Chicken Parmesan

When I’ve had a long day I’m usually not looking to spend a lot of time in the kitchen but sometimes on those days I do want a hearty, comforting meal. This chicken parmesan is the most delicious and easy solution.

Chicken parmesan (sometimes also called chicken parmigiana) is crispy chicken that is covered in a bright, herb-filled homemade marinara sauce and smothered in melted mozzarella and parmesan. It feels decadent and yet it’s a fairly healthy meal that’s packed full of protein.

This chicken parm recipe calls for baking the chicken rather than frying it. This cuts down on cleanup and the active cooking time which means that I have time to make the quick homemade sauce to spoon over top of it.

If this is your first time making chicken parmesan, know that this is an easy recipe that will get dinner on the table in nearly no time!

Common Questions about Chicken Parmesan

Is chicken parmesan Italian?

While it is clearly inspired by Italian cuisine, chicken parmesan is not a dish that you’d be likely to find if you visit Italy. Not only was it not created there, but it is not customary to eat chicken with pasta in Italy — the protein is usually reserved for other courses.

How can I keep chicken parmesan from becoming soggy?

This is usually only an issue when you are frying and the key to that is to have the oil hot enough. For this dish, you could encounter some minor sogginess of the breading after storing it in the refrigerator but reheating it in the oven (as opposed to a microwave) should fix that.

How can I keep breaded chicken from drying out when baking?

If you tend to have a hard time keeping chicken moist when you’re baking it you can brine your chicken in a water and salt mixture for about 30 minutes.

Making Chicken Parmesan Ahead of Time

You can make chicken parmesan all the way through the step of breading and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Make sure to cover it tightly and keep other refrigerator items at a distance to avoid contamination from raw chicken and eggs.

Storage

Chicken parmesan can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer.

Refrigerator: Store this chicken in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container or wrapped in aluminum foil. You can also store it in a casserole dish covered with plastic wrap.

Freezing: Using a freezer bag or a freezer-safe container, freeze chicken for up to 3 months. For best results, it may be helpful to freeze chicken without the sauce.

Tips For The Best Chicken Parmesan

This recipe gets great results every time but there are a few things you can do to make sure it turns out best.

• Pound the chicken – If you want to ensure that your chicken breast fillets won’t be tough, wrap it in sheets of plastic wrap and pound it out.
• Two-handed dipping – Using one hand to dip the chicken in the egg mixture and the other hand to dredge it through the breadcrumbs prevents the crumbs from winding up in the eggs. It also keeps the crumbs from clumping up on your hands.
• Chill the chicken – Allow the breaded chicken to sit in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before baking to help keep the breading on during the cooking process.

Ingredients

• Olive oil divided
• Boneless skinless chicken breast
• Large eggs
• Breadcrumbs
• Yellow onion diced
• Garlic cloves minced
• Tomato puree use tomato sauce as a replacement
• Italian seasoning
• Granulated sugar
• Mozzarella cheese diced or shredded
• Shredded parmesan cheese

Serve/Garnish

• A handful of fresh basil

Kitchen Supplies You’ll Need 

This delicious dish only requires some simple supplies.

• Sharp knife
• Bowls (2)
• Baking sheet or casserole dish
• Saucepan with lid
• Spatula

How to Make Chicken Parmesan

While chicken parmesan does require a few steps to make it, the recipe is fairly straightforward and comes together easily.

1. Begin by chopping the chicken breast into fillets (or cutlets), avoiding chopping them too thin and making sure they are of even thickness.
2. Add the eggs to a medium-sized bowl and beat them vigorously.
3. Then add salt.
4. Pour the breadcrumbs into a separate bowl.
5. Take one chicken fillet and dunk it into the eggs, coating it entirely.
6. Then, dip the chicken in the breadcrumbs ensuring that it is entirely covered.
7. Place the fillet on the baking sheet prepared with olive oil.
8. Repeat until all chicken cutlets have been coated.
9. Set the baking sheet aside while preparing the sauce.
10. Pour the chopped onion into a medium-sized saucepan that has been drizzled with a little olive oil.
11. Using a spatula, sauté the onions over medium heat.
12. Once the onions are translucent, add the minced garlic to the pan and stir.
13. When the garlic becomes fragrant, pour the tomato puree, dried Italian herbs, salt, and sugar into the pan with the onion mixture.
14. Lower the temperature to medium-low heat and cover the pan. 
15. Allow the sauce to simmer until it thickens.
16. While the sauce is simmering, place the baking sheet with the breaded chicken into the oven.
17. Bake the chicken until it is golden brown on the bottom, then turn each fillet over.
18. Top each fillet with the thickened tomato sauce, mozzarella, and shredded parmesan cheese.
19. Allow the chicken to continue cooking until the cheese is melted and browned and the chicken has reached the desired internal temperature.
20. After removing the chicken from the oven, garnish it with basil (if desired) and serve.

What to Serve With Chicken Parmesan

There are tons of options for pairings with chicken parmesan.

• Garlic bread – Round out the meal with thick slices of crusty bread slathered with garlicky butter.
• Salad – Add some vegetables to this hearty meal by tossing together a simple green salad to serve on the side. You can also put together a tomato and fresh mozzarella salad.
• Pasta – Choose any shape that you like and serve it alongside the chicken, covered in sauce. If you want a lower carb option, try zucchini noodles.
• Cheese and charcuterie – If you’re hosting a gathering, kick it off with some Italian meats and cheeses.
• Soup – Serve a classic Italian soup alongside the chicken. Try minestrone or pasta e fagioli.
• Bread – Find a fresh loaf of your favorite bread and serve it with seasoned olive oil for dipping. You can also serve any extra sauce to dip it in as well.

Why You Should Make This Recipe

Chicken parmesan is the kind of dish that will garner plenty of compliments from hungry eaters at your dining room table.

• Comforting – On a chilly night, this chicken parmesan can be your comfort food.
• Convenient – This is a great make-ahead meal that you can enjoy throughout the week.
• Hearty – Served over a plate of pasta, this dish is satisfying after a long day.
• Versatile – Since it’s an easy meal to make ahead of time it’s great for busy weeknights but it’s also perfect for parties.

Variations and Add-ins

This standard chicken parmesan recipe can be dressed up (or changed up) in a bunch of ways.

• Bread crumbs – Use your favorite alternative bread crumbs for a lower-carb or gluten-free breading. You can also swap them out for Italian breadcrumbs for more flavor or panko breadcrumbs for a different texture.
• Heat – Spice it up with crushed red pepper flakes or even a touch of cayenne.
• Veggies – Add diced veggies like green bell peppers to your sauce.
• Eggplant – Switch out the chicken and make eggplant parmesan for a meat-free meal.
• Sauce – There’s nothing quite like a fresh tomato sauce but if you’re short on time you can always substitute a store-bought marinara for the homemade sauce.
• Garlic – While I always try to use fresh garlic, if you’re in a pinch you can substitute garlic powder.
• Onion – As with the garlic, if you don’t have an onion around you can substitute onion powder instead.

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If you love this easy Chicken Parmesan recipe, you’re going to love these other chicken dinners too. Please click each link below to find the easy, printable recipe!

Other Chicken Recipes

Creamy Garlic Chicken

Chicken and Dumplings

Triple Cheddar Chicken and Pasta

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Spinach Stuffed Chicken Parmesan

Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan

Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Soup

Parmesan Ranch Pasta Salad

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