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Crispy Chicken Parmesan with golden breaded cutlets, rich marinara, and melty mozzarella. A classic Italian favorite, perfect for dinner!
Know Before You Scroll
- Flavor Profile: Crispy, golden chicken cutlets topped with rich marinara and gooey melted mozzarella create a delightful explosion of savory, cheesy goodness.
- Difficulty Level: Easy. This recipe is super simple and totally doable—just keep an eye on the frying and baking times, and you’re golden!
- Equipment: Large skillet, shallow bowls, whisk, baking sheet or dish, paper towels, meat thermometer.
- Top Tip: Keep an eye on the chicken while frying. It’s done when it’s golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C)—this ensures juicy chicken without drying it out.
- Make Ahead Note: You can prep the chicken cutlets and breadcrumb mixture in advance, storing them in the fridge until you’re ready to fry and bake for a quick dinner.
- Time-Saving Hack: Use store-bought marinara sauce to cut down on prep time without sacrificing flavor—just heat it up while your chicken bakes!
- Ingredient Swap: If you’re out of mozzarella, provolone or even gouda work wonderfully for a unique twist on this classic dish.
- Perfect Pairings: This recipe works beautifully with either homemade tomato sauce or your favorite store-bought option. Pair it with a hearty bowl of spaghetti tossed in marinara sauce for a comforting meal, or serve it alongside a fresh green salad for a lighter touch.
Recipe
Classic Chicken Parmesan
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts (skinless, boneless)
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 4 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish (optional))
Instructions
- Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create thin cutlets. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and minced garlic.
- In another shallow dish, combine the plain breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Dip each chicken cutlet into the egg mixture, letting the excess drip off.
- Press the cutlet into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring it is evenly coated.
- Heat about ¼ inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Fry the breaded chicken cutlets for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and their internal temperature reaches about 155°F (68°C). Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the fried chicken cutlets on a baking sheet or in a baking dish.
- Spoon marinara sauce over each cutlet, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired. Serve hot with pasta, a side salad, or crusty bread.
Tips
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Crispy, Cheesy, and So Worth It!
I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to share this recipe! It’s been a staple in our family for as long as I can remember—something I’ve been making since I was a kid. This Chicken Parmesan is a true classic in our home, and for good reason. With its perfectly crispy coating, rich sauce, and gooey, melted cheese, it’s pure comfort on a plate. We make it almost every week, and it never fails to hit the spot. Maybe I’ve held off sharing it because it feels so familiar—when a dish is part of your regular routine, it’s easy to assume everyone already knows about it!
Step By Step Instructions
First things first, grab your 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. We’re going to slice them horizontally to create nice, thin cutlets. This will help them cook evenly and soak up all that amazing flavor! Once they’re sliced, season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
Now, let’s set up our dredging stations. In a shallow bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs, ¼ cup of milk, and 2 cloves of minced garlic. This mixture is going to add a ton of flavor! In another shallow dish, combine 1 cup of plain breadcrumbs, 4 tablespoons of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix it all together so it’s ready to coat those cutlets.
Time to bread the chicken! Dip each cutlet into the egg mixture, letting any excess drip off before pressing it into the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure it’s evenly coated—this is where that delicious crunch comes from!
Now, heat about ¼ inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the breaded chicken cutlets. Fry them for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they’re golden brown and crispy. We’re looking for an internal temperature of about 155°F (68°C) here. Once they’re done, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
While the chicken is resting, let’s get our oven ready! Preheat it to 375°F (190°C). Now, grab a baking sheet or dish and place those beautiful fried cutlets on it. Spoon about 2 cups of marinara sauce over each cutlet—don’t be shy! Finally, sprinkle 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Because more cheese is always better, right?
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. We’re looking for that cheese to melt and bubble up—so good! Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for perfect doneness.
Once it’s out of the oven, garnish with fresh basil or parsley if you’d like a pop of color. Serve your Chicken Parmesan hot with pasta, a side salad, or some crusty bread. And there you have it—a delicious, homemade Chicken Parmesan that’s sure to impress. Enjoy!
Thanks for cooking with me today! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your Chicken Parmesan creations. Happy cooking!
Erren’s Top Tips
- Pound the Chicken: If you want evenly cooked chicken, consider lightly pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness before slicing. This ensures they cook uniformly and stay juicy.
- Breadcrumbs Variety: Use seasoned breadcrumbs for extra flavor, or try panko breadcrumbs for an even crunchier coating!
- Double Breading: For an extra crispy texture, double bread the chicken by dipping it in the egg mixture, then in the breadcrumbs, and repeating the process. Just make sure to press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken firmly.
- Oil Temperature: Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken. A good test is to drop a few breadcrumbs into the oil; if they sizzle immediately, it’s ready!
- Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check the chicken’s doneness. It should read 165°F (74°C) after baking. This guarantees your chicken is perfectly cooked and safe to eat.
- Even Coating: When breading the chicken, make sure to cover every inch to prevent any bare spots, which can result in soggy areas.
Storage & Freezing Instructions ❄
Storage:
Once the Chicken Parmesan has cooled, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes.
Freezing:
You can freeze the fried cutlets after frying. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.
To reheat, place frozen in a 350°F (175°C) oven and cook until heated through. Then, top with cheese and sauce and continue cooking until the cheese is melted.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs are juicier and can be used in place of chicken breasts. Just make sure they are boneless and skinless for this recipe.
What type of cheese can I use besides mozzarella?
You can substitute mozzarella with provolone, gouda, or even a blend of Italian cheeses. Each will add a unique flavor profile to the dish.
Can I make Chicken Parmesan ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken, bread it, and even fry it in advance. Just assemble and bake it when you’re ready to serve.
Is there a gluten-free option for breadcrumbs?
Yes! You can use gluten-free breadcrumbs or even crushed gluten-free crackers to achieve a similar texture and flavor.
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