The Best Ever Homemade Chicken Parmesan Recipe (And Easy!)

What Is Chicken Parmesan?

Chicken Parmesan, affectionately known as Chicken Parm, is a beloved Italian-American dish that combines breaded chicken breasts with savory tomato sauce and melted cheese. It typically starts with chicken breasts that are coated in breadcrumbs and herbs, then fried to a crispy golden brown. These deliciously crunchy chicken pieces are then topped with a rich and flavorful tomato sauce, sprinkled generously with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, and baked until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

It's a comforting, hearty meal that's often served over spaghetti or alongside a crisp salad. Chicken Parmesan is a favorite at many Italian restaurants, but it's also simple enough to make at home for a cozy family dinner. It's the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table, eager to dig in.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Parmesan Recipe

It’s unbelievably easy: This recipe is straightforward and foolproof, making it perfect for both beginners and seasoned cooks. You’ll be amazed at how simple it is to create such a flavorful dish.

Quick to prepare: In just a few steps, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to go. It's perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.

Classic comfort food: Chicken Parmesan is the ultimate comfort food. With its crispy breading, rich tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese, it’s a dish that’s both satisfying and heartwarming.

Versatile serving options: Serve it up with spaghetti for a traditional take, or get creative with zoodles for a low-carb option. It’s also fantastic sandwiched between a crusty roll for a hearty chicken Parmesan sub.

Loved by all: This dish is a crowd-pleaser, loved by both kids and adults. It’s hard to find anyone who doesn’t smile at the thought of a good Chicken Parmesan!

The Ingredients You Will Need To Make Chicken Parmesan

Flour and eggs: The flour is needed to help hold the egg mixture on the chicken before breading it.

Breadcrumbs, parsley and Parmesan cheese: These three ingredients are essential to create the crispy coating of the chicken.

Chicken breasts: We use 4 for this recipe, but you can make as many as needed for a crowd. Just increase the amount of all of the other ingredients.

Sauce: We use our Pomodoro Fresco Marinara, but any sauce you have on hand will do. Even if it’s homemade!

Provolone, mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses: Provolone, mozzarella and parmesan are a classic combination. Mozzarella is a low-moisture cheese with a creamy, fresh flavor that melts nicely. Provolone is a semi-hard cheese with a smooth texture and a slightly sharper flavor than mozzarella. It is great for melting, adding a rich, creamy texture to the chicken and providing a pleasantly mild flavor. Parmesan is a hard, sharp cheese that adds a nutty flavor and depth of taste to the chicken.

How to Make Chicken Parmesan

Top Tips

Craving that perfect chicken parmesan but worried about ending up with a soggy mess? Let's ensure your chicken stays wonderfully crispy and absolutely delicious every time! Here’s a foolproof method to keep the sogginess at bay and delight in a chicken parmesan that’s as crunchy as it is tasty.

1. Choose the Right Cut: Start with boneless, skinless chicken breasts. If they're thick, gently pound them to even thickness. This helps them cook uniformly and crisp up perfectly.

2. Bread Like a Pro: The key to a non-soggy chicken parmesan lies in the breading. Begin with a three-step breading process—flour, beaten eggs, and then breadcrumbs. For an extra barrier against moisture, ensure each chicken breast is thoroughly coated at every stage. Shake off any excess flour and egg before moving to the next step to avoid clumps that can turn soggy.

3. Pre-Crisp Your Chicken: Before adding any sauce or cheese, first fry your breaded chicken in a bit of olive oil over medium-high heat. Aim for a golden brown, crispy exterior. This initial fry seals the breadcrumbs and starts the crunch factor.

4. Sauce Sparingly: When it’s time to add your marinara sauce, be strategic. Spread a thin layer of the sauce in the baking dish. Then instead of covering the entire breast, spoon the sauce onto the center of each piece, leaving the edges bare. This helps the perimeter of the chicken breast maintain its crunch.

5. Choose the Right Cheese: Use good quality mozzarella and provolone and freshly grated Parmesan. Fresh cheese melts better and tends to be less watery than pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents that can introduce moisture.

6. Bake to Perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) just until the cheese is bubbly and browned.

7. Rest Before Serving: Let the chicken sit for a few minutes after it comes out of the oven. This resting period allows everything to set and ensures the coating doesn’t go limp from steam when you cut into it.

A couple of cooking tips:

• Make sure your pan is big enough to accommodate all of the chicken pieces when sauteeing.

• You can warm up your marinara sauce before adding it to the chicken, but we find that it warms up enough while the cheese is melting.

Substitutions And Additions

Breadcrumbs. You can use panko or Italian seasoned breadcrumbs in place of the plain breadcrumbs.

You can use chicken cutlets instead of breasts if you don’t want to pound the chicken.

Add slices of fresh tomatoes on the chicken before topping with the cheese.

Make it a little spicy by adding some red pepper flakes to the sauce.

What To Serve With Chicken Parmesan

Chicken Parmesan is such a beloved classic, always comforting and utterly delicious! When you're planning to serve this favorite dish, picking the perfect sides can turn a great meal into an extraordinary one. Here are some delightful suggestions that will complement your Chicken Parmesan beautifully:

1. Garlic Bread: Let’s start with the essentials! A side of warm, crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up that rich tomato sauce and melting cheese. It’s a crowd-pleaser that never fails to satisfy.
2. Caesar Salad: Add a fresh, crisp element to your meal with a Caesar salad. Its creamy dressing and crunchy croutons pair wonderfully with the savory notes of Chicken Parmesan.
3. Spaghetti: Serving your Chicken Parmesan with a side of spaghetti is almost mandatory! It’s a classic combo where the pasta benefits from the chicken’s sauce, creating a perfect harmony in every bite.
4. Roasted Vegetables: For a lighter, healthier side, try a mix of roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant. The slight char and sweetness of the veggies make a great counterpoint to the rich, cheesy chicken.
5. Risotto: If you want to elevate your dinner a notch, creamy risotto is a luxurious side that melds wonderfully with Chicken Parmesan. A simple Parmesan or herb risotto can really round out your dining experience.
6. Antipasto Salad: Incorporate a bit of variety with an antipasto salad featuring olives, artichokes, peppers, and Italian cured meats. It’s a refreshing starter that preps the palate for the main course.
7. Steamed Broccoli: For something simple and wholesome, steamed broccoli is a great go-to. Its mild flavor and crunch make it an easy, nutritious addition that balances out the meal.
8. Polenta: Creamy polenta is another fabulous base for Chicken Parmesan, especially if you’re looking for a gluten-free option to pasta. It’s hearty and comforting, just like your main dish.

Chicken Parmesan: FAQ

Why Is It Called Chicken Parmesan If It’s Made With Mozzarella?

Chicken Parmesan, or Chicken Parmigiana, is typically topped with mozzarella cheese, but the name actually comes from the Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese that is also used in the recipe. This dish originally hails from Italy where Parmigiano-Reggiano is a staple ingredient, giving the dish its distinctive salty and nutty flavor. Over time, mozzarella found its way into the recipe because its fantastic meltability complements the crispy chicken beautifully. So, while the mozzarella might steal the spotlight with its stretchy, melty goodness, the Parmesan plays a crucial role in flavoring the dish, hence the name Chicken Parmesan!

Is Chicken Parmesan A Thing In Italy?

While chicken parmesan, as we know and love it, feels like a classic Italian dish, it’s actually more of a twist on traditional Italian cooking, mostly developed by Italian immigrants in the United States.

In Italy, they have a somewhat similar dish called "Melanzane alla Parmigiana," which is made with breaded eggplant slices layered with cheese and tomato sauce. So, while the concept of layering ingredients and using parmesan cheese is authentically Italian, substituting chicken and turning it into the beloved 'chicken parm' is a yummy innovation that took root elsewhere.

Can I Make Chicken Parmesan Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can make chicken Parmesan ahead of time. It's a great way to save time and reduce stress, especially if you plan to entertain guests or have a busy week ahead. You can prepare the breaded chicken, assemble the dish with sauce and cheese, and then store it in the refrigerator for a day or two before you need to bake it. Just remember to cover it well so it stays fresh. When you're ready, bake it until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

The Best Ever Homemade Chicken Parmesan Recipe (And Easy!)

• 2 cups DeLallo Plain Breadcrumbs
• 3 tablespoons fresh flat-leaf parsley, minced
• 1/2 cup DeLallo Grated Parmesan-Romano Cheese Blend
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 jumbo eggs, beaten lightly
• 4 chicken breasts, pounded to make thin
• 1/2 cup DeLallo Pure Olive Oil
• 2 cups DeLallo Pomodoro Fresco Marinara Sauce or DeLallo Traditional Spaghetti Sauce
• 1 cup grated mozzarella
• 1/2 cup DeLallo Grated Parmesan-Romano Cheese Blend
• 8 slices of provolone

Directions

1. Combine breadcrumbs, parsley, 1/2 cup of grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Place breadcrumb mixture, flour and eggs in three separate dishes. First, dredge chicken breast halves (or veal cutlets) in flour, making sure to shake off any excess. Dip in beaten eggs, like the flour, making sure to let any excess drip off. Finally, dredge in breadcrumb mixture to coat well. Allow breaded breasts and cutlets to rest before cooking.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet on medium-high heat. Once oil is ready, which can be determined by tossing in a breadcrumb to see if it sizzles, cook chicken until golden. Be sure to turn for even cooking, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove from hot oil and onto a baking sheet lined with paper towels.
3. To bake, preheat oven to 375˚F. Spread about 1 cup of Marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9 by 13-inch casserole dish. Place the breaded chicken on top of the sauce. Pour the remaining marinara over the chicken, covering each piece. Sprinkle with grated mozzarella and Parmigiano, and then finish with a slice of provolone.
4. Cover dish with foil and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until bubbling. Uncover, then bake for another 5 minutes to melt the cheese fully.
5. Extra Marinara can be used for serving with pasta.

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