Ultimate Chicken Parmesan Recipe: Crispy, Cheesy Perfection!

Chicken Parmesan, or Chicken Parmigiana, is a classic Italian-American dish that’s beloved for its crispy breaded chicken, rich tomato sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese. It’s a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. While it might seem intimidating to make, this recipe breaks down the process into easy-to-follow steps, ensuring you achieve crispy, cheesy perfection every time.

## Why This Recipe Works

* **Crispy Chicken:** The key to great chicken parmesan is crispy chicken. This recipe uses a double-dredging technique, ensuring the chicken is thoroughly coated in breadcrumbs and stays crispy even after being smothered in sauce and cheese.
* **Flavorful Sauce:** A homemade tomato sauce elevates this dish from good to amazing. This recipe includes simple ingredients like garlic, onions, herbs, and crushed tomatoes for a rich and authentic flavor.
* **Perfectly Melted Cheese:** A combination of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese provides the perfect balance of gooeyness and sharpness.
* **Easy to Follow:** This recipe is designed to be easy to follow, even for beginner cooks. Detailed instructions and helpful tips ensure success.

## Ingredients

### For the Chicken:

* 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 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
* 1/2 cup olive oil, for frying

### For the Tomato Sauce:

* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 small onion, chopped
* 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)
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

### For the Cheese Topping:

* 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

## Equipment

* 3 shallow dishes for breading
* Large skillet
* 9×13 inch baking dish
* Meat mallet or rolling pin (optional, for tenderizing chicken)

## Instructions

### Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. **Pound the Chicken:** Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the chicken to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This helps the chicken cook evenly and makes it more tender. If you don’t have a mallet, you can use a heavy skillet or rolling pin.
2. **Set Up the Breading Station:** In three separate shallow dishes, place the flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs. In the breadcrumb dish, mix in the Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. This ensures the breadcrumbs are flavorful and well-seasoned.
3. **Bread the Chicken:** Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated. Finally, dredge it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the breadcrumbs to the chicken. Make sure the chicken is completely covered in breadcrumbs for optimal crispiness. Repeat this process for all chicken breasts.

### Step 2: Make the Tomato Sauce

1. **Sauté Aromatics:** In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
2. **Add 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). Bring the sauce to a simmer.
3. **Simmer the Sauce:** Reduce the heat to low and simmer the sauce for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly. The longer the sauce simmers, the richer the flavor will be.

### Step 3: Cook the Chicken

1. **Fry the Chicken:** In the same skillet used for the sauce (wipe it clean first), heat the 1/2 cup of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the breaded chicken breasts in the skillet, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Work in batches if necessary.
2. **Cook Until Golden Brown:** Cook the chicken for about 4-5 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 ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
3. **Drain Excess Oil:** Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and place it on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. This helps maintain the crispiness of the chicken.

### Step 4: Assemble and Bake

1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. **Layer the Chicken:** Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce in the bottom of the 9×13 inch baking dish. Place the fried chicken breasts on top of the sauce.
3. **Add Cheese:** Spoon more tomato sauce over each chicken breast, covering it completely. Top with slices of fresh mozzarella cheese and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. Make sure the cheese is evenly distributed for optimal melting.
4. **Bake:** Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and lightly golden brown. The cheese should be fully melted and slightly browned for the best flavor and texture.
5. **Garnish and Serve:** Remove the chicken parmesan from the oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired. Serve immediately over 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 can lower the temperature of the oil and result in soggy chicken. Work in batches if necessary.
* **Use Fresh Ingredients:** Using fresh, high-quality ingredients will make a big difference in the flavor of your chicken parmesan. Fresh mozzarella, good quality Parmesan cheese, and ripe tomatoes are essential.
* **Season Generously:** Don’t be afraid to season the chicken, breadcrumbs, and tomato sauce generously. This will ensure that the dish is flavorful and delicious.
* **Simmer the Sauce:** Simmering the tomato sauce for at least 15 minutes allows the flavors to meld together and creates a richer, more complex sauce.
* **Let the Chicken Drain:** After frying the chicken, place it on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. This will help maintain its crispiness.
* **Don’t Overbake:** Overbaking the chicken parmesan can result in dry chicken and rubbery cheese. Bake just until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

## Variations

* **Chicken Cutlets:** Use chicken cutlets instead of chicken breasts for a thinner and quicker-cooking option.
* **Eggplant Parmesan:** Substitute breaded eggplant slices for the chicken for a vegetarian version.
* **Vodka Sauce:** Use vodka sauce instead of tomato sauce for a creamy and decadent twist.
* **Spicy Chicken Parmesan:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumbs or tomato sauce for a spicy kick.
* **Gluten-Free Chicken Parmesan:** Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.

## Serving Suggestions

Chicken Parmesan is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways:

* **Over Pasta:** Serve over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti, linguine, or penne. Toss the pasta with some of the tomato sauce from the baking dish for extra flavor.
* **With a Side Salad:** Pair with a simple side salad for a complete and balanced meal. A Caesar salad or a mixed green salad with a vinaigrette dressing are both great options.
* **On a Sandwich:** Use chicken parmesan as a filling for a delicious and satisfying sandwich. Serve on a toasted roll with extra sauce and cheese.
* **As an Appetizer:** Cut the chicken parmesan into smaller pieces and serve as an appetizer for a party or gathering.
* **With Roasted Vegetables:** Serve alongside roasted vegetables such as broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts for a healthy and flavorful meal.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

Chicken Parmesan can be made ahead of time in several ways:

* **Bread the Chicken in Advance:** You can bread the chicken up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Cover the breaded chicken tightly with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. Fry the chicken just before assembling and baking.
* **Make the Tomato Sauce in Advance:** The tomato sauce can be made several days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat the sauce before using.
* **Assemble the Chicken Parmesan in Advance:** You can assemble the entire dish (breaded chicken, sauce, and cheese) up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure the dish is heated through.

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerate:** Leftover chicken parmesan can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.
* **Reheat:** Reheat leftover chicken parmesan in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or in the microwave. Be careful not to overheat the chicken, as it can become dry.
* **Freeze:** Chicken parmesan can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Wrap each chicken breast individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw the chicken parmesan in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

## Nutritional Information (Estimated)

(Per serving, based on 4 servings)

* Calories: 650-750
* Protein: 50-60g
* Fat: 30-40g
* Carbohydrates: 40-50g

*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.* This recipe provides a classic and delicious Chicken Parmesan experience. Enjoy!

## Conclusion

Chicken Parmesan is a classic dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table. With its crispy breaded chicken, rich tomato sauce, and melted cheese, it’s a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. This recipe provides all the tips and instructions you need to make perfect chicken parmesan every time. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to enjoy a truly delicious and unforgettable meal!

Enjoy this recipe and share it with your friends and family!