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- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 2 large eggs - 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian seasoned) - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup marinara sauce - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese The main ingredients for Chicken Parmesan are simple yet essential. Chicken breasts form the base of this dish. They provide the protein and texture. Next, we use Parmesan cheese for flavor. It adds that salty and nutty taste. Breadcrumbs give the chicken a crispy coating. I recommend using Italian seasoned breadcrumbs for extra flavor. Marinara sauce adds moisture and richness, while mozzarella cheese melts beautifully on top, creating a gooey finish. - Olive oil - Fresh basil leaves Olive oil is key for frying the chicken. It helps create a golden crust. Fresh basil leaves are great for garnish. They add a fresh, aromatic touch that brightens the dish. You can toss them on right before serving. This small step makes a big difference. - 2 teaspoons dried oregano - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste Seasoning is important for flavor. Dried oregano gives a hint of earthiness. Garlic powder adds depth without overpowering the dish. Don't forget to add salt and pepper to taste. These basic spices enhance all the other flavors. Make sure to season at each step for the best results. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Take the chicken breasts and place them between two sheets of plastic wrap. - Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound them to about 1/2 inch thick. This step is key for even cooking. - Get three shallow dishes. - In the first dish, add 1 cup of all-purpose flour. - In the second dish, beat 2 large eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper. - In the third dish, mix 1 cup of breadcrumbs with 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 2 teaspoons of dried oregano, and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. This mix adds great flavor. - Start by dredging each chicken breast in the flour. Shake off any extra flour. - Next, dip the chicken into the egg mixture. Let any excess egg drip off. - Finally, coat the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently so the crumbs stick well. - Heat about 1/4 inch of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. - Once the oil is hot, carefully place the breaded chicken in the skillet. - Fry for about 5-7 minutes on each side. Look for a nice golden brown color. The chicken should be cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. To get a great coating on your chicken, press the breadcrumb mixture into the meat. This step helps the crumbs stick better. Use a firm hand but don’t squash the chicken. For even frying, maintain the oil temperature. If it’s too low, the coating can become soggy. If it’s too high, the outside burns before the inside cooks. A medium heat works best. Cook the chicken to a safe internal temperature of 165°F. Use a meat thermometer for this. Check the thickest part of the breast. After frying, let the chicken rest for about five minutes. This helps keep the juices inside. Cutting too soon can let the juices run out, making the chicken dry. Fresh herbs can really boost the taste of your Chicken Parmesan. Add chopped basil or parsley to your breadcrumb mix for a fresh twist. When choosing marinara sauce, look for brands with simple ingredients. I often suggest brands like Rao’s or Classico. They taste great and save time. Pro Tips Even Thickness: Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness ensures they cook uniformly and prevents any dry spots. Breadcrumb Binding: Press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken to create a thick, crispy coating that stays on during frying. Oil Temperature: Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken; if it’s too cool, the coating will absorb oil and become soggy. Cheese Layering: For a melty and bubbly topping, use a combination of shredded mozzarella and Parmesan for depth of flavor and texture. {{image_2}} You can make Chicken Parmesan healthier by baking it instead of frying. Baking cuts down on fat and calories. To bake, first coat the chicken as usual. Place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Then, spray lightly with olive oil. Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes. You can also swap out regular breadcrumbs for whole wheat breadcrumbs. This gives you more fiber and nutrients. To change the flavor, try using a blend of cheeses. A mozzarella blend or provolone adds a nice twist. You can also switch up the sauce. Instead of marinara, use pesto or Alfredo. Both options give your dish a fresh taste. Pair Chicken Parmesan with tasty side dishes. A classic choice is spaghetti or fettuccine. You can also serve it with a crisp salad. Light dressings work well to balance the rich flavors. These variations and pairings make your Chicken Parmesan unique and delicious. To store leftovers, let the Chicken Parmesan cool down first. Place it in airtight containers. Make sure to separate layers with parchment paper if you stack them. This prevents sticking. The best containers for storage are glass or plastic with tight lids. They keep the dish fresh longer. Avoid using metal containers, as they can react with the sauce. You can freeze Chicken Parmesan before or after baking. If you freeze it before baking, wrap it well in plastic wrap and then foil. This keeps it safe from freezer burn. When you’re ready to bake, just thaw it in the fridge overnight before cooking. If you freeze it after baking, let it cool completely first. Then, store it in airtight containers or freezer bags. When reheating, preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake for about 25 minutes or until hot throughout. In the fridge, Chicken Parmesan stays fresh for about three to four days. Make sure to eat it before this time for the best taste. Signs of spoilage include an off smell, discoloration, or mold. If you see any of these signs, it’s better to toss it out. Always trust your senses! To make Chicken Parmesan from scratch, follow these steps. First, gather your ingredients: - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 2 large eggs - 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian seasoned) - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup marinara sauce - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 2 teaspoons dried oregano - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish - Olive oil, for frying Next, prepare the chicken. Pound the chicken breasts to about 1/2 inch thick. This helps them cook evenly. Set up your dredging station. Put flour in one dish, beat eggs in another, and mix breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese, oregano, and garlic powder in a third dish. Now, coat the chicken. Dredge each breast in flour, dip in eggs, then coat in breadcrumbs. Make sure to press the crumbs on well. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. After frying, place the chicken in a baking dish. Spoon marinara sauce over each piece. Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan and top with mozzarella. Bake at 375°F for about 15 minutes. For a bubbly finish, broil for 2-3 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil and enjoy! Yes, you can use other meats for Chicken Parmesan. Here are some alternatives: - Turkey cutlets - Pork chops - Eggplant slices (for a vegetarian option) Each alternative will give a unique taste and texture. Just prepare them in the same way as chicken. Ensure the meat is cooked through and reaches a safe temperature. To reheat Chicken Parmesan, use these methods to keep it tasty: - Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the chicken on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. This keeps the breading crispy. - Microwave: If in a hurry, use the microwave. Set it to medium power. Heat in short bursts, checking often. This method may make the breading softer. Always check the internal temperature. It should be 165°F to ensure it’s safe to eat. Enjoy your Chicken Parmesan just as delicious as when you first made it! Now you know the key ingredients and steps for making Chicken Parmesan. You learned how to prep the chicken, coat it, and fry it to perfection. We also covered storage tips and variations to keep things fresh. Chicken Parmesan is a fun dish to master. It combines flavors and textures that please everyone. Remember to keep experimenting with ingredients and techniques. Enjoy the process and share your tasty results!

Crispy Herb-Infused Chicken Parmesan

A deliciously crispy chicken dish topped with marinara and melted cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 2
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian seasoned)
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh basil leaves
  • for frying olive oil

Instructions
 

  • Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch.
  • In a shallow dish, place the flour. In another dish, beat the eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper. In a third dish, mix the breadcrumbs with 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, oregano, and garlic powder.
  • Dredge each chicken breast in flour, shaking off the excess. Then dip into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the crumbs adhere well. Repeat for both chicken breasts.
  • In a large skillet, heat about 1/4 inch of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the breaded chicken. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the fried chicken breasts in a baking dish. Spoon marinara sauce evenly over each piece. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese and top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden. For an extra bubbly effect, you can broil for an additional 2-3 minutes—keep an eye to prevent burning.
  • Once out of the oven, let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Notes

For extra crispiness, ensure the oil is hot before frying.
Keyword chicken, herb-infused, Italian, Parmesan