Indulge in ultimate comfort food with "The Best Chicken Parmesan," a classic Italian-American favorite taken to new heights. This recipe features perfectly breaded chicken breasts, lightly fried to golden, crispy perfection, and smothered in rich marinara sauce before being crowned with gooey, melted mozzarella cheese. Each bite delivers a delightful blend of savory Parmesan seasoning and fragrant Italian spices, with a hint of garlic for added depth. Simple preparation steps like pounding the chicken to uniform thickness ensure even cooking, while baking finishes the dish with bubbly, golden cheese. Serve this crowd-pleaser with a side of spaghetti for a complete, satisfying meal that's perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. Garnished with fresh basil, this Chicken Parmesan recipe is a flavorful masterpiece that combines classic techniques with vibrant ingredients—guaranteed to earn a permanent spot in your recipe collection!
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch using a meat mallet or rolling pin.
3. Season both sides of the chicken with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
4. Prepare three separate bowls: one with the flour, one with the eggs and milk whisked together, and one with the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder mixed.
5. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off excess, then dip it into the egg mixture, making sure it’s fully coated, and finally press it into the breadcrumb mixture, covering it evenly.
6. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the breaded chicken breasts and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy (they don’t need to be fully cooked as they’ll finish in the oven). Work in batches if necessary, adding more oil as needed.
7. Transfer the chicken breasts to a baking dish. Top each piece with about 1/4 cup of marinara sauce, spreading it evenly. Then sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously on top.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden, and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
9. While the chicken is baking, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions if serving as a side. Drain and toss with a little olive oil or marinara sauce, as desired.
10. Remove the chicken from the oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves, if using. Serve hot, either on its own or over a bed of spaghetti.
Serving size | 1397.3 grams (1397.3g) |
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Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
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Calories | 2665 |
Total Fat 125.20g | 161% |
Saturated Fat 38.90g | 194% |
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.30g | |
Cholesterol 791mg | 264% |
Sodium 5010mg | 218% |
Total Carbohydrate 176.60g | 64% |
Dietary Fiber 11.40g | 41% |
Total Sugars 14.10g | |
Protein 195.90g | 392% |
Vitamin D 99IU | 493% |
Calcium 1473mg | 113% |
Iron 14mg | 76% |
Potassium 1302mg | 28% |
Source of Calories