Chicken Parmesan
User Reviews
4.6
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
472 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Italian
Chicken Parmesan
Description
Chicken Parmesan starts with large boneless skinless chicken breasts that are sliced or pounded thin for even cooking. They are seasoned and coated in flour, egg, and a breadcrumb mixture that includes Parmesan cheese, panko, and Italian seasonings. The chicken is pan-fried in olive oil until browned on both sides, which creates a crispy crust. After frying, the chicken is topped with marinara sauce and thin slices of fresh mozzarella cheese, then finished under a hot oven to melt the cheese and meld the flavors.
The texture combines a crunchy exterior with a juicy interior, balanced by the bright acidity and herby notes from the tomato sauce. Melted mozzarella adds creaminess and a mild milky taste. This layered preparation results in a classic, comforting dish that works well beside pasta or fresh greens.
This recipe can be adapted by using shredded mozzarella instead of sliced if preferred. The use of freshly grated Parmesan in the breading is key for its saltiness and depth. Baking at a high temperature ensures the cheese melts fully without overcooking the chicken.
Instead of thinly sliced fresh mozzarella, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella can be used as a substitute.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts about 1 1/2 lbs, large, boneless, skinless
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 egg large
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese divided, grated
- 1/4 cup panko
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3 tablespoons olive oil more as needed
- 1 1/3 cups marinara sauce
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese thinly sliced, fresh
- basil for garnish, chopped, fresh
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
- Use sharp knife to cut the chicken breasts in half horizontally to make 4 pieces. Alternatively, you can pound each breast with a meat mallet. Place the chicken between two pieces of parchment paper or wax paper and pound it until it's about 1/2 an inch. Place on a plate and set aside.
- Get out three shallow bowls. Put the flour in one bowl. In the second bowl, whisk together the eggs. In the third bowl, whisk together the breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup of the Parmesan cheese, panko, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.
- Coat the chicken breasts in the flour mixture, then dip into the egg mixture, then roll in the bread crumb mixture, pressing to adhere, until well coated. Set aside.
- In a large cast iron skillet or heavy skillet, heat the olive oil over medium high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until chicken is browned on both sides. Transfer chicken pieces to the prepared baking sheet.
- Use a spoon to spread about 1/3 cup of marinara sauce on top of each piece of chicken. Top evenly with mozzarella cheese and the remaining 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese.
- Place the pan on the middle rack in the oven and bake for 14 to 20 minutes or until cheese is melted and chicken is cooked through (165 ºF).
- Remove from oven and garnish with fresh basil. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Avoid skipping Parmesan in the breading as it adds important flavor and texture.
- Pounding the chicken breasts to an even 1/2 inch thickness helps them cook evenly and quickly.
- Use a heavy skillet and enough olive oil to brown the chicken well without burning.
- If using shredded mozzarella instead of sliced, the melting step remains the same.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 472 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 472kcal | 24% |
| Carbohydrates | 32g | 11% |
| Protein | 30g | 60% |
| Fat | 25g | 38% |
| Saturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3g | 18% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 12g | 60% |
| Cholesterol | 151mg | 50% |
| Sodium | 1587mg | 66% |
| Potassium | 588mg | 13% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 792IU | 16% |
| Vitamin C | 6mg | 7% |
| Calcium | 318mg | 32% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.6
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