Name: A Family Favorite Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs, beaten; 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 cup olive oil for frying; 2 cups marinara sauce; 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (optional); Cooked spaghetti or pasta (optional)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food that brings everyone together at the table, Chicken Parmesan is truly A Family Favorite. Crispy, golden chicken bathed in savory marinara and blanketed with gooey mozzarella cheese is the kind of meal that never gets old. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special Sunday dinner, this classic Italian-American dish finds its way onto our menu again and again. You’ll fall in love with how easy it is to make and how much joy it brings to everyone who takes a bite!

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of pantry staples and a few fresh touches, you’ll have everything you need to create a truly memorable Chicken Parmesan. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, so don’t skip any — together, they make this dish a true A Family Favorite.

Chicken Breasts: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for tender, juicy results every time.
All-Purpose Flour: Lightly coats the chicken, helping the egg and breadcrumb mixture stick perfectly.
Eggs (beaten): Acts as the glue so the breadcrumb-Parmesan crust stays crisp and doesn’t slide off during cooking.
Italian-Style Breadcrumbs: Infuses each bite with classic herbs and a satisfying crunch.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor to the crust that’s absolutely irresistible.
Marinara Sauce: Brings tangy, garlicky richness that soaks into the chicken and keeps it moist.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into a bubbly, stretchy blanket that’s the hallmark of Chicken Parmesan.
Fresh Basil (optional): A sprinkle of basil makes the whole dish pop with color and fresh aroma.
Salt: Enhances every layer and balances the flavors.
Black Pepper: Adds just the right bit of warmth and depth.
Olive Oil: Creates a golden, crispy crust while keeping the chicken moist.
Cooked Spaghetti or Pasta (optional): The perfect bed for soaking up all that saucy, cheesy goodness.

How to Make A Family Favorite

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Start by pounding your chicken breasts to an even thickness, about half an inch. This simple trick ensures every piece cooks at the same rate, so you get juicy chicken from edge to edge. Season both sides with salt and pepper for a flavor boost right from the start.

Step 2: Dredge and Coat

Set up your breading station: one plate of flour, one of beaten eggs, and one of breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese. Dip each chicken breast first in flour (shake off the excess), then into the eggs, and finally into the cheesy breadcrumb mixture. Press gently so the coating sticks well — this is the secret to a crispy crust that’s a hallmark of A Family Favorite.

Step 3: Fry Until Golden

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the chicken breasts and fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 4 to 5 minutes per side. Don’t crowd the pan; work in batches if needed so each piece crisps up beautifully.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Arrange the fried chicken breasts in a baking dish, then spoon a generous amount of marinara sauce over each one. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese, making sure every corner is covered. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and a little bit golden on top.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Finish with a sprinkle of fresh basil if you have it on hand. Serve your Chicken Parmesan hot, either on its own or over a pile of spaghetti or your favorite pasta. Watch as everyone heads to the table — this is the moment when you know you’re serving A Family Favorite!

How to Serve A Family Favorite

Garnishes

A fresh sprinkling of chopped basil or a little extra Parmesan on top truly elevates your Chicken Parmesan. If you want to get even fancier, add a few grinds of black pepper or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil just before serving for that restaurant-style finish.

Side Dishes

This is a dish that loves company! Pair A Family Favorite with a crisp green salad tossed in Italian vinaigrette, roasted vegetables, or classic garlic bread. For an extra-cozy meal, serve it alongside buttery mashed potatoes or simple steamed broccoli.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving individual Chicken Parmesan portions in small cast iron skillets for a fun, rustic touch. Or slice the chicken and layer it in a toasted hoagie roll with extra sauce and cheese for the ultimate Chicken Parmesan sandwich — a playful spin on A Family Favorite that’s perfect for casual get-togethers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), simply transfer the chicken to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making next-day lunches something to look forward to.

Freezing

Chicken Parmesan freezes beautifully! Allow it to cool completely, then wrap each piece tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. It’ll keep for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze without pasta so the texture stays perfect when you reheat.

Reheating

To reheat, place the chicken on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through and the cheese is melty again, about 15 minutes. You can also use the microwave for a quick fix, but the oven keeps the coating crispy — just what you want in A Family Favorite.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful. Just adjust the cooking time if needed, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.

What if I don’t have Italian-style breadcrumbs?

No worries — you can use plain breadcrumbs and mix in a teaspoon of Italian seasoning or dried herbs like oregano, basil, and parsley for that classic flavor.

How can I make this gluten-free?

Simply substitute gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs. The result will be just as delicious, and everyone can enjoy this A Family Favorite without worries.

Can I prepare Chicken Parmesan ahead of time?

Definitely! You can fry the chicken a day ahead and store in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, assemble with sauce and cheese, then bake just before mealtime for the freshest flavor and texture.

What’s the best way to get the cheese bubbly and golden?

After baking, switch your oven to broil for 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn — this step gives you that irresistible bubbly, golden cheese finish that makes Chicken Parmesan a true A Family Favorite.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about gathering around the table for a meal that everyone loves, and Chicken Parmesan is truly A Family Favorite in every sense. If you’ve never tried making it at home, now’s your moment — it’s easier than you think and guaranteed to win hearts. Give it a go, and watch it become a cherished classic in your own kitchen!

A Family Favorite Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 7 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This classic Chicken Parmesan recipe is a family favorite featuring breaded and fried chicken breasts topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. Perfectly seasoned and baked to bubbly perfection, it’s a comforting Italian-American main course that can be served over spaghetti or your choice of pasta.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Coating

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup olive oil for frying

Sauce and Topping

2 cups marinara sauce
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (optional)

Serving

Cooked spaghetti or pasta (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking. Season both sides with salt and black pepper for balanced flavor.
Coat the Chicken: Dredge each chicken breast in all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess. Dip into the beaten eggs, then coat thoroughly with a mixture of Italian-style breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
Fry the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the chicken breasts for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the chicken with sauce and cheese.
Assemble for Baking: Place the fried chicken breasts in a baking dish. Spoon marinara sauce evenly over each piece, then generously top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the chicken if desired. Serve hot, optionally over cooked spaghetti or your favorite pasta.

Notes

You can use store-bought marinara sauce or make your own for a fresher taste.
For crispier cheese topping, broil the chicken for an additional 2-3 minutes after baking.
Substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour to make a gluten-free version of this recipe.
Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Frying and Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American