Classic Chicken Parmesan with Marinara and Mozzarella Recipe

A timeless Italian-American favorite featuring crispy chicken, tangy marinara, and melted mozzarella.

Classic Chicken Parmesan is a beloved Italian-American dish that brings together the savory flavors of crispy breaded chicken cutlets, tangy marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese. This comforting and hearty meal is perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or whenever you crave a taste of Italy. The combination of textures and flavors in Chicken Parmesan is a true delight, making it a perennial favorite in households and restaurants alike.

Our recipe takes you through the step-by-step process of creating this delicious dish from scratch. From preparing the chicken breasts and making the marinara sauce to achieving the perfect golden-brown crust on the cutlets and baking them to melty perfection, you'll find all the tips and tricks you need to master this classic. Follow along as we guide you through each stage, ensuring a satisfying and impressive Chicken Parmesan that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
• 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
• Spaghetti or any pasta of choice (for serving)

Nutrition

Calories: ~650 calories

Instructions

1. Prepare Chicken: Place the chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap or wax paper and pound them to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch using a meat mallet.
2. Season Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper.
3. Coat Chicken: Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off excess. Dip in the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off, and then coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Heat Oil and Butter: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat until the butter is melted and the oil is hot.
5. Cook Chicken: Add the breaded chicken breasts to the skillet, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
6. Prepare Marinara Sauce: In a separate saucepan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the marinara sauce, dried oregano, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Stir well and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
7. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
8. Assemble Chicken Parmesan: Spread about 1 cup of marinara sauce in the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the cooked chicken breasts on top of the sauce. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Sprinkle grated mozzarella cheese and chopped basil leaves evenly over the chicken.
9. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the chicken is heated through.
10. Garnish and Serve: Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve the Chicken Parmesan hot with your preferred pasta and extra marinara sauce on the side.

Enjoy your delicious Classic Chicken Parmesan with Marinara and Mozzarella! This dish is not only comforting and flavorful but also a great way to showcase your culinary skills. Serve it with a side of garlic bread and a simple green salad to complete the meal. For a touch of elegance, pair it with a glass of your favorite red wine.

Here are some tips to perfect your Chicken Parmesan: make sure to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for uniform cooking. If you prefer an extra crispy crust, you can double dredge the chicken by repeating the flour and egg steps before coating with breadcrumbs. Additionally, using freshly grated Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses will enhance the overall flavor of the dish.

You can also customize your Chicken Parmesan by adding different herbs and spices to the breadcrumb mixture, such as paprika, garlic powder, or Italian seasoning. If you're short on time, using a high-quality store-bought marinara sauce can be a convenient alternative. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or use a microwave for a quicker option.

Experiment with variations of this classic dish, such as using eggplant instead of chicken for a vegetarian Eggplant Parmesan. No matter how you choose to enjoy it, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite that brings everyone together around the table.

Buon Appetito!