Chicken Parmesan is a classic Italian-American dish featuring breaded and fried chicken cutlets topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella or Parmesan cheese. The dish is typically baked until the cheese is bubbly and golden, and it is often served over pasta or with a side of garlic bread. The combination of crispy chicken, rich tomato sauce, and gooey cheese creates a flavorful and comforting meal that’s loved by many.
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What is the best oil to cook chicken parmesan?
Peanut oil, commonly used in Asian cooking and for large-scale frying, is an excellent choice for adding flavour to breaded chicken cutlets. Extra virgin or light olive oil can be a healthier alternative, offering a lighter taste while providing a nutritious cooking option.
How to Make Chicken Parmesan That’s Never Soggy
Chicken Parmesan is easily the most popular non-pasta dish found in Italian-American restaurants. Despite its fancy presentation, it’s surprisingly simple to make at home. Homemade chicken Parmesan often turns out better than restaurant versions, which can suffer from being drenched in sauce and cheese, leaving the chicken soggy.
With this method, the chicken is kept crisp with just a little sauce on top and none underneath the cutlets, making the breading crunchy. It can be served on the side for those who prefer more sauce. This recipe also includes a blend of cheeses—fresh mozzarella, tangy provolone, and real Parmesan—unlike many versions that only use mozzarella.
A great tip is to add grated Parmesan directly to the breadcrumbs, enhancing the flavour of the crispy coating. The chicken is fried until golden brown, then baked with just enough sauce and cheese to finish it off. This balance of sauce, cheese, and crispy chicken creates a flavorful, satisfying dish that’s easy to make and a crowd-pleaser at home.
Tips for Making Chicken Parmesan
Before diving into the recipe, here are some quick tips for perfecting baked chicken Parmesan:
- Pound the chicken Evenly: To ensure even cooking, pound the chicken breasts to a uniform thickness of about half an inch, providing the thicker part matches the thinner side.
- Season Well: Generously season the chicken with salt and pepper. There’s no need to season the flour or breadcrumbs; seasoning the chicken directly will provide the best flavour.
- Mix Parmesan with Breadcrumbs: Combine finely grated Parmesan cheese with Panko breadcrumbs. The Parmesan adds extra crunch and flavour when the chicken is fried.
- Rest the Chicken Before Cooking: After breading the chicken, let it sit for about 15 minutes to allow the coating to adhere before frying correctly.
- Don’t Overdo the Sauce: Avoid drowning the chicken in too much sauce and cheese to maintain the crispy coating. Use just enough sauce to enhance the flavour without making the chicken soggy.
- Preheat the Oven Well: Ensure your oven is preheated to a hot 450°F. A high temperature will help crisp the breading and slightly brown the cheese without overcooking the chicken.
These minor adjustments will elevate your baked chicken Parmesan, keeping the coating crispy and the flavours balanced.
Ingredients
- Four boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Two large eggs
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs (add more if needed)
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (more if necessary)
- ½ cup olive oil for frying (or as required)
- ½ cup prepared tomato sauce
- ¼ cup fresh mozzarella, cubed
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
- ½ cup grated provolone cheese
- 2 teaspoons olive oil for drizzling
Directions
Step 1:
Gather your ingredients and preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
Step 2:
Place the chicken breasts on a flat surface between two sheets of heavy plastic, such as resealable freezer bags. Using the smooth side of a meat mallet, pound the chicken to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch.
Step 3:
Liberally season each side of the chicken with salt and pepper. Dust the chicken breasts lightly with flour and coat both sides evenly.
Step 4:
In a shallow bowl, beat the eggs and set aside. In another bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese. Dip each flour-coated chicken breast into the beaten eggs, then press into the breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides. Allow the breaded chicken to rest for 10 to 15 minutes.
Step 5:
Heat about 1/2 inch of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Sauté the chicken breasts for approximately 2 minutes on each side or until golden brown. The chicken will finish cooking in the oven.
Step 6:
Transfer the chicken to a baking dish. Spoon 2 tablespoons of tomato sauce over each chicken breast. Top with mozzarella, fresh basil, and provolone cheese. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan on top and drizzle each piece with 1/2 teaspoon of olive oil.
Step 7:
Bake the chicken in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and browned and the chicken is cooked. An instant-read thermometer should register at least 165°F (74°C) when inserted into the centre of the chicken.
Enjoy your delicious chicken Parmesan!
In conclusion, Chicken Parmesan is a classic, beloved dish that masterfully combines tender breaded chicken, rich tomato sauce, and a generous layer of melted cheese. Its appeal lies in its perfect balance of textures—the crispy, golden crust of the chicken paired with the gooey, melted cheese and savoury sauce creates a comforting and indulgent dish.
What makes Chicken Parmesan so unique is that it offers restaurant-quality flavour with simple, everyday ingredients, making it accessible for home cooks. The versatile recipe allows adjustments to suit personal tastes, whether adding more cheese, adjusting the sauce, or pairing it with pasta, salad, or crusty bread. This dish is satisfying and a favourite for family dinners, celebrations, or casual gatherings, as it brings warmth and flavour.
Chicken Parmesan’s timeless appeal comes from its ability to deliver taste and comfort, offering a hearty meal that’s easy to make yet elegant enough to impress guests. Whether you’re enjoying it for a weeknight meal or serving it on a special occasion, this dish remains a true crowd-pleaser, providing familiarity and indulgence in every bite.