Chicken Parmesan
Chicken Parmesan
5 from 4 votes
Learn how to make the ultimate Italian comfort food: Chicken Parmesan. This step-by-step guide demystifies the process, making this classic dish attainable for all levels of cooks. Savour the crispy, cheesy chicken paired with rich tomato sauce.
Chicken Parmesan

Chicken Parmesan, also known as Chicken Parmigiana, is a classic Italian-American dish that boasts a delightful combination of crispy breaded chicken, tangy tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese.

Originating from Southern Italy, this dish has found its way into the hearts and kitchens of people worldwide due to its comforting flavors and satisfying textures.

Despite its fancy name, Chicken Parmesan is surprisingly easy to make, making it an ideal choice for both beginner and seasoned cooks alike. With just a few simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can recreate this restaurant favorite right in your own kitchen.

The key to perfecting this dish lies in the balance of flavors and textures. The chicken breasts are seasoned with salt and pepper, then coated in a crispy breadcrumb mixture infused with the savory goodness of Parmesan cheese.

The tomato sauce, made from scratch with fresh tomatoes and aromatic herbs, adds a vibrant burst of flavor to complement the richness of the chicken and cheese.

Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or entertaining guests, Chicken Parmesan is sure to impress with its hearty appeal and crowd-pleasing taste.

Expert Tip: For a lighter version of Chicken Parmesan, use part-skim mozzarella cheese and bake the dish instead of frying the chicken.

Ingredients

Chicken Breasts Skinless: Chicken breasts serve as the star of this dish, providing lean protein and a neutral base for the flavorful coatings and toppings.

Plain Flour: Coating the chicken in flour before dipping it in the egg helps the breadcrumbs adhere better, resulting in a crispier and more evenly coated chicken.

Eggs: Beaten eggs act as a binding agent, helping the breadcrumb mixture stick to the chicken and creating a golden, crispy crust when cooked.

Breadcrumbs: The crispy breadcrumb coating adds texture and crunch to the chicken, creating a satisfying contrast to the tender meat.

Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan cheese lends its nutty and salty flavor to the breadcrumb mixture, elevating the taste of the chicken and adding depth to the dish.

Salt and Black Pepper: These simple seasonings enhance the flavor of the chicken and breadcrumb coating, ensuring a well-seasoned and delicious final result.

Oil: Used for frying the breaded chicken breasts, oil helps achieve a crispy exterior while keeping the meat moist and tender.

Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes are the base for the homemade tomato sauce, providing a bright and tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the savory chicken and cheese.

Garlic: Minced garlic adds aromatic flavor to the tomato sauce, infusing it with a rich and savory taste.

Oregano and Basil: Dried oregano and basil bring a fragrant herbaceousness to the tomato sauce, enhancing its depth of flavor and adding a touch of Mediterranean flair.

Sugar: A small amount of sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes, rounding out the flavor of the sauce and mellowing any tartness.

Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the garlic and simmering the tomato sauce, olive oil adds richness and depth to the dish, as well as a subtle fruity flavor.

Expert Tip: To ensure a crispy breadcrumb coating, press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken breasts before frying or baking.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve the Chicken Parmesan hot straight from the oven, garnished with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and extra flavor.
  • Pair the dish with spaghetti or your favorite pasta, lightly tossed in olive oil or butter, for a satisfying and complete meal.
  • Accompany the Chicken Parmesan with a side salad dressed in balsamic vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the rich and hearty flavors.
  • For a classic Italian-inspired meal, serve the Chicken Parmesan alongside garlic bread or toasted ciabatta slices for dipping into the tomato sauce.

Expert Tip: For an extra flavorful tomato sauce, add a splash of red wine or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts if you prefer. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as thighs may require slightly longer to cook through.

Can I make the tomato sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the tomato sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for longer storage. Simply reheat it gently on the stove before assembling the Chicken Parmesan.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?

Yes, you can bake the breaded chicken breasts in the oven for a healthier alternative. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 200°C (180°C fan)/Gas mark 6 for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and golden brown.

Can I use store-bought tomato sauce?

While homemade tomato sauce is preferred for its fresh flavor, you can certainly use store-bought marinara sauce if you’re short on time. Just be sure to choose a high-quality sauce with natural ingredients for the best taste.

Can I freeze leftover Chicken Parmesan?

Yes, you can freeze leftover Chicken Parmesan for future meals. Wrap the cooled leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake in a preheated oven until heated through.

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Chicken Parmesan

Chicken Parmesan

by Nabeela Kauser
This chicken parmesan recipe features a deliciously crisp chicken breast smothered in a rich homemade tomato sauce and beautifully melted cheese. A winning family dish that is perfect for a cosy dinner at home.
5 from 4 votes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American, Western
Servings 4
Calories 606 kcal

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 4 Chicken Breasts Skinless
  • 100 g Plain Flour
  • 2 large Eggs Beaten
  • 120 g Breadcrumbs
  • 50 g Parmesan Cheese
  • Salt To taste
  • Black Pepper To taste
  • Oil For frying

For the Tomato Sauce:

  • 400 g Tomatoes Chopped
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced
  • 1 tsp Oregano Dried
  • 1 tsp Basil Dried
  • 1 tsp Sugar
  • Salt to taste
  • Black Pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan)/Gas mark 6.
  • Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
  • Place the flour in a shallow bowl. Beat the eggs in a second shallow bowl. In a third shallow bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
  • Dip each chicken breast in the flour, then in the egg, and finally in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to coat it well.
  • Heat the oil for shallow frying in a large frying pan over medium heat. Cook the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and set aside.
  • In a separate pan, heat up the olive oil and add the minced garlic, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Add the chopped tomatoes, oregano, basil, sugar, salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly.
  • Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce in the bottom of a baking dish. Place the chicken breasts on top of the sauce, and spoon more sauce over the chicken. Top with grated mozzarella cheese.
  • Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve with spaghetti or your favourite pasta. Enjoy!

Notes

Nutritional facts:
The provision of nutritional information is done so merely as a courtesy and should not be taken as a guarantee.

Nutrition

Calories: 606kcalCarbohydrates: 47gProtein: 63gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.04gCholesterol: 246mgSodium: 862mgPotassium: 1168mgFibre: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 419IUVitamin C: 12mgVitamin D: 1µgCalcium: 271mgIron: 5mg
Keyword Cheese, Chicken, Comfort Food, Cooking, Dinner, Food, Recipe
Tried this recipe?Mention @CookwithNabeela or tag #CookwithNabeela!

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Cook with Nabeela

Hi, I'm Nabeela!

I love to cook! I want to share with you my favourite, delicious family-friendly recipes. I want to inspire you to create fantastic food for your family every day.

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