The Homemade Chicken Parmigiana Recipe Everyone Adores

Crafting the perfect chicken parmigiana brings pure culinary joy to home kitchens everywhere.

Layers of crispy breaded chicken melt beneath rich marinara sauce and gooey cheese.

Generations of Italian cooks have perfected this classic comfort dish through careful technique and passion.

Warm aromas fill the kitchen as golden-brown chicken emerges from the oven, promising delectable flavors.

Crisp edges and tender meat create a delightful contrast that makes you crave every single bite.

We can transform simple ingredients into something truly spectacular with just a few smart cooking tricks.

Grab your apron and prepare for a mouthwatering adventure that will impress everyone at the table.

What Makes Chicken Parmigiana a Classic Favorite

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Transforms classic chicken into a restaurant-quality dish that everyone from kids to adults will love and devour.
• Master Culinary Skills: Learn professional cooking techniques like dredging, frying, and baking that elevate your kitchen confidence with simple steps.
• Quick Weeknight Champion: Delivers a delicious main course in minimal stages, requiring just basic ingredients and straightforward cooking methods perfect for busy households.
• Versatile Serving Star: Pairs beautifully with pasta, salad, or roasted vegetables, making it an adaptable meal for casual dinners or entertaining guests.

Chicken Parmigiana Ingredients Checklist

• Chicken Breasts: High-quality protein that serves as the main star of this classic Italian-American dish.

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates a dry base layer for the breading process.
• Eggs: Acts as a binding agent to help the breadcrumb mixture stick to the chicken.
• Breadcrumbs: Provides a crispy and golden exterior to the chicken.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a savory and nutty flavor to the breading mixture.

• Marinara Sauce, Mozzarella Cheese: Delivers a classic Italian flavor profile with rich tomato sauce and melty cheese.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Enhances the overall flavor of the chicken.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: Provides a fresh, aromatic garnish to the finished dish.

• Olive Oil: Used for frying the chicken to achieve a golden and crispy exterior.

Step-by-Step Guide to Chicken Parmigiana

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 430°F (220°C) so it’s ready for the delicious transformation of chicken.

Step 2: Prepare Chicken Coating Station

• Flour
• Beaten eggs
• Breadcrumbs and Parmesan mixture

Generously season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then dance each piece through the stations, ensuring a perfect crispy exterior.

Step 3: Create Golden Chicken Perfection

Grab a skillet and pour in olive oil, heating over medium flame. Carefully place chicken pieces into the sizzling pan, cooking each side for 2-3 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown with irresistible crispiness.

Step 4: Build Flavor Layers

Transfer the crispy chicken to a baking tray. Lavish each piece with marinara sauce, then crown with a generous blanket of mozzarella cheese.

Step 5: Bake to Cheesy Magnificence

Slide the tray into the preheated oven, allowing the chicken to bake for 15 minutes. Watch for the cheese to become bubbly and turn a tempting golden color.

Step 6: Add Fresh Finishing Touch

Pull the tray from the oven and sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top. Serve immediately while the cheese is still melty and the chicken remains wonderfully crisp.

Secrets to the Perfect Chicken Parmigiana

• Use chicken breasts of uniform thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent dry edges.
• Pat chicken dry before breading to help the coating stick better and create a crispier texture.
• Choose a high-quality marinara sauce or make your own for richer flavor.
• Allow chicken to rest for a few minutes after frying to retain moisture and prevent soggy breading.
• For a gluten-free version, swap wheat flour with almond flour and use gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Chicken Parmigiana with a Twist

• Seafood Parmigiana: Replace chicken with breaded shrimp or white fish fillets for a marine protein alternative. Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness and swap marinara with light lemon-butter sauce.
• Mediterranean Veggie Parmigiana: Swap chicken with eggplant or zucchini slices. Layer with roasted red peppers, add feta cheese instead of mozzarella, and sprinkle with oregano for a Greek-inspired version.
• Spicy Cajun Chicken Parmigiana: Blend Cajun seasoning into breadcrumb mixture. Top with pepper jack cheese and add a drizzle of hot sauce before baking. Serve with dirty rice for extra Southern flair.
• Gluten-Free Wellness Parmigiana: Use almond flour for coating instead of wheat flour.

Tasty Pairings for Chicken Parmigiana

• Pair Perfectly with Crisp White Wine: Select a bright Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc that cuts through the richness of the cheesy chicken, creating a refreshing balance on your palate.
• Complement with Fresh Garden Salad: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a zesty, peppery contrast against the hearty chicken parmigiana, adding freshness to each bite.
• Match with Garlic Herb Pasta: Serve alongside al dente spaghetti or linguine tossed with olive oil, fresh herbs, and a touch of parmesan to soak up the delicious marinara sauce and create a complete meal.

Storing Chicken Parmigiana Without Losing the Crunch

• Refrigerator Storage: Transfer leftover chicken parmigiana to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover each piece with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
• Freezer Storage: Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring no air pockets to prevent freezer burn.
• Oven Reheating: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chicken on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil to retain moisture, and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Remove foil during the last 3 minutes to crisp the coating.

Chicken Parmigiana FAQs, Straight Up

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work perfectly. They’re often more tender and flavorful, but you’ll need to adjust cooking time to ensure they’re fully cooked.

• How do I prevent the breading from falling off while frying?

Ensure the chicken is dry before coating, press the breadcrumb mixture firmly onto the chicken, and maintain consistent oil temperature when frying.

• What if I don't have Parmesan cheese for the breading?

You can substitute with Romano cheese or skip it entirely. The breadcrumbs will still provide a crispy coating.

• Is it okay to use store-bought marinara sauce?

Absolutely! Store-bought marinara sauce is convenient and works great in this recipe. Choose a high-quality brand for the best flavor.

Chicken Parmigiana Recipe

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4.5 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 35-40 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Delectable Chicken Parmigiana emerges as a classic Italian-American comfort dish that blends crispy breaded chicken with rich marinara and melted cheese. Savory layers of flavor and golden-brown perfection make this meal a delightful choice for you to enjoy with family and friends.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts, halved horizontally
• 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded

Coating Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup plain flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasoning and Garnish:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 430°F (220°C) to ensure optimal cooking temperature for the chicken.
2. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, creating a foundational flavor profile for the dish.
3. Create a three-stage coating process: first dredge the seasoned chicken in flour, next dip into beaten eggs, then thoroughly coat with a mixture of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
4. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, maintaining a consistent temperature for even browning.
5. Carefully fry each chicken piece for 2-3 minutes per side, developing a crisp, golden exterior that locks in moisture.
6. Transfer the golden-brown chicken pieces to a baking tray, arranging them in a single layer for uniform heat distribution.
7. Generously spoon marinara sauce over each chicken piece, ensuring complete coverage for rich, tangy flavor.
8. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top of the sauced chicken, creating a melty, luxurious topping.
9. Place the prepared tray in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, allowing the cheese to become bubbly and slightly golden.
10. Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves for a vibrant, aromatic finish.
11. Serve immediately to enjoy the chicken at its peak of crispiness and flavor.

Notes

• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
• For a gluten-free version, replace wheat flour with almond flour or cornstarch and use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• Pat chicken dry before coating to help breading stick better and create a crispier exterior.
• Let chicken rest for a few minutes after frying to maintain its crispy texture before adding sauce and cheese.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 742
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 870 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 66 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 46 g
• Cholesterol: 250 mg