Chicken Parmesan
A comforting and hearty Chicken Parmesan recipe that your whole family will love, featuring crispy breaded chicken, marinara sauce, and melted cheese.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts Tender and juicy; you can also use thinly sliced chicken cutlets for a quicker cook time.
- 1 cup breadcrumbs Fresh or store-bought; feel free to spice it up with Italian seasoning or panko for a delightful crunch.
- 1 cup marinara sauce Homemade or store-bought; grab a jar from your favorite local brand if short on time.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese Try fresh mozzarella for a gourmet touch, or use a dairy-free alternative if needed.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Adds richness; consider nutritional yeast for a vegan twist.
- 2 large eggs Essential for the breading; whisked for easy dipping.
- Salt and pepper The backbone of flavor; adjust to taste.
- Fresh basil leaves For garnish; optional, but it adds a beautiful touch.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. If they are thick, consider slicing them in half for even cooking.
- In a shallow bowl, whisk the eggs. In another bowl, combine breadcrumbs and half of the grated Parmesan.
Cooking
- Dip each chicken breast into the egg, allowing excess to drip off, then coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the breaded chicken. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Place the cooked chicken on top of the sauce. Cover each piece with more marinara, followed by layers of mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Top with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
For extra crunch, broil the dish for 2-3 minutes after baking until the cheese is beautifully browned. You can also add red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for some heat.