Chicken Parmesan with Marinara and Mozzarella

Introduction

Chicken Parmesan, also known as Chicken Parmigiana, is one of the most beloved Italian-American comfort foods. This classic dish features golden, breaded chicken breasts topped with a rich marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. It’s crisp on the outside, juicy on the inside, and smothered in gooey, cheesy goodness that makes every bite irresistible.

The beauty of Chicken Parmesan lies in its balance: the crunch of the breaded chicken cutlet, the savory depth of marinara sauce, and the creaminess of melted cheese all come together to create a dish that is both hearty and satisfying. Served with pasta, garlic bread, or a fresh salad, this recipe is perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or whenever you’re craving a taste of Italian-inspired comfort.

❤️ Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it brings the flavors of a restaurant-quality Italian meal into my own kitchen. The combination of crispy chicken cutlets smothered in marinara and bubbly mozzarella is pure comfort food at its finest. It’s a dish that feels indulgent yet approachable, and it always wins over a crowd.

Another reason I love it is its versatility. Chicken Parmesan can be served over spaghetti for a classic pairing, tucked into a sandwich for a quick meal, or even enjoyed on its own with a side of roasted vegetables. Plus, it’s easy to prepare ahead of time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or dinner parties.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• A timeless Italian-American classic that everyone loves.
• Combines crispy breaded chicken, savory marinara, and gooey cheese in one dish.
• Easy to customize with different cheeses, sauces, or serving styles.
• Perfect for family dinners, date nights, or entertaining guests.

Recipe Time & Serving Info

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: ~520 per serving (varies depending on cheese and oil used)

Cuisine & Course

• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Course: Main Course (Dinner/Lunch)

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to even thickness)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs (beaten)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (Italian-seasoned or panko)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• ¼ cup olive oil (for pan-frying)

For the Topping:

• 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves (for garnish, optional)

To Serve:

• Cooked spaghetti or pasta of choice
• Garlic bread or side salad (optional)

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Bread and pan-fry chicken until golden brown.
2. Layer chicken with marinara and mozzarella in a baking dish.
3. Bake until chicken is cooked and cheese is melted.
4. Garnish with basil and serve hot with pasta or bread.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Pound chicken breasts to about ½-inch thickness for even cooking.
2. Set Up Breading Station:
   • Place flour in one bowl.
   • Place beaten eggs in a second bowl.
   • In a third bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Bread the Chicken:
   • Dredge each chicken breast in flour, then dip in eggs, and coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
4. Pan-Fry the Chicken:
   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Fry chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown (chicken will finish cooking in the oven).
5. Assemble the Dish:
   • Place fried chicken breasts in a baking dish.
   • Spoon marinara sauce over each piece.
   • Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top.
6. Bake:
   • Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly and chicken is cooked through (internal temp: 165°F / 74°C).
7. Garnish & Serve:
   • Remove from oven, garnish with fresh basil, and serve hot.

How to Serve

• Traditionally served with spaghetti and marinara.
• Pair with a fresh green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
• Can also be used in a chicken parm sandwich with toasted Italian bread.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Pound chicken evenly to avoid overcooking.
• Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
• For a lighter version, bake chicken instead of pan-frying before topping with sauce and cheese.
• Fresh mozzarella gives a creamier texture but shredded mozzarella melts more evenly.

Variations

• Spicy Chicken Parmesan: Add chili flakes to the breadcrumb mixture.
• Cheesy Upgrade: Add provolone or fontina cheese along with mozzarella.
• Vegetarian Version: Use eggplant slices (Eggplant Parmesan).
• Low-Carb Version: Skip the breading and simply pan-sear chicken before baking with sauce and cheese.

Freezing & Storage

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken Parmesan (without pasta) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot, or microwave in short bursts.

Special Equipment Needed

• Meat mallet (for pounding chicken)
• Large skillet
• Baking dish
• Mixing bowls

Conclusion

Chicken Parmesan with Marinara and Mozzarella is a true comfort classic that never fails to impress. With its crispy breaded chicken, rich marinara, and gooey cheese, it’s the kind of meal that feels both homely and special. Whether you serve it over pasta, in a sandwich, or on its own, this dish is a must-try for anyone who loves hearty, flavorful, Italian-inspired meals.

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Chicken Parmesan with Marinara and Mozzarella

Author: admin Cuisine: American, Italian Courses: Chicken

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 30 mins Total Time 50 mins

Servings: 4 Calories: 520 per serving

Description

Chicken Parmesan, also known as Chicken Parmigiana, is one of the most beloved Italian-American comfort foods. This classic dish features golden, breaded chicken breasts topped with a rich marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to even thickness)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs (beaten)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (Italian-seasoned or panko)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• ¼ cup olive oil (for pan-frying)

For the Topping:

• 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves (for garnish, optional)

To Serve:

• Cooked spaghetti or pasta of choice
• Garlic bread or side salad (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken : Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).Pound chicken breasts to about ½-inch thickness for even cooking.
2. Set Up Breading Station : Place flour in one bowl.Place beaten eggs in a second bowl.
3. In a third bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
4. Bread the Chicken : Dredge each chicken breast in flour, then dip in eggs, and coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
5. Pan-Fry the Chicken : Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.Fry chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown (chicken will finish cooking in the oven).
6. Assemble the Dish : Place fried chicken breasts in a baking dish.Spoon marinara sauce over each piece.Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top.
7. Bake : Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly and chicken is cooked through (internal temp: 165°F / 74°C).
8. Garnish & Serve : Remove from oven, garnish with fresh basil, and serve hot.

Keywords: Chicken Parmesan with Marinara and Mozzarella