chicken leg quarters
This Chicken Parmesan recipe delivers a perfectly crispy, golden-brown crust topped with rich marinara sauce and gooey melted mozzarella. It’s an easy-to-make, restaurant-quality dish that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions. With simple ingredients, clear instructions, and tips for variations, you’ll master this Italian-American classic in no time. Serve it over pasta, alongside a fresh salad, or with crusty garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- ✅ Ingredients for Chicken Parmesan Recipe
- 🐔 For the Chicken:
- 2 large chicken breasts boneless, skinless – halved lengthwise
- 1 cup all-purpose flour – for dredging
- 2 large eggs – beaten
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs or Panko for extra crispiness
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese – finely grated
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp olive oil – for frying
- 🍅 For the Marinara Sauce:
- 2 cups marinara sauce store-bought or homemade
- 2 cloves garlic – minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes optional, for heat
- Salt and pepper – to taste
- 🧀 For Topping:
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese – shredded
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese – finely grated
- Fresh basil leaves – for garnish
- ✅ Optional Variations:
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour.
- Low-Carb: Substitute almond flour for regular flour.
- Extra Cheese: Add provolone or fontina for a richer flavor.
Notes
✅ Step-by-Step Instructions for Chicken Parmesan Recipe
🥣 1. Prepare the Chicken
- Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create thinner cutlets.
- Pound the chicken gently with a meat mallet or rolling pin until they are about ½ inch thick. This ensures even cooking.
- Season both sides with salt and pepper.
🍳 2. Set Up the Breading Station
Prepare three shallow dishes:- Flour Mixture: Add the flour, salt, and pepper.
- Egg Wash: Beat the eggs until smooth.
- Breadcrumb Mixture: Combine breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
🥢 3. Bread the Chicken
- Dredge each chicken cutlet in the flour, coating both sides evenly.
- Dip the chicken into the egg wash, letting any excess drip off.
- Finally, press the chicken into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring it is evenly coated.
- Place the breaded chicken on a plate and repeat for all cutlets.
🔥 4. Pan-Fry to Crispy Perfection
- Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the breaded chicken cutlets.
- Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer the fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.
🍅 5. Make the Marinara Sauce (Optional Homemade Version)
- In a saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the marinara sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (optional).
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
🧑🍳 6. Assemble the Chicken Parmesan
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Place the fried chicken cutlets on top of the sauce.
- Spoon additional marinara sauce over each piece.
- Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
🔥 7. Bake Until Bubbly and Golden
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- If desired, broil for 1-2 minutes to lightly brown the cheese.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.
🌿 8. Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle fresh basil leaves over the chicken parmesan for added freshness.
- Serve hot with your favorite sides:
- Over spaghetti or fettuccine.
- With a side of garlic bread.
- Paired with a fresh green salad.