Easy Homemade Chicken Parmesan

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

Start by prepping your chicken breasts. If the chicken breasts are very thick, consider slicing them in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets that cook more evenly. You can also pound the chicken to an even thickness using a meat mallet, which ensures a uniform cook.

Once your chicken is prepared, season both sides with salt and pepper.

2. Bread the Chicken

In one shallow dish, add the flour. In another shallow dish, beat the eggs. In a third dish, mix the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, dried oregano, and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese.

Dip each piece of chicken into the flour, coating it completely, then dip it into the beaten eggs. Next, dredge the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs stick. This step will create the crispy, golden crust that makes Chicken Parmesan so delicious.

3. Fry the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the breaded chicken pieces. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Depending on the size of your chicken breasts, you may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.

Once the chicken is fried to perfection, transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.

4. Assemble the Chicken Parmesan

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Place the fried chicken breasts on a baking sheet or in a baking dish. Spoon about 1/4 cup of marinara sauce onto each piece of chicken, spreading it evenly. Top with a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese, then sprinkle the remaining grated Parmesan over the top.

5. Bake the Chicken

Bake the assembled Chicken Parmesan in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the chicken is fully cooked through (reaching an internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C).

If you prefer a golden and bubbly top, you can switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, but keep a close eye on it to avoid burning the cheese.

6. Serve and Garnish

Once the Chicken Parmesan is out of the oven, garnish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and flavor. Serve the dish hot, either as is or over a bed of pasta, with a side of garlic bread, or a fresh salad.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Parmesan

• Breadcrumbs: For extra flavor, use Panko breadcrumbs or make your own breadcrumbs from stale bread. You can also toast the breadcrumbs lightly in the oven or on the stove to enhance their crispiness before breading the chicken.
• Cheese Choices: While mozzarella and Parmesan are traditional, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like provolone, fontina, or even a touch of cheddar for a unique twist.
• Homemade Marinara: If you have the time, making your own marinara sauce is a great way to personalize the dish. A simple sauce with crushed tomatoes, garlic, basil, and a touch of olive oil will enhance the overall flavor.
• Make it Lighter: To make a lighter version, you can skip the frying step and bake the breaded chicken directly in the oven. Spray the chicken with a bit of cooking spray to help it crisp up.
• Freezing: Chicken Parmesan freezes well! You can freeze the breaded, fried chicken cutlets (without the sauce and cheese) for later use. When ready to bake, simply top with sauce and cheese and bake as directed.

Why You’ll Love Easy Homemade Chicken Parmesan

• Comfort Food at Its Best: There’s nothing more comforting than a crispy, cheesy Chicken Parmesan. It’s the kind of dish that fills you up and warms you from the inside out.
• Quick and Easy: Unlike some other Italian dishes, this recipe doesn’t require hours of preparation. You can have a delicious, homemade Chicken Parmesan dinner ready in about 30 minutes.
• Customizable: Whether you prefer a spicier marinara, extra cheese, or want to add some veggies to the mix, Chicken Parmesan is highly versatile and easy to adjust to your tastes.
• Family-Friendly: This is a meal that everyone can enjoy, from kids to adults. It’s an easy way to get your family to eat their veggies if you serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or a salad.

Conclusion

Easy Homemade Chicken Parmesan is a timeless dish that combines crispy, breaded chicken, savory marinara, and melty cheese into a comforting and satisfying meal. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a special occasion, this dish is sure to please. With simple ingredients and a straightforward cooking process, you’ll have a delicious homemade version that rivals any restaurant’s. Serve it with your favorite side dishes and enjoy the delicious flavors of this classic Italian-American comfort food at home!