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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Thoroughly coat each chicken breast with Parmesan, ensuring complete coverage, then immerse into egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off.
- Carefully transfer egg-coated chicken into seasoned bread crumb mixture, gently pressing to create an even, adherent coating.
- Warm olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Sear chicken pieces for precisely 3 minutes per side, developing a golden-brown exterior. Cook in batches if skillet becomes crowded.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C), preparing for final cooking stage.
- Arrange seared chicken in an oven-safe dish, layering mozzarella slices across each piece.
- Generously pour marinara sauce over chicken, covering completely.
- Sprinkle additional shredded mozzarella and remaining Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until sauce bubbles vigorously and cheese melts into a golden, appetizing crust.
- 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