Crispy Chicken Parmesan Recipe with Homemade Marinara Sauce

The aroma of crispy chicken sizzling in hot oil mixed with rich tomato sauce may just be one of life’s most inviting scents. Imagine biting into the perfectly breaded chicken breast, revealing a succulent, tender center blanketed in gooey, melted mozzarella and sprinkled with a touch of grated parmesan. You’re about to embark on a flavor adventure with this Crispy Chicken Parmesan Recipe that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Whether you’re celebrating a family dinner or simply finding solace on a casual weeknight, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy. Let’s dive into the delicious details of creating this mouthwatering meal that transforms simple ingredients into magic on a plate.

Ingredients for Crispy Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Crispy Chicken Parmesan Recipe:

2 tablespoons olive oil – For sautéing the onions and garlic, adding essential flavor to the sauce.

1 small yellow onion, diced – Sweet and tender, creating the base for your rich tomato sauce.

6 cloves garlic, chopped – A must for that fragrant, savory depth of flavor in the marinara.

1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes – The star of the show in your sauce, bringing a hearty, tangy element.

8 basil leaves – Fresh herbs elevate the sauce with their aromatic and slightly sweet notes.

1 teaspoon kosher salt – Enhances the flavors beautifully; feel free to adjust to taste.

Pepper, to taste – Freshly ground offers a nice kick to the sauce and chicken.

2 large eggs – Acts as the binder for the breading, ensuring that delicious crust sticks!

3/4 cup panko – Provides that unbeatable crunch you crave in your chicken.

1 teaspoon garlic powder – Adds a nice layer of flavor to the breading mix.

1 cup parmesan cheese, grated and divided in half – Rich and nutty; half for the sauce and half for the topping.

3/4 cup all-purpose flour – Coats the chicken for an initial layer of crunch and texture.

4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless – Choose high-quality breasts for juicy results.

Kosher salt to taste – Always essential; make sure you season well.

Fresh ground pepper to taste – Because who doesn’t want peppery goodness?

1 cup vegetable oil – For that crispy fry, giving the chicken a golden brown exterior.

1 cup mozzarella cheese, grated (or 4 slices) – Provides that melty finish everyone loves.

Spaghetti or favorite pasta, cooked (for serving) – The perfect bed for your crispy chicken and sauce.

How to Make Crispy Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Crispy Chicken Parmesan Recipe:

Step 1: Prepare the Marinara Sauce
Heat the olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the diced onions and sauté for about 4 minutes until they’re translucent. Toss in the chopped garlic and cook for another minute. Now, stir in the crushed tomatoes, 4 basil leaves, salt, and pepper. Bring this mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Allow the sauce to cook uncovered for 15-20 minutes, until it transforms into a thick, fragrant masterpiece. Remove the basil leaves and set the sauce aside.

Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station
Place three deep bowls in a row – you’re about to create a crispy coating that will dazzle! In the first bowl, whisk the eggs. In the second bowl, combine panko, garlic powder, and half a cup of parmesan cheese with a pinch of salt. Leave the flour in the third bowl ready for action!

Step 3: Prepare the Chicken
To ensure even cooking, place each chicken breast between two pieces of parchment paper. Using a meat tenderizer or mallet, pound the chicken until it’s about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. This not only helps it cook evenly but also makes the chicken more tender.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken
Take a piece of chicken and coat it in the flour first, shaking off the excess. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, letting the extra drip off, and then roll it in the panko mixture. Press the panko onto the chicken well to ensure it sticks. Place the coated chicken on a plate and repeat the process with the remaining chicken breasts.

Step 5: Fry the Chicken to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 425°F. Now, heat vegetable oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully add the coated chicken and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they achieve a glorious golden brown color. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 6: Bake with Love
Transfer your crispy chicken to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Top each piece with half of the tomato sauce and evenly sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese on top. Add the mozzarella, ensuring it generously covers the chicken. Now, pop it in the oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly like a delightful winter day. If you’re feeling fancy, broil for an extra 1-2 minutes for maximum crispiness – just keep an eye on it to avoid turning your masterpiece into charcoal.

Serve your crispy chicken parmesan over a bed of spaghetti, generously ladled with all that luxurious sauce. Now, grab a fork, dig in, and enjoy every delicious bite!

This showstopping Crispy Chicken Parmesan Recipe delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home. The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds. Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest. Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions.

Perfecting Crispy Chicken Parmesan Recipe Cooking Process

Begin by searing the chicken for that golden-brown crust, then cook your pasta while the marinara sauce simmers. This sequence assures everything is hot and ready to serve together for an efficient meal.

Add Your Touch to Crispy Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Feel free to swap out regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free options, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, or try different cheeses like provolone or gouda for unique flavors in your crispy chicken parmesan.

Storing & Reheating Crispy Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Store leftover chicken parmesan in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, avoiding the microwave to maintain crispiness.

Making this recipe reminds me of the time I cooked it for friends during our monthly dinner parties—they couldn’t stop raving about how it tasted just like their favorite Italian restaurant.

FAQs About Crispy Chicken Parmesan Recipe

What is Crispy Chicken Parmesan Recipe?

The Crispy Chicken Parmesan Recipe is a delightful and comforting dish that combines breaded and fried chicken breasts with rich marinara sauce and melted cheese. This Italian-American classic is adored for its crunchy exterior and juicy chicken, often served over a bed of spaghetti or your favorite pasta. It’s a fantastic way to bring restaurant-quality flavors to your kitchen, allowing you to impress family and friends with your culinary skills.

Can I make Crispy Chicken Parmesan Recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! You can easily adapt the Crispy Chicken Parmesan Recipe to be gluten-free. Simply swap out the all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free alternatives. There are excellent brands of gluten-free breadcrumbs available in stores. This modification ensures that everyone can enjoy this Italian favorite, making it suitable for those with dietary restrictions while still maintaining a delicious crunchy texture.

How do I store leftovers from the Crispy Chicken Parmesan Recipe?

To store leftovers from your Crispy Chicken Parmesan Recipe, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to three days. To reheat, avoid using the microwave, as it can make the chicken soggy. Instead, preheat your oven to 350°F and warm them in the oven until they are heated through. This method will help maintain the desired crispy texture.

What can I serve with Crispy Chicken Parmesan Recipe?

The Crispy Chicken Parmesan Recipe pairs beautifully with various sides. Classic choices include a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or a side of cooked spaghetti tossed in marinara sauce. You can also serve it with steamed vegetables or a hearty risotto to create a more substantial meal. Feel free to get creative and choose sides that everyone will love!

Conclusion for Crispy Chicken Parmesan Recipe

The Crispy Chicken Parmesan Recipe is a perfect blend of texture and flavor that transforms simple ingredients into a showstopper dish. By taking the time to create a rich marinara sauce and properly breading your chicken, you’ll be able to serve a restaurant-quality meal at home. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe never fails to please. Delight your guests with this crispy, cheesy favorite that keeps them coming back for more!

Crispy Chicken Parmesan

This Crispy Chicken Parmesan Recipe offers a delicious blend of flavors and textures, perfect for impressing at your next dinner.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner Recipes

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 671

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

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• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 6 cloves garlic, chopped
• 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes
• 8 basil leaves
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• pepper, to taste
• 2 large eggs
• 3/4 cup panko
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated divided in half
• 3/4 cup all purpose flour
• 4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
• Kosher salt to taste
• Fresh ground pepper to taste
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, grated (or 4 slices)
• spaghetti or favorite pasta, cooked (for serving)

Equipment

• Large sauté pan
• Deep skillet
• Baking sheet
• Meat tenderizer or mallet
• Mixing Bowls

Method

 

1. Heat the olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the onions and sauté for 4 minutes or until translucent.
2. Add the garlic and continue to cook an additional minute. Add the tomatoes, 4 basil leaves, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce to simmer and cook uncovered for 15-20 minutes or until sauce is thick and fragrant. Remove basil leaves and set sauce aside.
3. Place 3 deep bowls in an assembly line. Whisk the eggs in the first bowl. In the second bowl combine the panko, garlic powder, 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, and 1 teaspoon salt. Place the flour in the third bowl.
4. Place the chicken breasts between two pieces of parchment paper and with a meat tenderizer or mallet, pound the chicken evenly, about 1/4-1/2 inch thick.
5. Take a piece of chicken and coat evenly first in the flour, then the egg and finally with the panko mixture. Press the panko onto the chicken for better adherence. Set aside on a plate. Repeat with remaining pieces of chicken.
6. Preheat the oven to 425°F.
7. Heat the vegetable oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken and cook 3-4 minutes on each side until golden or internal temperature reaches 165°F.
8. Remove the chicken to a parchment lined baking sheet and evenly top each chicken breast with 1/2 of the tomato sauce. Divide 1/2 cup parmesan cheese evenly on top of the tomato sauce. Add the mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce and bake for 15 minutes or until cheese is melted and starting to turn golden.
9. If desired, place under the broiler for 1-2 minutes for extra crispiness, keeping an eye on it to prevent burning.
10. Serve chicken parmesan on top of cooked spaghetti with remaining sauce on the side.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 671kcalCarbohydrates: 37gProtein: 47gFat: 38gSodium: 1543mgFiber: 5gSugar: 11g

Notes

Feel free to customize by adding different cheeses like provolone or gouda, or swapping breadcrumbs for gluten-free options.

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