Chicken Parmesan is a weeknight classic for a reason. Each piece of chicken is embraced by a layer of crispy breadcrumbs, then blanketed with melted cheese, all sitting in a pool of deliciously tangy marinara sauce. It's made with all the ingredients you probably have hanging around in your kitchen right now. It's your weeknight warrior the whole family will love.
If you are an air fryer lover, you can make an absolutely delicious one Chicken Parm in the Air Fryer Like!
Why you'll love this recipe
- Using simple, everyday ingredients that are easy to find.
- Two styles of breadcrumbs to add even more crispy crunch.
- Ready in under an hour, ideal for busy evenings.
Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Chicken Parmesan has a delightful contrast of textures, from the crispness of its breadcrumb coating to the softness of melted mozzarella. The flavors are rich and comforting, combining the savory depth of the parmesan and the freshness of the basil with the marinara sauce. The best chicken parmesan has the perfect fried, bready coating and is mixed with marinara and fresh mozzarella cheese for ooey-gooey classic comfort food perfection.
Chicken substitute
We like to use skinless and boneless chicken breasts in our Parmesan Chicken recipe. Be sure to use lean chicken breasts. If the chicken you bought is thick and thick, you can use a mallet to pound your chicken out to an even thickness.
Cheese substitute
Chicken Parmesan is usually made using a combination of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Mozzarella provides the ooey-gooey melted cheese factor, while parmesan adds a lot of extra flavor. Fresh mozzarella will give you a better texture than block style. When it comes to Parmesan cheese, always opt for freshly grated as dried or pre-grated options usually contain preservatives added to prevent melting.
Are both types of breadcrumbs necessary?
This recipe calls for a combination of panko bread crumbs and regular dry bread crumbs. The dual breadcrumb combination is a huge part of what makes this Chicken Parmesan the best. We find it's the perfect combination to deliver the ultimate crunchy combination. Be sure to use seasoned Italian-style bread crumbs. If using plain, you will need to add 1 ½ teaspoons of Italian seasoning to the mixture.
Serving advice
You can serve chicken parmesan on a bed of any size cooked pasta, although we prefer spaghetti or linguine. Coat your pasta with a little olive oil or melted butter to prevent it from sticking together. Add an additional 1 to 2 cups of marinara to this recipe when serving over pasta so you have enough sauce to coat the pasta. Some of our favorite sides to serve it with include:
problem solving
- Cheese does not melt or brown: If the cheese isn't melted or browned at the end of the baking time, switch your oven to broil for a minute or two. Watch closely to avoid burns.
- Dry Chicken: If you notice that the chicken is starting to dry out while cooking, cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil to help retain moisture in the meat.
- Burn the cheese before cooking the chicken: To prevent the cheese from burning if the chicken isn't cooked, place a piece of foil loosely on top midway through baking, removing it in the last few minutes for a final touch of color.
- Chicken is not cooked: Continue baking in the oven until it reaches the correct temperature.
For ultimate crispiness, Wait to add the marinara sauce until just before serving. You have to melt the mozzarella and parmesan directly on the fried chicken breast. Heat the marinara sauce before dipping and serving.
Please direct forward
Prepare the breaded chicken according to the recipe, stopping before the frying or baking step. Place the breaded chicken pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure they are not touching. Freeze them on the baking sheet for about 1-2 hours or until firm. When firm, transfer chicken pieces to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Label the container with the date and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months.
When ready to cook, no need to thaw. Preheat your oven according to the recipe, increase the cooking time slightly to start from frozen, and bake until the chicken is cooked through and the bread is golden and crispy. Add the marinara sauce and cheese during the last few minutes of cooking, continuing until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Storage and reheating instructions
Place any leftover Parmesan chicken in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. This will last for 3 to 4 days. When you're ready to dig in, you can heat it in the microwave in 30-second increments until warm. You can reheat it in the oven for extra crispy results. Place chicken parm in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil, then heat at 350 degrees F for 15-20 minutes.
More delicious chicken recipes
Watch the video below Where Rachel walks you through each step of this recipe. Sometimes it helps to have a visual, and we've always got you covered with our cooking show. You can find the complete collection of recipes YouTube, facebook watch, or us facebook pageOr here on our website with their respective recipes.
