The Ultimate Italian Chicken Parmesan Recipe: Crispy, Saucy Perfection

Nestled within culinary traditions, this ultimate italian chicken parmesan delivers a delightful symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this classic dish with passionate dedication.

Crispy golden breading meets tender chicken, creating a mouthwatering experience that transports you straight to a cozy Italian kitchen.

Melted cheese cascades over perfectly seasoned meat, promising a comfort meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Simple ingredients come together with remarkable precision, turning an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary feast.

Rich marinara sauce adds depth and complexity to every single bite.

Each forkful tells a story of authentic italian cooking that beckons you to savor every delicious moment.

Classic Italian Chicken Parmesan You’ll Love

• Create Crispy Perfection: Master a restaurant-quality chicken parmesan with an irresistible golden-brown crust that crunches with every bite.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily adapt the recipe by switching up seasonings or adding personal favorite herbs to make the dish uniquely yours.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Guaranteed to please both kids and adults with its classic flavor combination of cheesy, saucy goodness served over pasta.
• Minimal Kitchen Effort: Requires simple ingredients and straightforward cooking techniques that even beginner cooks can confidently execute without stress.

Ingredients That Make It Authentic

• Chicken Breast: High-quality meat that serves as the main star of this classic Italian dish.

• Parmesan Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Rich, flavorful cheeses that add depth and creamy texture to the chicken.

• Bread Crumbs, Italian Seasoning, Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: A perfect blend of seasonings that creates a crispy, flavorful coating for the chicken.

• Eggs: Helps the breading adhere to the chicken and creates a golden, crunchy exterior.

• Olive Oil: Provides a smooth surface for searing the chicken and adds a subtle Mediterranean flavor.
• Marinara Sauce: A classic Italian sauce that adds moisture and traditional taste to the dish.

• Fresh Basil: Adds a bright, fresh herb flavor that complements the rich chicken.
• Spaghetti: Traditional pasta base that perfectly accompanies the chicken parmesan.

How to Cook Chicken Parmesan Like a Pro

Step 1: Create Breading Zones

Set up three separate bowls to prepare your chicken for a crispy, flavorful coating.

In the first bowl, place grated Parmesan cheese.

Whisk eggs in the second bowl. In the third bowl, combine bread crumbs with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper for a seasoned crust.

Step 2: Dress the Chicken in Delicious Layers

Take each chicken breast and coat it in layers: first roll it in Parmesan cheese, then dip it into the whisked eggs, and finally press it generously into the seasoned bread crumb mixture.

Ensure the coating adheres well to create the perfect crust.

Step 3: Sizzle and Brown the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.

Cook the coated chicken pieces until they turn golden brown, about 3 minutes per side (6 minutes total).

Work in batches if the skillet becomes crowded to maintain even browning.

Step 4: Transform in the Oven

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the browned chicken breasts to an oven-safe dish.

Layer slices of mozzarella cheese on top of each piece, then pour marinara sauce generously over the chicken.

Sprinkle additional mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top. Bake until the sauce bubbles and the cheese melts completely.

Step 5: Plate and Enjoy

Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and flavor. Serve the chicken parmesan over a bed of hot spaghetti.

Enjoy a restaurant-quality meal made right in your own kitchen!

Tips to Get Crispy and Juicy Chicken

• Press bread crumb mixture firmly onto chicken to create a thick, crunchy exterior that locks in moisture and flavor.
• Pat chicken breasts completely dry before breading to ensure the coating sticks perfectly and becomes golden brown.
• Use a cast iron skillet for even heat distribution and achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust without burning the breading.
• Allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes after baking to let cheese set and prevent burning your mouth while keeping the cheese gooey.
• Swap regular bread crumbs with gluten-free panko or almond flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the same delicious crunch.

Variations to Customize the Dish

• Mediterranean Chicken Parmesan: Replace marinara with Greek-style tomato sauce, add crumbled feta cheese, and garnish with chopped kalamata olives and oregano.
• Spicy Southwest Chicken Parmesan: Mix chipotle powder into bread crumbs, top with pepper jack cheese, and serve with salsa and cilantro.
• Herb Garden Chicken Parmesan: Incorporate fresh chopped rosemary, thyme, and sage into bread crumb mixture, use provolone cheese, and finish with herb-infused olive oil.
• Rustic Vegetable Chicken Parmesan: Layer roasted zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers between chicken and cheese, use whole wheat bread crumbs for added nutrition.

Suggested Pairings That Complete the Meal

• Pair Perfectly with Crisp White Wine: Select a light, acidic Italian white like Pinot Grigio that cuts through the rich, cheesy chicken and complements the tangy marinara sauce.
• Enhance with Garlic Bread Sidekick: Prepare crusty garlic bread to soak up the extra marinara sauce, adding a crunchy texture and complementary Italian flavor profile to the main dish.
• Brighten with Fresh Arugula Salad: Create a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to provide a peppery, fresh contrast to the heavy, cheesy chicken parmesan.
• Match with Robust Red Option: For red wine lovers, choose a medium-bodied Chianti that stands up to the robust flavors of the breaded chicken and melted cheese.

Storing Chicken Parmesan Without Losing Quality

Store leftover chicken parmesan in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Separate chicken from pasta to prevent sogginess and maintain crispy texture.

Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers. Chicken parmesan can be frozen for 2-3 months without losing quality.

Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature until warmed through.

Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent burning. Warm for 15-20 minutes, removing foil in the last 5 minutes to restore crispiness.

FAQs

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Chicken thighs work well, but they might require slight adjustments in cooking time due to their different thickness and fat content.

• How do I prevent the breading from falling off during cooking?

Ensure you press the bread crumb mixture firmly onto the chicken and let the coated chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before cooking to help the breading adhere better.

• Is it necessary to use a cast iron skillet?

While a cast iron skillet provides excellent heat distribution and creates a nice crust, you can use any heavy-bottomed skillet that can go from stovetop to oven.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, substitute regular bread crumbs with gluten-free bread crumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to make the recipe celiac-friendly.

The Ultimate Italian Chicken Parmesan Recipe

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4.5 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mouthwatering chicken parmesan delivers classic Italian comfort straight from Mediterranean kitchens, blending crispy breaded chicken with rich marinara and melted cheese. Cheese lovers and home cooks will savor this simple yet irresistible dish that brings restaurant-quality flavor to your dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts, thinly sliced
• 10 oz (283 grams) spaghetti
• 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce

Cheese:

• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (divided)
• 4 slices mozzarella cheese
• 1/3 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Coating and Seasoning:

• 1 1/2 cups bread crumbs
• 2 eggs, whisked
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning (thyme, oregano, basil, rosemary)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Garnish:

• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped

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Instructions

1. Establish three distinct breading zones using separate containers: first with grated Parmesan, second with whisked eggs, and third with seasoned bread crumbs mixed with Italian herbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Thoroughly coat each chicken breast with Parmesan, ensuring complete coverage, then immerse into egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off.
3. Carefully transfer egg-coated chicken into seasoned bread crumb mixture, gently pressing to create an even, adherent coating.
4. Warm olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, approximately 2-3 minutes.
5. Sear chicken pieces for precisely 3 minutes per side, developing a golden-brown exterior. Cook in batches if skillet becomes crowded.
6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C), preparing for final cooking stage.
7. Arrange seared chicken in an oven-safe dish, layering mozzarella slices across each piece.
8. Generously pour marinara sauce over chicken, covering completely.
9. Sprinkle additional shredded mozzarella and remaining Parmesan cheese on top.
10. Bake for 25-30 minutes until sauce bubbles vigorously and cheese melts into a golden, appetizing crust.
11. Garnish with freshly chopped basil and serve atop al dente spaghetti.

Notes

• Ensure chicken breasts are pounded to an even thickness for consistent cooking and tender texture.
• Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety without overcooking.
• Choose high-quality, freshly grated Parmesan cheese for richer flavor and better coating adherence.
• For gluten-free option, replace traditional bread crumbs with almond meal or gluten-free panko crumbs.
• Pat chicken completely dry before breading to help coating stick better and create crispier exterior.
• Allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes after baking to help juices redistribute and maintain moisture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 605 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 55 g
• Cholesterol: 175 mg