How to Make Classic Chicken Parmesan: A Step-by-Step Guide
Chicken Parmesan is a comforting and mouthwatering Italian-American dish that has captured the hearts (and stomachs) of people everywhere. With its crispy breaded chicken cutlets, melty cheese, and rich tomato sauce served over a plate of pasta, it’s the kind of meal that feels fancy but is surprisingly simple to make at home. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe will guide you through the steps to create classic Chicken Parmesan with easy-to-follow instructions. Let’s get started!
What You’ll Need:
Here’s a basic list of ingredients and tools you’ll need for the recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 large chicken breasts (or 4 smaller ones, depending on portion size)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko or Italian-style work best)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for flavor)
- Salt and black pepper, to season
- 1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil, for frying)
- Spaghetti (or your favorite pasta), cooked and ready to serve
Tools:
- 3 shallow bowls for coating the chicken
- Large frying pan
- Baking dish or sheet
- Tongs or a spatula
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Meat mallet (or rolling pin) to flatten the chicken
- Oven or toaster oven
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Start by trimming any excess fat or gristle off the chicken breasts. To ensure even cooking, you’ll need to flatten the chicken. Place each chicken breast between two pieces of plastic wrap or parchment paper, then gently pound it with a meat mallet or rolling pin until it’s about ½ inch thick. Keep them uniform in thickness so they cook evenly.
Season both sides of the chicken lightly with salt and pepper. If you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle on a bit of garlic powder to enhance the flavor.
Step 2: Set Up the Breading Stations
Take out three shallow bowls or plates to bread your chicken:
- Bowl 1: Fill with 1 cup of all-purpose flour. This will help the coating stick to the chicken.
- Bowl 2: Beat 2 eggs together in another bowl. This acts as the glue for the breadcrumbs.
- Bowl 3: Combine 1 cup of breadcrumbs and ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese.
Pro tip: If you like a finer texture, use Italian-style breadcrumbs. If you prefer a crunchier coating, opt for Panko breadcrumbs.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken
Coat each chicken breast piece in three steps:
- Dredge in flour: Lightly cover both sides of the chicken with flour. Shake off any excess.
- Dip in egg: Submerge the floured chicken in the beaten egg mixture, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
- Press into breadcrumbs: Lay the chicken in the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture, pressing gently so the coating sticks well.
Repeat with all pieces.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
Heat 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot but not smoking, carefully lay the breaded chicken pieces in the pan. Fry for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Avoid overcrowding the pan—work in batches if necessary.
When the chicken is golden and crispy, transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 5: Assemble the Dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats up, prepare a baking dish or sheet.
Place the fried chicken cutlets in the dish. Spoon marinara sauce over each piece, covering them evenly but not drowning them (about 2-3 tablespoons per cutlet). Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously on top.
Step 6: Bake Until Perfect
Pop the dish into the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you’d like to give it a slightly golden finish, turn on the broiler for the last 2 minutes (but keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!).
Step 7: Cook the Pasta
While the chicken bakes, cook your spaghetti or favorite pasta according to the package instructions. Drain well and toss with a little olive oil or extra marinara sauce.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the Chicken Parmesan is ready, remove it from the oven and let it sit for a minute. Serve each cutlet over a warm bed of spaghetti or pasta. Garnish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if you like.
Feel free to add a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad to complement the dish.
Final Thoughts:
Making Chicken Parmesan at home doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few pantry staples and a little bit of love, you can whip up this delicious meal that’s sure to impress. The best part? You can tweak the recipe to suit your taste, whether that’s using extra cheese, adding fresh basil, or switching up the type of pasta.
So, the next time you’re in the mood for comfort food that’s both crispy and cheesy, give this classic Chicken Parmesan recipe a try. Trust us—it’s worth it!
Bon appétit!
