Chicken Parmigiana is a classic Italian-American dish combining crispy breaded chicken cutlets, rich tomato sauce, gooey melted cheese, and a hint of fresh basil.
What Is Chicken Parmigiana?
Chicken Parmigiana is a dish rooted in Italian culinary traditions, closely related to Eggplant Parmigiana, but with an American twist. The recipe involves breaded and fried chicken breasts topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese, typically mozzarella and Parmesan, then baked until bubbly and golden. It’s served over pasta or alongside crusty bread, making it a hearty and satisfying meal.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Chicken Parmigiana
- Choose the Right Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts and pound them to an even thickness. This ensures quick and even cooking while keeping the meat tender.
- Bread Like a Pro: The classic three-step dredging process—flour, egg wash, and breadcrumbs—creates the ultimate crispy coating. For an extra crunch, mix Panko breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan.
- Don’t Skip the Frying: While baking might seem healthier, frying the cutlets first locks in moisture and creates that signature crispy crust.
- Homemade Marinara is Key: A simple marinara sauce made with San Marzano tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and fresh basil elevates the dish significantly.
- Cheese Selection Matters: Use fresh mozzarella for a creamy texture, and sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan on top for depth of flavor.
Variations on Chicken Parmigiana
- Eggplant Chicken Parmigiana: Combine thinly sliced eggplant with chicken for a veggie-packed twist.
- Gluten-Free Chicken Parm: Substitute almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version.
- Spicy Chicken Parmigiana: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the marinara and season the chicken with cayenne for a kick of heat.
- Sheet Pan Chicken Parm: Opt for a lighter version by baking the chicken cutlets instead of frying them.
- Chicken Parm Sliders: Miniature versions of this classic dish served on small buns for a party-friendly option.
How to Serve Chicken Parmigiana
Chicken Parmigiana pairs beautifully with:
- Spaghetti or Angel Hair Pasta: Toss pasta with extra marinara sauce for a complete meal.
- Garlic Bread: Serve with buttery garlic bread to soak up the extra sauce.
- Simple Green Salad: A light salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish.
- Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus add a fresh, healthy side.
How to Store and Reheat Chicken Parmigiana
- Storage: Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze individual portions by wrapping them in foil and storing them in freezer-safe bags. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: For the best results, reheat in an oven at 375°F (190°C) until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the breading soggy.
Recipe FAQs
Q: Can I make Chicken Parmigiana ahead of time?
A: Yes! Bread and fry the chicken cutlets in advance, then assemble and bake with the marinara and cheese when ready to serve.
Q: What’s the difference between Chicken Parmigiana and Chicken Parmesan?
A: They are the same dish! “Parmigiana” is the Italian term, while “Parmesan” reflects the Americanized spelling.
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Absolutely. Chicken thighs will add extra juiciness and flavor to the dish. Be sure to debone them and pound them flat for even cooking.
Q: How do I keep the chicken crispy under the sauce?
A: Avoid overloading the cutlets with sauce. Instead, spoon a moderate amount and leave the edges exposed to maintain some crispiness.
Q: What cheese works best for Chicken Parmigiana?
A: Fresh mozzarella is ideal for its creamy texture, and Parmesan adds sharpness. Provolone or fontina can also be used for a unique flavor.
Chicken Parmigiana
Chicken Parmigiana is a classic Italian-American dish combining crispy breaded chicken cutlets, rich tomato sauce, gooey melted cheese, and a hint of fresh basil.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (8-9 oz each)
- 4 eggs
- ½ cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups flour
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ½ quart milk
- 3 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- Parsley, to garnish
Instructions
- Take a bowl and measure the flour and set aside.
- Take another bowl and mix the eggs and milk, breaking egg yolks, and set aside.
- Now measure the breadcrumbs in a third bowl and set aside.
- Pound the chicken breasts about ¼” thickness between sheets of plastic wrap.
- Season with the salt and pepper.
- Coat the chicken into the flour and then dip into egg and milk mixture, covering completely.
- Then into the breadcrumbs, covering evenly, removing excess.
- On a lined sheet tray place the breaded chicken in a single layer
- Preheat oven to broil and heat oil in a cast-iron pan at 155 degrees.
- Fry the chicken pieces until cooked through and golden brown for about 5 minutes per side.
- Now remove excess oil from the chicken by putting them on a paper towel.
- Top your fried chicken pieces with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve with your favorite side dishes like pasta, salad, etc.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
4Amount Per Serving Calories 1244Total Fat 51gSaturated Fat 11gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 36gCholesterol 321mgSodium 1741mgCarbohydrates 119gFiber 7gSugar 14gProtein 73g
dinnerbytes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although dinnerbytes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
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Why Chicken Parmigiana is a Must-Try Recipe
Chicken Parmigiana is more than just a dish; it’s an experience. With its perfectly breaded chicken, rich marinara sauce, and indulgent layers of cheese, it embodies the comfort and joy of home-cooked meals. Plus, its versatility means you can customize it to suit any occasion.
