Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by tenderizing the chicken breasts to an even thickness. This ensures they cook evenly. Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper.
Bread the Chicken:
- Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, making sure it's fully coated.
- Dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s coated on both sides.
- Finally, coat the chicken in the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture. Press down gently to ensure the breadcrumbs stick.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken breasts to the pan. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side until the chicken is golden and crispy. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Make the Marinara Sauce (if homemade): While the chicken is frying, make your marinara sauce. In a small saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and sugar. Stir and simmer for 10-15 minutes, adjusting seasoning to taste.
- Assemble the Chicken Parmesan: Once the chicken is fried and crispy, transfer the pieces to a baking dish. Spoon marinara sauce over each piece of chicken, and then sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven. Garnish with fresh basil if desired. Serve with spaghetti, garlic bread, or a simple salad for a complete meal.
Notes
Chicken Parmesan is versatile and forgiving—whether you're cooking for a family dinner, a date night, or just because you’re craving comfort food. You can always make adjustments based on your personal preferences. For example, you can swap regular breadcrumbs for panko for an extra crunch, or use gluten-free breadcrumbs to cater to dietary needs. If you’re in a rush, you can skip making the marinara sauce from scratch and use a good-quality store-bought version.