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)
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
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 48 g
- Cholesterol: 165 mg
