Juicy Chicken Parmesan Recipe | Perfectly Crispy and Delicious

Make the best Chicken Parmesan with this juicy and flavorful recipe. Perfectly fried chicken breasts topped with marinara sauce, melted mozzarella, and fresh herbs. A crowd-pleaser for any meal!

Perfectly Balanced Cooking Method: This recipe combines frying and baking to achieve a crispy exterior and juicy interior. The chicken is first fried to golden perfection, then baked with marinara sauce and cheese, ensuring it stays tender and flavorful while the cheese melts into a delicious, gooey topping.

Versatile and Customizable: Chicken Parmesan is a versatile dish that can be customized with different sauces, cheeses, and herbs. Whether you prefer a spicier sauce, a blend of cheeses, or extra herbs for garnish, this recipe can be adapted to suit your tastes and make it uniquely yours.

FAQs

15 FAQs About Juicy Chicken Parmesan

Why is it important to pound the chicken to an even thickness? Pounding ensures the chicken cooks evenly and stays juicy, preventing parts from being overcooked or undercooked.
Can I use cheese other than mozzarella for Chicken Parmesan? Yes, provolone cheese is a great alternative that melts well and adds a delicious flavor.
Why are chicken breasts preferred over chicken thighs for this recipe? Chicken breasts provide a consistent texture and cook more evenly in this recipe compared to thighs.
How do I keep my hands clean while breading the chicken? Use one hand for the dry ingredients (flour and breadcrumbs) and the other for the wet (beaten eggs) to avoid a sticky mess.
What’s the purpose of letting the fried chicken drain on paper towels? Draining removes excess oil, ensuring the chicken remains crispy and not greasy before baking.
Can I add any extra spices to the breadcrumbs? Yes, you can add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or any other preferred spices to the breadcrumbs.
How can I enhance the flavor of the spaghetti served with Chicken Parmesan? Toss the spaghetti with 2 tablespoons of melted butter and the juice of half a lemon for a bright, flavorful twist.
Is there a low-carb option for serving Chicken Parmesan? Yes, you can replace traditional pasta with zucchini noodles for a lighter, low-carb meal.
Why should I use olive oil for frying the chicken? Olive oil has a high smoke point, which helps achieve a golden, crispy crust without burning the chicken.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked? Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Can I prepare Chicken Parmesan in advance? You can prepare and fry the chicken ahead, then assemble and bake it just before serving.
What type of tomato sauce is best for Chicken Parmesan? Use a rich, flavorful tomato sauce, preferably homemade or a good-quality store-bought option.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it? Yes, you can bake the breaded chicken at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
What are some good side dishes to serve with Chicken Parmesan? Besides pasta, you can serve it with a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread.
How should I store and reheat leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to keep the chicken crispy.

Watch the video tutorial

Juicy Chicken Parmesan

Serving: 4 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients

For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 3 eggs, beaten
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- Panko Italian breadcrumbs
- Olive oil for frying
- 2 whole garlic cloves
For the Assembly:
- 6 cups tomato sauce
- 3/4 cup shredded Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
- 8 oz mozzarella, sliced
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for topping

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:
- Place each chicken breast in a freezer bag and pound it to an even thickness.
- Season both sides with salt and black pepper.
- Coat each chicken breast in flour, then dip in beaten eggs, and finally dredge in breadcrumbs.
Fry the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic cloves to infuse the oil.
- Fry the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove and drain on paper towels.
Assemble and Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 500°F (260°C).
- Spread tomato sauce in a large baking dish. Place the fried chicken on top of the sauce.
- Spoon a bit more tomato sauce over each piece of chicken, then sprinkle with shredded Parmigiano-Reggiano.
- Cover with slices of mozzarella and sprinkle more Parmigiano-Reggiano on top.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Additional Notes

Chicken Thickness: Pound the chicken evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
Oil Temperature: Fry the chicken at medium-high heat to achieve a golden and crispy crust without burning.
Serving Suggestions: Serve with pasta or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to keep the chicken crispy.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 650
Total Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 230mg
Sodium: 1650mg
Total Carbohydrates: 46g
- Dietary Fiber: 5g
- Sugars: 10g
Protein: 39g

Pro Tips for Making the Perfect Chicken Parmesan

Even Cooking: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness. This ensures they cook evenly and remain juicy.
Cheese Swap: Provolone is a great substitute if you don't have mozzarella, offering a creamy melt and mild flavor.
Best Cut: Stick to chicken breasts for this recipe; they give the best texture and flavor. Chicken thighs are not recommended.
Clean Breading Technique: Use one hand for dry ingredients (flour and breadcrumbs) and the other for wet ingredients (beaten eggs). This keeps your hands clean and the process efficient.
Drain Excess Oil: After frying, let the chicken rest on paper towels to remove excess oil before baking. This step ensures a crisp, non-greasy finish.
Breadcrumb Blend: Mix panko with Italian breadcrumbs for a perfect crunchy coating. Add red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.
Flavorful Pasta: If serving with spaghetti, toss it with 2 tablespoons of melted butter and the juice of half a lemon for a refreshing twist.
Healthy Swap: Zucchini noodles can be a great low-carb alternative to traditional pasta.
Olive Oil for Frying: Use olive oil for frying as it has a high smoke point, perfect for achieving that golden crust without burning.

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