Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless pieces of chicken that serve as the main protein for the dish.

Italian seasoned breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs mixed with Italian herbs and spices to add flavor and texture to the chicken coating.

Parmesan cheese: A hard, aged cheese that adds a sharp, salty flavor to the breadcrumb coating.

Marinara sauce: A tomato-based sauce that provides a rich, tangy base for the dish.

Mozzarella cheese: A soft, stretchy cheese that melts beautifully over the chicken.

Olive oil: Used for frying the chicken to give it a golden, crispy exterior.

Salt: Enhances the flavor of the chicken and other ingredients.

Black pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth of flavor to the chicken.

All-purpose flour: Used to coat the chicken before dipping in eggs and breadcrumbs, helping the coating adhere better.

Eggs: Beaten eggs act as a binding agent to help the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken.

When preparing chicken breasts for Chicken Parmesan, ensure they are of even thickness to promote uniform cooking. If necessary, use a meat mallet to pound them to an even thickness. This not only helps in cooking the chicken evenly but also tenderizes the meat, making it more succulent. Additionally, when dredging the chicken, make sure to press the breadcrumbs mixture firmly onto the surface to create a crispier coating.

• boneless, skinless chicken breasts - Substitute with boneless, skinless turkey breasts: Turkey breasts have a similar texture and flavor profile, making them a suitable alternative.

• italian seasoned breadcrumbs - Substitute with panko breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs provide a similar crispy texture. Add italian seasoning to mimic the flavor.

• grated parmesan cheese - Substitute with grated pecorino romano: Pecorino Romano has a similar salty and tangy flavor, making it a good substitute.

• marinara sauce - Substitute with tomato basil sauce: Tomato basil sauce offers a similar tomato base with a slightly different herb profile.

• shredded mozzarella cheese - Substitute with shredded provolone cheese: Provolone melts well and has a mild flavor similar to mozzarella.

• olive oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil has a neutral flavor and similar cooking properties.

• salt - Substitute with kosher salt: Kosher salt has a similar saltiness and can be used in the same quantity.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat and flavor without the black specks.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour can be used similarly, though it may add a slightly nuttier flavor.

• beaten eggs - Substitute with buttermilk: Buttermilk can help the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken similarly to beaten eggs.

• Allow the chicken parmesan to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation from forming, which can make the dish soggy.

• For short-term storage, transfer the chicken parmesan to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.

• To freeze, wrap each piece of chicken parmesan individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps to maintain its flavor and texture.

• Place the wrapped pieces in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness. The chicken parmesan can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

• When ready to reheat, thaw the chicken parmesan in the refrigerator overnight. This ensures even reheating and prevents the dish from becoming rubbery.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken parmesan in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil to retain moisture.

• Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil during the last 5 minutes to allow the mozzarella cheese to become bubbly and slightly golden.

• Alternatively, reheat individual portions in the microwave. Place the chicken parmesan on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a microwave-safe lid or another plate. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.

• Garnish with extra parmesan cheese and fresh herbs, like basil or parsley, before serving to enhance the flavors.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the chicken parmesan in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to keep the chicken moist.
  4. Heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the cheese is bubbly.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the chicken parmesan on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to prevent drying out.
  3. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes. Check the temperature and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a skillet over medium-low heat.
  2. Add a small amount of olive oil or marinara sauce to the skillet.
  3. Place the chicken parmesan in the skillet and cover with a lid.
  4. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is warmed through and the cheese is melted.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the chicken parmesan in the air fryer basket.
  3. Heat for 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure it doesn't overcook.
  4. If needed, add a bit more marinara sauce and cheese during the last minute of heating.

• Oven: Used to bake the chicken parmesan until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

• Skillet: Used to cook the chicken breasts until they are golden brown.

• Baking dish: Used to hold the chicken breasts topped with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese for baking.

• Mixing bowl: Used to mix the breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese together.

• Tongs: Used to handle the chicken breasts while dredging, dipping, and coating them.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure out the breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, marinara sauce, and flour.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the salt, pepper, and olive oil.

• Whisk: Used to beat the eggs.

• Knife: Used to trim any excess fat from the chicken breasts.

• Cutting board: Used as a surface to season the chicken breasts.

• Spatula: Used to help transfer the chicken breasts from the skillet to the baking dish.

• Grater: Used to grate the parmesan cheese if it is not pre-grated.

• Oven mitts: Used to safely handle the hot baking dish when removing it from the oven.

Prepare ingredients ahead: Measure and set out all ingredients before starting. This ensures a smooth cooking process.

Use pre-made marinara: Save time by using store-bought marinara sauce instead of making it from scratch.

Flatten chicken breasts: Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness for quicker and more uniform cooking.

Line baking dish: Use parchment paper or foil to line the baking dish for easier cleanup.

Preheat skillet: Heat the skillet while preparing the chicken to save time when cooking.