Are you ready to sink your teeth into a dish that’s juicy, crispy, and utterly delicious? If so, let me introduce you to the best Crispy Chicken Parmesan recipe you’ve ever tasted! This dish marries tender, breaded chicken with tangy marinara sauce and gooey melted cheese. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that’s perfect for family dinners or impressing guests at parties.
What makes this recipe stand out is its simplicity, paired with a quick preparation time—dinner could be ready in under an hour! Fun fact: Chicken Parmesan is believed to have originated from Italy but gained immense popularity in the United States, often found on family tables as a comforting yet sophisticated meal. Unlike other popular Italian dishes, this recipe is considerably straightforward. If you’re a fan of my classic Spaghetti Aglio e Olio, this crispy chicken dish will also win your heart. So grab your apron, because this is a meal you won’t want to miss!
What is Crispy Chicken Parmesan?
Isn’t it funny how a dish can wear so many hats? Chicken Parmesan, or “Chicken Parm,” as it’s often affectionately called, is crispy chicken swimming in savory marinara sauce and lovingly topped with Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. What a mouthful, right? You might wonder, “Why do they call it Chicken Parmesan?” Well, it pays homage to the cheese hailing from Parma, Italy, and isn’t just about being a delicious dish; it’s a way to bring people together around the dinner table. After all, as they say, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” So why not give this a try to see if it wins over your loved ones?
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Chicken Parmesan
There are plenty of reasons why this Crispy Chicken Parmesan is special! First and foremost, the highlight of this dish is the crispy breading. The crunch of the chicken against the savory, cheesy toppings creates an explosion of flavors in every bite. Secondly, making this at home is a fantastic way to save money while still enjoying a restaurant-quality meal. No need to break the bank when you can whip this up in your own kitchen!
And let’s not forget about the mouthwatering marinara sauce and the perfectly melted cheese that brings everything together. It’s a harmony of textures and flavors that you’ll relish, contrasting the crispy chicken with the rich sauce. If you love hearty comfort foods like Chicken Alfredo, you’ll surely be delighted by this dish too! So why wait? Let’s get cooking!
How to Make Crispy Chicken Parmesan
Quick Overview
One of the best parts about this Crispy Chicken Parmesan recipe is how easy it is to prepare while still being incredibly satisfying. With just a handful of ingredients and roughly 30-40 minutes of prep and cooking time, you’ll be serving up a crowd-pleaser in no time. The combination of tender chicken, crispy coating, and gooey cheese is truly one for the books!
Key Ingredients for Crispy Chicken Parmesan
- 2 large chicken breasts (sliced in half horizontally)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian seasoned)
- 1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Olive oil (for frying, about ½ cup)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice your chicken breasts in half to create thinner cutlets, then season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Breading Station: Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and another with breadcrumbs.
- Coat the Chicken: Dredge each chicken cutlet first in the flour, shaking off excess, followed by the egg mixture, and finally the breadcrumbs. Make sure each piece is well-coated for maximum crispiness!
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. You’ll want enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan.
- Fry the Chicken: Once the oil is hot, add the breaded chicken cutlets. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and crispy.
- Layer with Sauce and Cheese: After frying, place the cutlets on a baking sheet. Spoon marinara sauce over each piece, followed by sprinkling mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake to Perfection: Transfer the baking sheet to your preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, let it cool slightly, and enjoy your Crispy Chicken Parmesan with your favorite sides!
What to Serve Crispy Chicken Parmesan With
To elevate your meal, consider serving your Crispy Chicken Parmesan with a side of spaghetti aglio e olio, garlic bread, or a fresh garden salad. A glass of Italian red wine can also make for a classic pairing. This helps to balance the meal and complements the rich flavors beautifully, ensuring each bite is as delightful as the last!
Top Tips for Perfecting Crispy Chicken Parmesan
- Chicken Thickness: Make sure to pound your chicken breasts to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
- Breadcrumb Options: For extra flavor, try using panko breadcrumbs, which will give you an even crispier texture.
- Cheese Variations: Mix different types of cheese such as provolone for a delightful twist!
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you have any leftovers (though we can’t promise there will be), store your Crispy Chicken Parmesan in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it can last for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave for a quick option. Just be cautious not to overcook it, as you want to maintain that crispy texture.
Now, what are you waiting for? Grab those ingredients and delight your taste buds with the best Crispy Chicken Parmesan recipe! Your friends and family will be raving about it long after the meal is over!
Crispy Chicken Parmesan
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 large large chicken breasts (sliced in half horizontally)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large large eggs (beaten)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian seasoned)
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- ½ cup olive oil (for frying) About half a cup
- to taste salt and pepper
For the Sauce
- 1 cup marinara sauce Store-bought or homemade
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice your chicken breasts in half to create thinner cutlets, then season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and another with breadcrumbs.
Breading and Cooking
- Dredge each chicken cutlet first in the flour, shaking off excess, followed by the egg mixture, and finally the breadcrumbs. Ensure each piece is well-coated.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat, adding enough to cover the bottom of the pan.
- Once the oil is hot, add the breaded chicken cutlets. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
Baking
- After frying, place the cutlets on a baking sheet. Spoon marinara sauce over each piece and sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Transfer the baking sheet to your preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serving
- Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and enjoy your Crispy Chicken Parmesan with your favorite sides!
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