Here’s a classic recipe for Chicken Parmesan—crispy breaded chicken topped with marinara and melted cheese, perfect for a comforting dinner.
Ingredients (Serves 2–3)
For the Chicken
- 2–3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1–2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko works best for crispiness)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2–3 tbsp olive oil
For the Topping
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Optional
- Cooked spaghetti or other pasta to serve
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
- Pound chicken breasts to even thickness (~1/2 inch) for even cooking.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Set up a breading station: flour → beaten eggs → breadcrumb mixture (breadcrumbs + garlic powder + Italian seasoning).
- Coat chicken thoroughly in each layer.
2. Cook the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook chicken 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. It doesn’t need to be fully cooked yet.
- Remove chicken and set aside.
3. Assemble & Bake
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place chicken in a baking dish.
- Spoon marinara sauce over each piece.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly on top.
- Bake 15–20 minutes until chicken is cooked through and cheese is melted and bubbly.
4. Serve
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
- Serve with pasta, a side salad, or garlic bread.
Tips
- Crispier chicken: Double-dip in breadcrumbs or lightly bake the chicken before adding sauce.
- Sauce: Use homemade or store-bought marinara. A slightly chunky sauce adds great texture.
- Cheese: Try a mix of mozzarella and provolone for richer flavor.
If you want, I can also give a quick skillet-only version of Chicken Parmesan that cooks entirely on the stovetop in under 30 minutes, no oven needed.
Do you want me to do that?