Description
This Italian Chicken Parmesan is a classic, crispy, and golden-brown chicken breast topped with marinara sauce, melted mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Served over a bed of pasta, this dish is the ultimate comfort food that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying. Perfect for family dinners, this recipe brings a taste of Italy to your table!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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2 large eggs
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1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-style)
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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1/4 cup olive oil (for frying)
For the Sauce:
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2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
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1/4 teaspoon dried basil (optional)
For Assembling:
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1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
To Serve:
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8 oz spaghetti or your favorite pasta
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Salt for pasta water
Instructions
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1. Prepare the Chicken:
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
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Set up a breading station: In one shallow dish, place the flour. In another, whisk the eggs. In a third dish, mix the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using).
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Dredge each chicken breast first in the flour, then dip it into the egg, and finally coat it with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing down to ensure it’s fully coated.
2. Fry the Chicken:
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Heat 1/4 cup of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
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Once hot, add the breaded chicken breasts and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until they are golden brown and crispy. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked through at this stage, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
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Transfer the fried chicken breasts to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
3. Prepare the Pasta:
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While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti or your preferred pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
4. Assemble the Chicken Parmesan:
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Place the fried chicken breasts in a baking dish.
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Spoon about 1/4 cup of marinara sauce over each piece of chicken.
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Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of each chicken breast, followed by a sprinkle of grated Parmesan.
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Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should be 165°F) and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
5. Serve:
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Serve the chicken Parmesan over the cooked pasta. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
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Spoon extra marinara sauce over the pasta and enjoy!
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Notes
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Make it ahead: You can prepare the breaded chicken and fry it ahead of time, then store it in the fridge until ready to bake with the sauce and cheese.
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Variations: You can add a bit of fresh mozzarella for a cheesier, more indulgent version. You can also add sautéed spinach or mushrooms for more flavor and texture.
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Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour to make this dish gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 70mg