How to Make Classic Chicken Parmesan at Home
Written by MasterClass
Last updated: Nov 25, 2024 • 1 min read
A hallmark of the Italian diaspora, and a centerpiece of the mid-twentieth century Italian restaurant abroad, chicken parmesan is comfort food at its best for generations of diners.
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What Is Chicken Parmesan?
Chicken parmesan, or chicken parmigiana, is a crispy fried chicken breast that is baked in a tomato sauce then topped with melted mozzarella, parmesan, or provolone cheese. Chicken parmesan is an Italian-American riff on melanzane alla Parmigiana (also known as eggplant parmesan) and a traditional preparation of breaded and fried veal cutlets called cotoletta, which is served without sauce or melted cheese.
What to Serve With Chicken Parmesan
You can serve chicken parmesan with crusty, buttery garlic bread to soak up all the red sauce and melted cheese. You can also serve it with another Americana favorite, the caesar salad. For an easy way to incorporate your daily serving of veggies, serve chicken parmesan over fresh zucchini noodles.
In countries like Australia, chicken parmesan is served with a side of fries and a green salad, but in North America, the format is a little looser: Chicken parmesan can be served as a standalone dish, tucked into a sandwich, or as a saucy, savory showpiece on a bed of cooked angel hair pasta (or any other noodle of choice).
Classic Chicken Parmesan Recipe
makes
2prep time
15 mintotal time
45 mincook time
30 minIngredients
- 1
Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- 2
Season chicken with salt and pepper on both sides. Combine flour, garlic powder, and oregano and transfer to a shallow dish or plate. Separate the egg mixture and breadcrumbs onto their own respective plates.
- 3
Dredge chicken in flour mixture, then egg wash, ending with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere breadcrumbs in an even layer.
- 4
Heat oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. When oil begins to shimmer, add breaded chicken cutlets to the skillet and pan fry until golden brown and crispy, about 4–5 minutes per side. Remove and set on a paper towel-lined plate or baking sheet to soak up any excess oil.
- 5
Transfer chicken to a casserole or baking dish. Cover with marinara sauce, and top with mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
- 6
Bake until cheese is browned in spots and bubbling, about 15–20 minutes. Remove and garnish with basil.
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