Best Chicken Parmesan

Chicken Parmesan is a classic dish that evokes comfort and warmth. There’s something incredibly satisfying about rich marinara sauce, crunchy chicken, and perfectly melted cheese coming together to create a meal that feels both hearty and indulgent. It reminds me of family gatherings where everyone gathers around the table, enjoying great food and even better company. This Best Chicken Parmesan recipe lets you bring that same joy home, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Let’s dive into what makes this dish so special and how to recreate it in your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

This Chicken Parmesan recipe stands out for several reasons. Firstly, it’s all about the crunch. The combination of seasoned flour and Panko breadcrumbs gives the chicken a delightful crispiness that contrasts perfectly with the sauce. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and kid-approved, making it a go-to meal for families. You can whip this up on a busy weeknight or serve it to impress guests at your next dinner party.

“This Chicken Parmesan was a hit! The kids couldn’t get enough of the cheesy goodness, and I loved how quick it was to make.” – Happy Home Cook

Step-by-Step Overview

Making the Best Chicken Parmesan is straightforward and enjoyable. Start by slicing the chicken breasts thinly and seasoning them. Marinate in a mixture of eggs and buttermilk for tender, flavorful meat. Then, set up your dredging station with seasoned flour and Panko for that perfect crunch. After frying the chicken until golden brown, you’ll layer it with marinara sauce and cheese before broiling. Serve over spaghetti for a comforting meal!

What You’ll Need

To create this delicious Chicken Parmesan, gather the following ingredients:

• 2 large chicken breasts (sliced thinly in half)
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 3/4 cup flour
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 2 teaspoons oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 & 1/2 cups Panko bread crumbs
• 1 inch of vegetable oil (or any high smoke point oil)
• 1 (24-oz) jar good quality marinara sauce
• 1 (14-oz can) petite diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 teaspoons oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 2-4 tablespoons fresh basil (chopped, optional)
• Large pot of water
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 12 ounces spaghetti or other long pasta
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese (shredded)
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)

Note: You can replace the buttermilk with regular milk mixed with a bit of vinegar for similar tenderness.

Directions to Follow

1. Begin by slicing each chicken breast in half horizontally to create thin cutlets.
2. Season the chicken pieces with garlic powder, kosher salt, and pepper. Ensure the spices coat every edge for maximum flavor.
3. Marinate the chicken in a mixture of eggs and buttermilk for 15-30 minutes to tenderize the meat.
4. Set up a dredging station: in one dish, combine flour and cornstarch; in another, place the Panko breadcrumbs seasoned with salt, pepper, oregano, garlic powder, and cayenne.
5. Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat until it reaches approximately 400°F.
6. Coat each chicken cutlet by dipping it in the egg mixture first, then the seasoned flour, and finally cover it in Panko breadcrumbs.
7. Fry the chicken for about 2 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
8. Meanwhile, prepare the marinara sauce in a medium pot and heat until bubbling.
9. Cook the spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions.
10. Once the chicken is crispy, place it on a baking sheet. Top with marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella. Broil until the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
11. Serve the crispy chicken over the spaghetti, garnished with fresh basil if desired.

How to Serve Best Chicken Parmesan

When it comes to serving Chicken Parmesan, presentation matters. Serve it over a nest of spaghetti drizzled with a little extra marinara. Garnish with fresh basil and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for that restaurant-quality finish. Pair it with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. A glass of chianti or a crisp white wine enhances the experience, rounding out a perfect Italian night in.

Keeping Leftovers Fresh

Once the meal is over, you’ll want to store your leftover Chicken Parmesan properly. Place any uneaten chicken and pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for about 3-4 days. For best results when reheating, place the chicken in a toaster oven or regular oven to maintain its crispy texture, adding a few minutes if frozen. You can also reheat the marinara sauce on the stovetop.

Pro Chef Tips

• For extra flavor, try adding some Italian seasoning to your flour mix.
• Make sure your oil is hot enough before frying to avoid greasy chicken.
• If you have it, freshly grated mozzarella will melt beautifully and provide a richer taste.

Creative Twists

While this Chicken Parmesan is delicious as is, there are ways to mix it up. Try adding spinach or artichokes to the marinara sauce for a veggie boost. For those looking for a gluten-free option, replace the flour with a gluten-free alternative and use crushed gluten-free crackers in place of Panko. For a spicy kick, add some red pepper flakes to the coating.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I substitute for buttermilk?

You can easily make a buttermilk substitute by mixing 1/2 cup of regular milk with 1/2 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes before using.

How long does Chicken Parmesan last in the fridge?

Properly stored in an airtight container, Chicken Parmesan can last for about 3-4 days in the fridge.

Can I freeze Chicken Parmesan?

Yes, Chicken Parmesan can be frozen. Wrap it securely in plastic wrap and then foil. It will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. Just make sure to reheat it properly to maintain its crispy quality.

Your adventure in making the Best Chicken Parmesan starts here. Dig in, and enjoy every crunchy, cheesy bite!

Best Chicken Parmesan

Print Recipe

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A classic Chicken Parmesan recipe featuring crispy chicken, rich marinara sauce, and melted cheese, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

• Author: tastysavvy_admin
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: None

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 large chicken breasts (sliced thinly in half)
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 3/4 cup flour
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 2 teaspoons oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 & 1/2 cups Panko bread crumbs
• 1 inch of vegetable oil (or any high smoke point oil)
• 1 (24-oz) jar good quality marinara sauce
• 1 (14-oz can) petite diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 teaspoons oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 2–4 tablespoons fresh basil (chopped, optional)
• Large pot of water
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 12 ounces spaghetti or other long pasta
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese (shredded)
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)

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Instructions

1. Begin by slicing each chicken breast in half horizontally to create thin cutlets.
2. Season the chicken pieces with garlic powder, kosher salt, and pepper.
3. Marinate the chicken in a mixture of eggs and buttermilk for 15-30 minutes.
4. Set up a dredging station: combine flour and cornstarch; in another dish, place the Panko breadcrumbs seasoned with salt, pepper, oregano, garlic powder, and cayenne.
5. Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat until it reaches approximately 400°F.
6. Coat each chicken cutlet by dipping it in the egg mixture, then the seasoned flour, and finally cover it in Panko breadcrumbs.
7. Fry the chicken for about 2 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
8. Prepare the marinara sauce in a medium pot and heat until bubbling.
9. Cook the spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions.
10. Once the chicken is crispy, place it on a baking sheet. Top with marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella.
11. Broil until the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
12. Serve the crispy chicken over the spaghetti, garnished with fresh basil if desired.

Notes

For a buttermilk substitute, mix regular milk with a bit of vinegar. Use freshly grated mozzarella for a richer taste.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 32g
• Cholesterol: 120mg