Ultimate Chicken Parmesan: A Deliciously Updated Classic

Chicken Parmesan. It’s a classic for a reason: crispy, golden-brown chicken smothered in rich tomato sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. It’s comfort food at its finest. But let’s be honest, sometimes the classic can be a little… bland. Dry. Soggy. We can fix that! This recipe takes everything you love about chicken parmesan and elevates it to a whole new level of deliciousness. We’re talking extra-crispy chicken, a vibrant and flavorful sauce, and the perfect balance of cheesy goodness. Get ready to experience chicken parmesan like never before!

Why This Recipe Works

This isn’t your average chicken parmesan. We’ve made some key improvements to ensure the best possible results:

* **Double Dredging for Extra Crispy Chicken:** The secret to truly crispy chicken is a double coating of breadcrumbs. This creates a thicker, more durable crust that holds up beautifully to the sauce.
* **Pan-Frying in Butter and Olive Oil:** A combination of butter and olive oil gives the chicken a rich, golden-brown color and adds incredible flavor. The butter browns beautifully and adds a nutty richness, while the olive oil prevents the butter from burning.
* **Homemade Tomato Sauce (Optional but Recommended):** While jarred sauce can work in a pinch, making your own tomato sauce from scratch is surprisingly easy and makes a huge difference in the overall flavor of the dish. We’ll provide a simple recipe that’s far superior to anything you can buy in a store.
* **Fresh Mozzarella and Parmesan Cheese:** Using high-quality cheeses is essential for that authentic Italian flavor. Fresh mozzarella melts beautifully and has a creamy texture, while Parmesan cheese adds a sharp, salty note.
* **Proper Layering and Baking:** The way you layer the ingredients and the baking time will impact the final result. We’ll guide you through the process to ensure everything is perfectly cooked and melded together.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients for both the chicken parmesan and the homemade tomato sauce (optional):

**For the Chicken Parmesan:**

* 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each)
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 2 large eggs, beaten
* 2 cups Italian breadcrumbs
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/4 cup olive oil
* 4 tablespoons butter
* 1 jar (24 ounces) or homemade tomato sauce (recipe below)
* 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
* Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

**For the Homemade Tomato Sauce (Optional):**

* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
* 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, to balance the acidity)

## Equipment

* 3 shallow dishes or bowls for breading
* Large skillet
* Baking dish (9×13 inch)

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s get cooking! Here’s a detailed guide to making the best chicken parmesan you’ve ever tasted:

**Part 1: Making the Homemade Tomato Sauce (Optional)**

If you’re opting for homemade tomato sauce, start with this step. It can simmer while you prepare the chicken.

1. **Sauté the Garlic:** Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
2. **Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings:** Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir in the oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, pepper, and sugar (if using).
3. **Simmer the Sauce:** Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Let it simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will be. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

**Part 2: Preparing the Chicken**

1. **Pound the Chicken:** Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or in a resealable bag. Use a meat mallet to pound the chicken to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This helps the chicken cook evenly and stay tender.
2. **Set Up the Breading Station:** In three separate shallow dishes, place the following:
* Dish 1: All-purpose flour
* Dish 2: Beaten eggs
* Dish 3: Italian breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. **Dredge the Chicken:** Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the beaten eggs, making sure it’s fully coated. Finally, dredge it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help the crumbs adhere. For the *second* dredging, dip it back into the beaten eggs and then the breadcrumb mixture again to ensure a thick coating.
4. **Pan-Fry the Chicken:** Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and the oil is shimmering, carefully place the chicken breasts in the skillet. Don’t overcrowd the pan; you may need to cook them in batches.
5. **Cook the Chicken:** Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check.
6. **Drain the Chicken:** Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain off any excess oil.

**Part 3: Assembling and Baking the Chicken Parmesan**

1. **Preheat the Oven:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. **Spread Sauce in the Baking Dish:** Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
3. **Layer the Chicken:** Place the fried chicken breasts in the baking dish, on top of the sauce.
4. **Top with Sauce and Cheese:** Spoon more tomato sauce over each chicken breast, then top with slices of fresh mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle with a little extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.
5. **Bake the Chicken Parmesan:** Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and lightly browned. The internal temperature of the chicken should still be above 165°F (74°C).
6. **Garnish and Serve:** Remove the chicken parmesan from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired. Serve immediately over your favorite pasta, with a side salad, or on its own.

## Tips for Success

* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** When frying the chicken, avoid overcrowding the pan. This will lower the temperature of the oil and cause the chicken to steam instead of brown. Cook the chicken in batches if necessary.
* **Use Fresh Ingredients:** Using high-quality, fresh ingredients will make a big difference in the flavor of your chicken parmesan. Especially the cheese!
* **Adjust Seasonings to Taste:** Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings in the tomato sauce and breadcrumb mixture to your liking.
* **Pound the Chicken Evenly:** Make sure to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness so they cook evenly. Use a meat mallet and pound until they are approximately ½ inch thick. This will help to avoid dry spots on the thinner ends.
* **Let the Sauce Simmer:** The longer you simmer the tomato sauce, the richer and more flavorful it will become. Let it simmer for at least 30 minutes, or even longer if you have the time.
* **Don’t Overbake:** Overbaking the chicken parmesan can result in dry chicken and rubbery cheese. Bake just until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
* **Rest Before Serving:** Letting the chicken parmesan rest for a few minutes before serving allows the cheese to set slightly and makes it easier to slice and serve.
* **Use a Meat Thermometer:** To ensure the chicken is cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (74°C).
* **Variations:** Consider adding a layer of provolone cheese for a richer flavor, or sprinkling some red pepper flakes into the sauce for some heat. You could also add some sautéed mushrooms or onions to the sauce for extra flavor and texture.

## Serving Suggestions

Chicken parmesan is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways:

* **Over Pasta:** Serve it over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti, linguine, or penne. Toss the pasta with some of the tomato sauce for extra flavor.
* **With a Side Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a great complement to the richness of the chicken parmesan.
* **As a Sandwich:** Slice the chicken parmesan and serve it on a crusty roll with some extra sauce for a delicious sandwich.
* **With Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts are a healthy and flavorful side dish.
* **Garlic Bread:** A classic pairing! Serve with some warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

Chicken parmesan can be made ahead of time, which is great for busy weeknights or entertaining:

* **Assemble Ahead:** You can assemble the chicken parmesan completely, up to the point of baking. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.
* **Prepare the Sauce Ahead:** The tomato sauce can be made several days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This is a great way to save time on the day you’re planning to serve the chicken parmesan.
* **Fry the Chicken Ahead:** The fried chicken can be prepared a few hours in advance and kept warm in a low oven (200°F or 93°C). This will help keep the chicken crispy until you’re ready to assemble and bake the dish. However, frying right before assembling is ideal.

## Storage Instructions

Leftover chicken parmesan can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place it in a baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave until warm. You can also freeze chicken parmesan for up to 2-3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

## Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving)

* Calories: 600-800
* Protein: 50-60g
* Fat: 30-40g
* Carbohydrates: 40-50g

*Note: Nutritional information can vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*

## Conclusion

This updated chicken parmesan recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With its extra-crispy chicken, flavorful sauce, and gooey cheese, it’s a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. So, ditch the boring old recipe and give this one a try. You won’t be disappointed!

Enjoy!