Chicken Parmesan
Crispy, golden-brown chicken cutlets are smothered in a rich marinara sauce, then topped with bubbly, melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. A beloved Italian-American classic that brings comfort food to a whole new level, perfect for a family dinner.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 30 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Chicken Cutlets
- b.Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet, pound them to an even 1/2-inch thickness.
- c.Season both sides of each chicken cutlet with 1 teaspoon of salt and the black pepper.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Set Up Breading Station
- b.Arrange three shallow dishes. In the first, place the all-purpose flour.
- c.In the second, lightly beat the eggs.
- d.In the third, combine the Italian breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup of the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mix well.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Bread the Chicken
- b.Working with one cutlet at a time, dredge it in the flour, shaking off the excess.
- c.Dip the floured cutlet into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
- d.Press the cutlet firmly into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring both sides are fully and evenly coated.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Shallow-Fry the Chicken
- b.Pour oil into a large, heavy-bottomed skillet to a depth of about 1/2 inch. Heat over medium-high heat until it shimmers (around 350°F or 175°C).
- c.Carefully place two chicken cutlets in the skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C).
- d.Transfer the cooked chicken to a wire rack to drain. Repeat with the remaining two cutlets.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Assemble the Dish
- b.Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- c.Spread 1/2 cup of marinara sauce evenly over the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- d.Arrange the fried chicken cutlets in a single layer in the dish.
- e.Top each cutlet with about 1/4 cup of marinara sauce, a generous layer of mozzarella cheese, and a sprinkle of the remaining 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Bake and Serve
- b.Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the cheese is fully melted and lightly browned.
- c.Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.
- d.Garnish with fresh chopped basil before serving hot, traditionally with a side of spaghetti.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Pounding the chicken to an even thickness is crucial for tender results and even cooking.
- 2For the crispiest crust, use panko breadcrumbs and ensure your oil is hot enough before frying.
- 3Always drain fried chicken on a wire rack, not paper towels. This allows air to circulate and prevents the bottom from getting soggy.
- 4Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety without overcooking.
- 5Don't drown the chicken in sauce before baking. A layer on the bottom of the pan and a spoonful on top of each cutlet is sufficient.
- 6For the best flavor and melt, use freshly grated Parmesan and low-moisture mozzarella cheese.
Adapt it for your goals.
Healthier Baked Version
Instead of frying, bread the chicken as directed, spritz with cooking oil, and bake on a wire rack set in a baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway. Then assemble and bake as per the recipe.
Veal Parmesan (Vitello alla Parmigiana)Veal Parmesan (Vitello alla Parmigiana)
Substitute the chicken with 4 veal cutlets, pounded thin. The cooking process remains the same.
Spicy Chicken ParmesanSpicy Chicken Parmesan
Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy kick.
Eggplant Parmesan (Melanzane alla Parmigiana)Eggplant Parmesan (Melanzane alla Parmigiana)
For a vegetarian classic, replace the chicken with 1/2-inch thick slices of eggplant. Salt the slices and let them sit for 30 minutes to draw out moisture, then pat dry before breading and frying.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Chicken is a high-quality lean protein, essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle growth, and maintaining a healthy metabolism.
Rich in Calcium
The Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses provide a significant amount of calcium, which is vital for strong bones and teeth, as well as proper nerve and muscle function.
Provides Key Nutrients
This dish contains selenium from chicken, which acts as an antioxidant, and lycopene from the tomato-based marinara sauce, known for its potential to support heart health.
Frequently asked questions
A typical serving of this Chicken Parmesan contains approximately 750-850 calories. The exact number can vary based on the size of the chicken breast, the amount of oil absorbed during frying, and the specific brands of sauce and cheese used.