If you have been hunting for a classic comfort dish that’s guaranteed to win hearts at the dinner table, look no further than this Chicken Parmesan Recipe: A Family Favorite Recipe. It combines tender chicken breasts with a crispy, herb-seasoned crust, tangy marinara sauce, and gooey melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese to create layers of deliciousness in every bite. This dish is not just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a plate, perfect for cozy family dinners or impressing guests with a timeless Italian-American favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Chicken Parmesan Recipe: A Family Favorite Recipe lies in its simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that each bring something special to the party — from the crunchy breadcrumb coating to the rich blend of cheeses and the bright herbs that elevate the sauce.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Pounded to an even 1/2-inch thickness to ensure quick and uniform cooking.
- All-purpose flour: Helps the egg mixture stick to the chicken, creating a perfect base for the breading.
- Eggs: Acts as a binder to hold the breadcrumb coating firmly on the chicken.
- Italian-style breadcrumbs: Adds a flavorful and crunchy crust; panko can be used for extra crispiness.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Enhances the crispy coating with a nutty, salty flavor.
- Garlic powder: Provides a subtle, savory depth to the seasoning.
- Onion powder: Complements garlic with a mild sweetness and aroma.
- Dried basil and oregano: Classic Italian herbs that bring warmth and earthiness.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and amplify all the flavors.
- Marinara sauce: A rich, tangy tomato base that keeps the dish moist and flavorful.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into a bubbly, cheesy topping that’s utterly irresistible.
- Olive oil: For frying, adding a touch of fruity richness to the crust.
- Fresh basil: A burst of bright, fresh flavor used as a garnish to finish the dish beautifully.
- Cooked pasta: The perfect vehicle to soak up all the saucy goodness.
How to Make Chicken Parmesan Recipe: A Family Favorite Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Breading Station
Set yourself up for success by arranging three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of Italian-style breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper. This triple-layer coating is key to getting that irresistible crunch and flavor on your chicken.
Step 2: Bread the Chicken
Take each pounded chicken breast and dredge it first in flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip it fully into the eggs, making sure every bit is coated. Lastly, press each breast firmly into the breadcrumb mixture to cover every surface. This creates the perfect crust that crisps up wonderfully when cooked.
Step 3: Pan-Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the breaded chicken breasts and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and crisp. This step locks in moisture and builds fantastic flavor in the crust before baking.
Step 4: Add Sauce and Cheese, Then Bake
Transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish. Spoon a generous amount of marinara sauce evenly over each piece, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese. Bake in a preheated 400°F oven for 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. A meat thermometer should register 165°F for safe doneness.
How to Serve Chicken Parmesan Recipe: A Family Favorite Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves are the ideal finishing touch, adding a pop of green color and a fresh, aromatic note that balances the rich cheese and sauce perfectly.
Side Dishes
This Chicken Parmesan shines when paired with simple, comforting sides like spaghetti tossed in olive oil and garlic, garlic bread, or even a crisp Caesar salad. These complements soak up the flavorful sauce and round out the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful twist, serve the chicken on baked polenta rounds or alongside roasted vegetables. You can also turn this into a hearty sandwich by layering sliced chicken Parmesan into a crusty baguette with extra sauce and melted cheese for a casual, crowd-pleasing meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Chicken Parmesan in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay tasty for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic option for quick lunches or dinner on busy nights.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked Chicken Parmesan by wrapping each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer bag. This method preserves flavor and texture for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes, or until warmed through and the cheese regains its melty goodness. Avoid microwaving when possible, as it can make the crust soggy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will give you a juicier, slightly different texture. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they’re cooked through and enjoy the extra richness.
Is it necessary to pound the chicken breasts?
Yes, pounding the chicken to an even thickness ensures that they cook evenly and stay tender. Without this step, the thinner parts might dry out while the thicker parts remain undercooked.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely. Substitute the all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free versions, such as almond flour or gluten-free panko. The flavor and texture will still be fantastic.
What if I don’t have fresh basil for garnish?
If fresh basil isn’t available, dried basil sprinkled at the end or fresh parsley are good alternatives that add a bit of color and herbaceous brightness.
Can I use fresh mozzarella instead of shredded?
Yes, fresh mozzarella will create a creamier, more melty topping. Just slice it thinly and layer it over the sauce before baking. It’s a delicious variation that adds richness.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something undeniably comforting about this Chicken Parmesan Recipe: A Family Favorite Recipe that brings a touch of tradition and homemade goodness to your table. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe is sure to fill the room with mouthwatering aromas and happy smiles. Go ahead, give it a try and make it a cherished part of your family meals!
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Chicken Parmesan Recipe: A Family Favorite Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian American
Description
Chicken Parmesan is a beloved Italian-American dish featuring tender, breaded chicken breasts topped with savory marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. This family favorite is crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and baked to perfection, making it an ideal main course served over pasta.
Ingredients
Chicken and Breading
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded to 1/2-inch thickness
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce and Cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Cooking
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Garnish and Serving
- Fresh basil for garnish
- Cooked pasta for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F to prepare for baking the chicken parmesan after browning.
- Prepare Breading Station: Set up three shallow bowls with flour in the first, beaten eggs in the second, and a breadcrumb mixture (Italian breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper) in the third.
- Bread the Chicken: Dredge each chicken breast first in flour, shaking off excess, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally press thoroughly into the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated.
- Brown the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the breaded chicken breasts and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown but not cooked through.
- Assemble for Baking: Transfer browned chicken breasts to a baking dish. Spoon marinara sauce evenly over each piece, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with fresh basil, and serve the chicken parmesan over cooked pasta.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, use panko breadcrumbs instead of traditional Italian-style breadcrumbs.
- You can also air-fry the breaded chicken at 380°F for 10 to 12 minutes before adding sauce and cheese as an alternative cooking method.
- Fresh mozzarella can be substituted for shredded mozzarella for a creamier texture and richer flavor.
