Chicken Parmesan served on a plate of spaghetti is one of the best dinners! Juicy chicken breasts, coated with crispy breadcrumbs, and layered with marinara and melted cheese. Who can say no to that?
Looking for more easy dinner recipes? Try my Lasagna Roll Ups or Homemade Spaghetti next!
About This Recipe
Lately, I've been having huge cravings for Italian food. The problem is, I don't have any good, CHEAP Italian restaurants within walking distance of my condo. Yeah, I could drive somewhere further, but gas prices are also through the roof right now. There is one small spot about a 5-minute walk away, but the last time my wife and I got two plates of pasta there, it cost us over $80 after taxes and tip. That's basically theft. So, this week, I decided to save money by making my own chicken parmesan at home.
You'll need two fat chicken breasts for this recipe. They get cut into 4 smaller cutlets, so you'll end up with 4 chicken parmesans at the end of it. In general, breading chicken can be a bit cumbersome, so if you want to double the recipe and make some extra for meal prep, that's not a bad idea. That's actually exactly what I did.
Key Ingredients
Chicken breasts: I use two large chicken breasts, which I cut in half so they cook faster. You can also use boneless chicken thighs. Make sure to pound the chicken thighs so they're even in thickness, or else they'll cook unevenly.
Eggs: For the egg wash. You'll need two large eggs.
All-purpose flour: This gets mixed with the egg wash to thicken it up and help it stick to the chicken.
Salt and pepper: I season the egg wash with salt and black pepper to give it some flavor.
Breadcrumbs: I use panko breadcrumbs, which I toss with Italian seasoning and grated Parmesan. You can also just use seasoned breadcrumbs to make things easier.
Vegetable oil: For pan-frying the chicken. Any type of cooking oil will work.
Marinara sauce: You can use your favorite marinara sauce here! Or make your own. I like the Rao's brand of marinara. It's a bit expensive, but worth it. Costco sells them in double packs, which go on sale occasionally, and I always make sure to stock up when that happens.
Mozzarella cheese: You can't have chicken parm without some cheese! Mozzarella is perfect because it melts nicely; however, any melty Italian cheese can work.
Instructions
STEP 1: Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to make 4 smaller cutlets. Try to make them even in thickness so they cook at the same rate. Set aside.
STEP 2: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, eggs, salt, and black pepper. This is the dredge. It should be the consistency of thin pancake batter. Dip a slice of chicken in this and shake off the excess.
STEP 3: In another shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs, parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Coat the chicken with the breadcrumbs.
STEP 4: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 pieces of chicken and cook for 2 minutes on each side until golden brown. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet. Add the remaining oil and repeat with the last 2 pieces of chicken.
STEP 5: Top the breaded chicken with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese.
STEP 6: Bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is golden and the chicken is cooked through (should be 160°F in the thickest point). Optionally, garnish with some chopped parsley for color.
📋 Recipe
Chicken Parmesan
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 4 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to make 4 smaller cutlets. Set aside.
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, eggs, salt, and black pepper. This is the dredge. It should be the consistency of thin pancake batter. Add more flour if it's too runny. You can also add water to loosen it up.
- Combine the breadcrumbs, parmesan, and Italian seasoning in another shallow dish.
- Dredge the chicken in the egg wash and shake off excess, then coat in the breadcrumbs. Set aside.
- Now, preheat your oven to 450°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 pieces of chicken and cook for 2 minutes on each side until golden brown. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet. Add the remaining oil and repeat with the last 2 pieces of chicken.
- Top the breaded chicken with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is golden and the chicken is cooked through (should be 160°F in the thickest point).
Leave a Reply