy cooking.

Q3: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A3: Yes, you can bread and fry the chicken in advance. Just assemble it with the sauce and cheese, and store it in the fridge. Bake when ready to serve.

Q4: Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?
A4: Sure! While homemade marinara gives it that extra touch, a good-quality store-bought sauce works in a pinch.

Q5: Can I freeze leftovers?
A5: Yes, you can freeze leftover Chicken Parmesan. Just place it in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven when ready to eat.

Q6: What type of pasta should I use?
A6: Classic spaghetti works great, but you can also use fettuccine, penne, or even a gluten-free pasta.

Q7: How can I make this recipe spicier?
A7: Add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or sprinkle some on top of the chicken before serving for an extra kick.

Q8: Can I make this without frying the chicken?
A8: Yes! You can bake the chicken instead of frying it. Just coat it in breadcrumbs and Parmesan, then bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes until crispy and cooked through.

Q9: Can I use a different cheese?
A9: If you don’t have mozzarella, you can substitute it with provolone or fontina for a slightly different flavor, though mozzarella is the classic choice.

Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Absolutely! Just make sure to use a larger baking dish to accommodate the extra chicken, and bake as directed.

Conclusion

Italian Chicken Parmesan is everything you love about classic Italian comfort food—crispy chicken, tangy marinara, and plenty of melty cheese. It’s the perfect dish for any occasion, and it’s so easy to make! Whether you’re feeding the family or impressing guests, this Chicken Parmesan will always hit the spot. Buon appetito!

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