Description
Chicken Parmesan is the perfect blend of crispy breaded chicken, savory marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese. This classic Italian-American dish is easy to make at home and pairs wonderfully with pasta, salad, or garlic bread for a restaurant-quality meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (4 thin cutlets)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp water
- ½ cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ¾ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Toppings and Sauce:
- ½ cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (part-skim)
- Fresh parsley or basil (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Lightly grease a baking sheet with cooking spray or oil.
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Slice chicken breasts horizontally into thin cutlets.
- If needed, pound each cutlet to an even thickness of about ½ inch.
- Set Up Breading Stations:
- Dish 1: Place the flour.
- Dish 2: Whisk together the egg and water.
- Dish 3: Combine bread crumbs, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Bread the Chicken:
- Lightly season the chicken with salt and pepper.
- Dredge each cutlet in flour, shaking off the excess.
- Dip into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Coat in the bread crumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Bake the Chicken:
- Arrange breaded chicken cutlets on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 150°F.
- Add Sauce and Cheese:
- Remove the chicken from the oven.
- Top each cutlet with 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce and a generous sprinkle of mozzarella cheese.
- Finish Baking:
- Return to the oven and bake for another 3–8 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley or basil if desired.
- Serve hot with pasta, salad, or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- Use Thin Cutlets: Thinner chicken ensures even cooking and a perfect crispy texture.
- Freshly Grated Cheese: Grating Parmesan from a block adds superior flavor compared to pre-packaged cheese.
- Double the Recipe: Perfect for leftovers or meal prep.
- Experiment with Cheese: Provolone or fontina can be added for extra depth of flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American