Irresistible Classic Chicken Parmigiana: A Homey Italian Delight

Chicken Parmigiana is a beloved Italian-American dish that has won the hearts of food lovers everywhere.

It brings together crispy breaded chicken, rich tomato sauce, and melted cheese for a delicious taste adventure.

The recipe was made popular by Italian immigrants who turned traditional methods into a comforting meal enjoyed by many generations.

The golden-brown chicken cutlet is the star of this tasty experience, offering a perfect mix of textures and flavors.

Both restaurants and home kitchens celebrate this iconic dish for its simplicity and bold taste.

People enjoy the warmth and nostalgia tied to this timeless recipe that remains an important part of American dining tables.

Why Classic Chicken Parmigiana Is Always A Win

• Elevate Home Cooking: Create restaurant-quality chicken parmigiana with simple kitchen steps that anyone can master.
• Quick and Easy Preparation: Breading and cooking process takes less than an hour, making this a perfect weeknight dinner solution for busy families.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Classic Italian-American dish that appeals to both kids and adults, guaranteed to satisfy diverse taste preferences with its crispy chicken and melted cheese combination.
• Customizable Culinary Adventure: Easily adapt recipe by switching protein, adjusting seasonings, or experimenting with different cheese blends to match personal flavor profiles and dietary needs.

Everything You Need For Classic Chicken Parmigiana

• Chicken Breasts: Prime protein source for the dish, boneless and skinless preferred for even cooking and tender texture.

• Parmesan Cheese, Bread Crumbs: Provides crispy exterior and rich, savory flavor. Italian-style bread crumbs recommended for authentic taste.
• Eggs: Helps breading adhere to chicken and creates golden coating.

• Italian Seasoning, Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Adds depth and traditional Italian flavor profile to the breading.

• Mozzarella Slices, Shredded Mozzarella: Creates melty, stretchy cheese layer with mild, creamy taste.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, nutty flavor and helps create golden crust.

• Marinara Sauce: Classic Italian tomato sauce that provides moisture and traditional flavor.
• Fresh Basil: Bright, aromatic herb for garnish and additional fresh flavor.
• Olive Oil: Used for searing chicken with good fat content and subtle flavor.

• Spaghetti: Traditional pasta base for serving chicken parmigiana.

How To Put Together Classic Chicken Parmigiana

Step 1: Create Flavor Coatings

• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Whisked eggs

• Italian herbs
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Ground black pepper

Step 2: Transform Chicken

• Generously covering with Parmesan cheese
• Dunking thoroughly in egg mixture
• Rolling completely in herbed bread crumb blend
• Gently pressing coating to ensure total coverage

Step 3: Golden Searing

• Cook chicken pieces until rich golden brown
• Flip once to create crispy exterior
• Achieve even browning on both sides
• Complete in batches if necessary

Step 4: Cheesy Oven Transformation

• Transfer seared chicken to baking dish
• Layer with mozzarella slices
• Drench with marinara sauce
• Sprinkle additional mozzarella and Parmesan
• Bake until cheese melts and sauce bubbles

Step 5: Elegant Presentation

Garnish with fresh basil leaves

Serve atop perfectly cooked spaghetti

Tips That Work For Classic Chicken Parmigiana

• Optimize Breading Technique: Press bread crumb mixture firmly onto chicken to create a crispy, even coating that stays intact during cooking.
• Prevent Soggy Bottoms: Use a wire rack when baking to allow air circulation, keeping the chicken crisp instead of becoming wet from sauce.
• Choose Quality Ingredients: Select fresh mozzarella and good-quality marinara sauce to elevate the overall flavor profile of the dish.
• Customize Cheese Options: Swap mozzarella with provolone or add a blend of cheeses for a more complex and rich taste experience.
• Control Cooking Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally for safe and perfectly cooked protein.

Classic Chicken Parmigiana Storage Directions

• Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken parmigiana in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days.
• Freeze: Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Freeze up to 2 months for best quality.
• Reheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave Option: Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature to avoid overcooking.

What Matches Classic Chicken Parmigiana Well

• Pair Crisp Italian White Wine: Select a bright, acidic Pinot Grigio that cuts through the rich, cheesy chicken and cleanses the palate with its refreshing characteristics.
• Serve with Garlic Herb Focaccia: Create a side of warm, crusty Italian bread seasoned with fresh herbs and garlic to complement the chicken's crispy breading and absorb the delicious marinara sauce.
• Match with Classic Caesar Salad: Prepare a traditional Caesar salad featuring crisp romaine, tangy dressing, crunchy croutons, and shaved Parmesan to balance the hearty main dish with a light, zesty accompaniment.
• Recommend Chilled Prosecco: Opt for a sparkling Italian prosecco that provides effervescence and subtle sweetness, enhancing the savory flavors of the chicken parmigiana while offering a festive drinking experience.

Classic Chicken Parmigiana Twist Ideas

• Gluten-Free Chicken Parmigiana: Replace bread crumbs with almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers, using the same seasoning mix for a crispy coating that's safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Keto-Friendly Version: Swap bread crumbs with crushed pork rinds or ground Parmesan cheese, reducing carbohydrates while maintaining a crunchy exterior.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Substitute chicken with thick slices of eggplant or portobello mushrooms, following the same breading and baking technique for a plant-based option that captures the classic flavors.
• Low-Sodium Adaptation: Use herb-infused salt alternatives, reduce Parmesan cheese quantity, and select a low-sodium marinara sauce to create a heart-healthy version of the traditional recipe.

FAQs On Classic Chicken Parmigiana

• Why do I coat the chicken in Parmesan cheese first?

The Parmesan creates a protective layer that helps the egg and breadcrumbs stick better, resulting in a crispier and more flavorful crust that seals in the chicken’s moisture.

• Can I use different types of breadcrumbs?

Absolutely! You can use panko, Italian-style, or homemade breadcrumbs. Each type will give a slightly different texture, but all work well for creating a crispy coating.

• What if my chicken breasts are different sizes?

Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before breading. This ensures uniform cooking and prevents thinner parts from drying out while thicker parts are still undercooked.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This guarantees the chicken is safe to eat and remains juicy.

Addictive Spicy Chicken Lazone Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Savory Classic Chicken Parmigiana brings Italian culinary magic to dinner tables with golden-crusted chicken blanketed in rich marinara and melted cheese. Crispy exterior and tender meat create an irresistible combination that delivers pure comfort on a plate.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 4 chicken breasts, thinly sliced
• 4 slices mozzarella cheese
• ⅓ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Coating and Seasoning:

• 1 ½ cups bread crumbs
• 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated (divided)
• 2 eggs, whisked
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning (thyme, oregano, basil, rosemary)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper

Sauce and Garnish:

• 1 ½ cups marinara sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
• 10 ounces (283 grams) spaghetti (to serve with chicken)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Arrange three distinct seasoning stations on the counter: a plate dusted with grated Parmesan, a bowl of whisked eggs, and a shallow dish combining bread crumbs, Italian herbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Methodically transform each chicken breast by first rolling it through the Parmesan, creating a delicate initial coating that enhances flavor and texture.
3. Submerge the Parmesan-dusted chicken completely in the egg mixture, ensuring every surface becomes perfectly moistened and ready for breading.
4. Carefully transfer the egg-coated chicken into the herbed bread crumb mixture, gently pressing to create an even, crisp exterior that will seal in moisture.
5. Warm olive oil in a robust cast iron skillet, allowing it to reach a precise medium-high temperature that promotes beautiful golden browning.
6. Carefully place breaded chicken into the hot skillet, cooking approximately 3 minutes per side until a rich, amber crust develops and chicken gains beautiful caramelized edges.
7. Preheat the oven to 375°F, preparing a baking vessel that can transition from stovetop to oven with ease.
8. Strategically layer mozzarella slices atop each browned chicken breast, creating a luxurious dairy foundation.
9. Generously cascade marinara sauce over the chicken, allowing the vibrant red sauce to mingle with melting cheese.
10. Sprinkle additional shredded mozzarella and reserved Parmesan across the surface for extra decadence.
11. Slide the skillet into the preheated oven, allowing 30 minutes for the sauce to bubble and cheese to transform into a molten, appetizing blanket.
12. Remove from oven and garnish with freshly torn basil leaves, then present elegantly atop a bed of perfectly prepared spaghetti.

Notes

• Ensure chicken breasts are evenly pounded to the same thickness for consistent cooking and optimal breading coverage.
• Pat chicken dry before breading to help the coating adhere better and create a crispier exterior.
• Use fresh breadcrumbs for a crunchier texture, which elevates the overall dish quality and mouthfeel.
• Experiment with alternative protein options like eggplant or chicken substitutes for vegetarian or dietary-restricted di

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg