Oh, Italian food! There’s just something unbelievably comforting and classic about it, isn’t there? For me, nothing screams ‘cozy night in’ quite like a bubbling dish of homemade chicken parmesan. Forget those sad, soggy versions you get from some places – this Delicious Chicken Parmesan Recipe Classic Italian Dish is the real deal. I remember the first time I *really* made it from scratch, not just following some vague instructions. The smell alone, that mix of garlic, tomato, and melting cheese, filled my entire kitchen and honestly, I felt like a total pro chef! It’s just so satisfying to pull a golden, cheesy masterpiece out of the oven that you made yourself. Plus, it’s way easier than you think!
Why You’ll Love This Delicious Chicken Parmesan Recipe Classic Italian Dish
This recipe truly hits all the right notes, and you’re going to adore it. Here’s why:
- It’s surprisingly easy to make right in your own kitchen – seriously, you’ll feel like a restaurant chef!
- That perfect combo of crispy breaded chicken, tangy marinara, and gooey melted cheese is pure magic.
- It’s the ultimate comfort food that satisfies those classic Italian cravings.
- You get restaurant-quality flavor without the restaurant price tag.
- It’s super versatile – perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests.
- The aroma while it bakes? Absolutely divine and guarantees smiles all around.
Gather Your Ingredients for Delicious Chicken Parmesan
Alright, let’s get our ducks in a row – or rather, our ingredients for this amazing chicken parmesan! The beauty of this recipe is that it uses everyday stuff you probably already have, or can grab super easily. Here’s what you’ll need to pull off this classic Italian triumph:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each)
- 1 cup plain breadcrumbs (panko or Italian-style work great!)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (the good stuff makes a difference!)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (because garlic makes everything better, right?)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup good quality marinara sauce (your favorite store-bought or homemade!)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (low-moisture is best for melting!)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for that golden sear)
Step-by-Step Guide to Your Delicious Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Okay, ready to get this masterpiece going? It might sound fancy, but trust me, it’s totally doable and so worth it. We’re going to tackle this step-by-step, and I’ll give you all the little tricks I’ve learned along the way. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) right now so it’s nice and hot when we need it. This whole process flows pretty smoothly, especially if you get your ‘stations’ ready first. We’ll get that chicken breaded, seared, and then baked to cheesy perfection. If you’re serving this with pasta, now’s a good time to get that spaghetti bolognese simmering too!
Preparing the Chicken Cutlets
First things first, let’s get that chicken ready. Take your chicken breasts and carefully slice each one in half horizontally. You’re aiming for thinner cutlets – about half an inch thick. This helps them cook through evenly and quickly without getting dry. A sharp knife makes this so much easier!
The Breading Station Setup
Now, set up your breading station like a pro! You’ll need three shallow dishes. In the first, put your flour. In the second, whisk up those eggs really well. And in the third, mix your breadcrumbs with the grated Parmesan, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This is your flavor zone!
Achieving Golden-Brown Perfection
Grab an oven-safe skillet and let’s get that olive oil nice and hot over medium-high heat. Carefully place your breaded chicken cutlets in the pan – don’t crowd it, or they won’t get nice and crispy! Sear them for about 2-3 minutes per side until they’re gorgeous and golden brown. This step adds so much flavor!
Baking to Cheesy Bliss
Now, carefully transfer those beautifully seared cutlets into your baking dish. Spoon a generous dollop of marinara sauce over each piece, then pile on that shredded mozzarella cheese. Pop the dish into your preheated oven for 15-20 minutes. You’re looking for that cheese to be gloriously melted and bubbly, and the chicken cooked all the way through.
Expert Tips for Your Best Delicious Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Look, I’ve made this chicken parmesan more times than I can count, and I’ve picked up a few little tricks that really make it sing. You want that restaurant-quality crunch and flavor without all the fuss, right? So, here are my top tips:
First off, don’t skip the searing! I know it’s an extra step, but getting that beautiful golden-brown crust on the chicken *before* it goes in the oven makes all the difference. It adds a depth of flavor you just don’t get otherwise. Also, use real Parmesan cheese, not the powdery stuff in a can, if you can swing it – it melts way better and tastes way richer.
And for that amazing crispy coating, make sure your oil is good and hot for searing, but keep the heat at medium-high. Too high and it burns, too low and it gets greasy. My absolute favorite little boost? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mix – it gives it the tiniest little kick that just wakes up all the other flavors. You can find out how to make a zesty sauce, like chimichurri, to serve alongside for a totally different vibe, but for classic chicken parm, that tiny bit of heat is perfect.
Serving Suggestions for Classic Italian Chicken Parmesan
So, you’ve made this absolute stunner of a chicken parmesan – now what’s for dinner besides the star itself? Here are some of my favorite ways to round out this perfect Italian meal:
You absolutely cannot go wrong with a big bowl of pasta! Whether it’s simple spaghetti with a bit more marinara, or maybe even some rich spaghetti bolognese for a double-Italian hit, pasta is always a winner. And for a lighter touch, a fresh, crisp side salad with a vinaigrette is fantastic. Oh, and don’t forget a creamy, dreamy potato salad! My ultimate potato salad recipe is surprisingly good alongside this too, if you’re feeling adventurous!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Sometimes you might be missing an ingredient or just want to switch things up a bit! For this chicken parm, most things are pretty standard, but let’s chat about a couple of things. If you don’t have regular breadcrumbs, panko breadcrumbs will give you an extra-crispy coating, which is always a win in my book! And your marinara sauce? Use your absolute favorite – whether it’s a simple jarred one or a homemade batch, just make sure it tastes great on its own. You can even add a little extra garlic or an herb if you like!
Frequently Asked Questions About Delicious Chicken Parmesan
Got questions about whipping up this classic Italian dish? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I get about making this Delicious Chicken Parmesan Recipe Classic Italian Dish:
Can I make this Delicious Chicken Parmesan ahead of time?
You can totally prep the breaded chicken cutlets ahead! Just bread them, place them on a baking sheet, cover loosely with plastic wrap, and pop them in the fridge for a few hours. You might want to sear them for a minute less since they’ll finish cooking in the oven. Assembling the full dish and baking it is best done right before serving for that perfect crispy texture, though!
What’s the best way to reheat leftover Chicken Parmesan?
Reheating is a little tricky if you want that crispiness back, but it’s doable! I find the oven is your best bet. Pop the leftovers on a baking sheet in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes, just until heated through. Microwaving tends to make it a bit soggy, so use that as a last resort if you’re in a serious hurry – maybe just for the chicken part before adding fresh sauce and cheese!
How can I make my Chicken Parmesan extra crispy?
Oh, the crunch! For an extra-crispy coating, make sure your oil is shimmering hot for the sear, and don’t overcrowd the pan. Panko breadcrumbs are your best friend here too – they give an amazing texture. Also, try not to let the breaded chicken sit around too long before searing; get it straight into that hot pan!
What kind of marinara sauce is best for this recipe?
Honestly, use what you love! A good quality store-bought marinara is perfectly fine, especially if you’re short on time. My personal preference is for one that’s not too sweet and has a nice, robust tomato flavor. If you’re feeling ambitious, making your own homemade marinara sauce takes it to a whole other level and really makes this dish sing!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk numbers! Keep in mind these figures are estimates and totally depend on the specific ingredients and brands you use. But, for a typical serving of this absolutely delicious chicken parmesan, you’re looking at:
- Serving Size: 1 cutlet
- Calories: Around 450
- Fat: About 25g
- Protein: Roughly 35g
- Carbohydrates: Around 20g
It’s a hearty meal, for sure! Enjoy every bite!
Print
Classic Chicken Parmesan
- Total Time: 40 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A straightforward recipe for homemade chicken parmesan, featuring crispy breaded chicken cutlets topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut each chicken breast in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets.
- In a shallow dish, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- In another shallow dish, whisk the eggs.
- In a third shallow dish, place the flour.
- Dredge each chicken cutlet first in flour, then dip in the egg, and finally coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing to adhere.
- Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the breaded chicken cutlets for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Remove chicken from skillet and place in a baking dish.
- Top each cutlet with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
- Serve immediately with your favorite pasta or a side salad.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cutlet
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: Chicken Parmesan, Italian recipe, breaded chicken, marinara sauce, melted cheese, classic dinner