Crispy chicken parmesan with homemade marinara sauce and melty mozzarella cheese. An Italian American classic, ready in 30 minutes, that everyone will love!
Alright guys, crispy chicken parmesan. You just can't go wrong! It's so simple, so satisfying and can you say "easy to make"?
When I don't know what to make for dinner, chicken parmesan is my go to because I usually have all the ingredients on hand. Chicken, pasta, marinara sauce, parmesan cheese, and bread crumbs and you've got yourself a satisfying meal everyone will love!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- It's a quick (30 minutes) and easy meal for weeknights or large gatherings!
- It's made with pantry staple ingredients that you probably already have on hand!
- It's cheesy! Parmesan cheese in the coating, mozzarella cheese on top and more parmesan to finish it off!
Ingredients
Homemade Marinara Sauce
If you're in a pinch, use a jar of store bought marinara sauce but there's nothing like homemade marinara sauce. Plus, it's so easy to make!
A can of high quality tomatoes, garlic, onion, and spices are all you need! Get the full recipe here!
While the sauce is simmering, make the chicken parmesan.
Chicken Parmesan Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Pound the chicken to tenderize and even out thicker spots. Season with salt and pepper and set aside.
- Dip and coat. Prepare two shallow bowls with 1) Whisked egg and milk 2) Breadcrumbs mixed with 2 tablespoons of parmesan cheese. Dip the chicken into the egg mixture then into the breadcrumbs.
- Fry the chicken. Fry the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until the crust is golden.
- Top it off and broil. Place the chicken on a baking sheet. Top each portion with marinara sauce, mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Broil the chicken on high heat for 5-8 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tasty Tips
- Pound the chicken to tenderize the chicken and even out the thickness so it cooks evenly.
- Use a combination of your favorite cheeses! Mozzarella, provolone, parmesan, and pecorino romano are all delicious!
- Place a thin layer of sauce so the coating stays crispy. I like to serve it with extra marinara sauce on the side to dip the chicken!
- For ultimate crispiness, use half panko bread crumbs and half Italian bread crumbs!
- Make your own marinara sauce!
FAQs
What do I serve with chicken parmesan?
Serve with pasta like spaghetti or fettuccini. If you have the time, make homemade pasta! Try it and it may be hard to go back to boxed pasta!
For some greens, keep it classic with a fresh side salad or steamed veggies!
How do I store leftover chicken parmesan?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
How do I reheat leftover chicken parmesan?
Reheat in the air fryer or oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes. My favorite way to reheat is in the air fryer for maximum crispiness.
Crispy Chicken Parmesan
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 chicken breasts halved horizontally
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon whole milk
- ¾ cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese grated
- 1 cup canola oil
Marinara Sauce
- 28 ounces whole or crushed tomatoes San Marzano preferred
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ small onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic chopped
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Topping
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese grated
- 1 tablespoon basil or parsley chopped, optional to garnish
Instructions
Chicken Parmesan
- Pound the chicken using the flat side of a meat mallet to tenderize and even out thicker spots. Season with salt and pepper and set aside.
- Prepare two shallow bowls: 1) Whisked egg and milk 2) Breadcrumbs mixed with 2 tablespoons of parmesan cheese.
- Dip a slice of chicken into the egg mixture then into the breadcrumbs. Coat evenly and press the bread crumbs into the chicken. Repeat with remaining chicken.
- Heat canola oil in a large skillet on medium high heat. Once the oil is hot, about 350-375°F, fry the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until the crust is golden and the chicken is cooked through.
- Place the chicken on a baking sheet. Top each portion with a thin layer of marinara sauce, then sprinkle on mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
- Broil the chicken on high heat for 5-8 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Watch the chicken closely and turn the baking sheet around if needed for even cooking.
Marinara Sauce
- In a saucepan on medium heat sauté garlic and onions in olive oil until fragrant, about 3 minutes. Add tomatoes and seasonings and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes.
- Break up the whole tomatoes with a spoon for a chunkier sauce or use an immersion blender for a smooth sauce. Add fresh basil if desired.
Notes
- Use your favorite store bought marinara sauce if you're in a pinch.
- For homemade sauce, start the recipe by making the sauce then make the chicken parmesan while it's simmering.
- Use a combination of your favorite cheeses like mozzarella, provolone, parmesan, and pecorino Romano!
- Layer on a thin layer of sauce so the coating stays crispy.
- For ultimate crispiness, use half panko bread crumbs and half Italian bread crumbs!
- Serve with extra marinara sauce on the side to dip the chicken!
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