If you’re craving a dish that’s both comforting and bursting with flavor, this crispy chicken Parmesan is just what you need. It’s an easy recipe that combines succulent chicken breasts coated in a crunchy breadcrumb crust, topped with rich marinara sauce and gooey melted cheese. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is a surefire way to impress your family or guests.
This chicken Parmesan is not just a meal; it’s an experience. Each bite offers a delightful contrast between the crispy exterior and the juicy chicken inside, complemented by the savory marinara and melted cheese. Whether you’re serving it over pasta or with a side salad, it’s a dish that will leave you wanting more.
Preparing the Chicken
Start by prepping the chicken breasts, ensuring they are ready for the breading process. Use a meat mallet to flatten the chicken to an even thickness. This step is essential for achieving uniform cooking.
Once the chicken is prepped, it’s time to set up a breading station. You’ll need all-purpose flour, beaten eggs, and a mixture of panko breadcrumbs combined with grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. This combination will provide a crunchy coating that elevates the dish.
Coating and Cooking
Begin the coating process by dredging each chicken breast in the flour, then dipping it into the beaten eggs, and finally rolling it in the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated. This triple-layer technique ensures a satisfying crunch.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully place the breaded chicken into the hot oil. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. This step enhances the flavor while creating a beautiful crust.
Building the Dish
After frying the chicken, transfer the golden-brown pieces to a baking dish. Generously spoon marinara sauce over each piece, ensuring coverage. Then, sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese on top. This melty layer will create a delicious topping that complements the chicken perfectly.
Next, place the baking dish in an oven preheated to 400°F (200°C). Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, creating a mouthwatering presentation.
Serving Suggestions
Once baked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a moment. Garnishing with fresh basil adds a pop of color and flavor. This dish is traditionally served over a bed of spaghetti, which absorbs the delicious marinara sauce.
Accompany the chicken Parmesan with a fork elegantly placed beside the plate for a polished presentation. The rustic wooden table setting enhances the inviting atmosphere, making it perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Flavor Profile
This crispy chicken Parmesan is a delightful medley of textures and flavors. The crunchy breadcrumb crust contrasts beautifully with the tender chicken, while the rich marinara sauce adds a savory depth.
Melted mozzarella on top introduces a creamy element, making each bite wonderfully satisfying. The fresh basil garnish not only enhances the visual appeal but also contributes a hint of freshness, balancing the dish.
Nutrition and Serving Size
This recipe yields four servings, making it ideal for family meals or gatherings. Each serving contains approximately 550 calories, offering a hearty meal without excessive guilt.
With 25g of fat and 40g of protein, it provides a satisfying balance that will keep everyone full and happy. The carbohydrates come primarily from the pasta, ensuring this dish is both filling and flavorful.
The Ultimate Crispy Chicken Parmesan Recipe
This crispy chicken Parmesan is a delightful combination of tender chicken, a crunchy coating, and a savory tomato sauce. It’s well-seasoned and topped with melty cheese, making it a deliciously satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
- Olive oil for frying
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Flatten the chicken breasts to an even thickness using a meat mallet for uniform cooking.
- Coat the Chicken: Set up a breading station with flour, beaten eggs, and a mixture of panko, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Dredge each chicken breast in flour, dip in eggs, and coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the breaded chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a baking dish.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Spoon marinara sauce over each piece of chicken and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil if desired and serve hot with pasta or a side salad.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 550kcal
- Fat: 25g
- Protein: 40g
- Carbohydrates: 45g