Chicken Parmesan
Chicken Parmesan consists of breaded chicken breasts that are pan-fried until golden and then topped with marinara sauce and fresh mozzarella before finishing in the oven. The combination of crispy coating with melted cheese and tangy tomato sauce creates a contrast in texture and flavor, making it a satisfying main dish. This recipe uses a breading mix containing Parmesan and Italian seasoning, enhancing the savory profile of the chicken, which is versatile to serve with pasta or a salad.
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
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4 Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 472
% 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.