House Favorite Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Introduction

Chicken Parmesan is a beloved classic that combines crispy breaded chicken with a rich tomato sauce and gooey melted cheese. This house favorite recipe delivers a perfect balance of textures and flavors, making it an irresistible meal for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 lb. chicken breasts, sliced in half horizontally (4 large, flat pieces)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt + freshly ground pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs + 1 cup traditional breadcrumbs
• Oil for frying (see notes for air fryer option)
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 2 shallots, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 28-ounce can San Marzano Style Crushed Tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Garlic bread, for serving
• Green salad or kale salad, for serving

Instructions

1. Step 1: Season the chicken pieces on both sides with salt and pepper. Prepare three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of panko and traditional breadcrumbs mixed with a pinch of salt each.
2. Step 2: Dredge each chicken piece first in the flour, shaking off any excess, then dip into the egg, and finally press into the breadcrumb mixture until well coated.
3. Step 3: Heat a shallow layer (1-2 inches) of oil in a wide skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the chicken and fry for several minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
4. Step 4: For the sauce, heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the minced shallots and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
5. Step 5: Add the crushed San Marzano tomatoes and 1 teaspoon salt. Simmer the sauce gently for 15-20 minutes, or longer if time allows, to develop deeper flavor.
6. Step 6: Preheat the broiler on high. In a small oven-safe dish, pour about 3/4 cup of the tomato sauce and spread it evenly. Top with 2-3 tablespoons of shredded mozzarella in the center, then sprinkle lightly with grated Parmesan.
7. Step 7: Broil the cheese-topped sauce for 4-5 minutes near the top of the oven until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
8. Step 8: Carefully tilt the hot dish over the fried chicken on a plate so that the melted cheese and sauce slide over the chicken. Serve immediately with garlic bread and your choice of salad.

Tips & Variations

• For a lighter option, air fry the breaded chicken at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, instead of frying in oil.
• Mix equal parts panko and traditional breadcrumbs for extra crunch and flavor.
• Add fresh basil or oregano to the tomato sauce for a herbal note.
• Use shredded provolone or fontina cheese mixed with mozzarella for a different cheesy twist.

Storage

Store any leftover chicken Parmesan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving to keep the breading crunchy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh chicken breasts sliced thin for even cooking and crispiness. If using frozen, thaw completely and pat dry before breading.

What can I serve with Chicken Parmesan?

This dish pairs wonderfully with garlic bread and fresh green or kale salads for a balanced meal. Pasta or steamed vegetables also make great side options.

House Favorite Chicken Parmesan Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 91 reviews

House Favorite Chicken Parmesan is a crispy, cheesy Italian-American classic featuring breaded and fried chicken breasts topped with a rich homemade tomato sauce and melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Served best with garlic bread and fresh salads, this recipe brings an over-the-top, comforting dish perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

• Author: Bella
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Coating

• 1 lb. chicken breasts, sliced in half horizontally (4 large, flat pieces)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt + freshly ground pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 cup traditional breadcrumbs
• Oil for frying (about 1-2 inches in skillet)

Tomato Sauce

• 2 tablespoons oil (olive oil recommended)
• 2 shallots, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 28-ounce can San Marzano Style Crushed Tomatoes (e.g., DeLallo)
• 1 teaspoon salt

Toppings

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

To Serve

• Garlic Bread
• Green Salad
• Kale Salad

Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and freshly ground pepper. Prepare three separate bowls: one with flour and a pinch of salt, one with beaten eggs including a pinch of salt, and one with a mixture of panko and traditional breadcrumbs combined with a pinch of salt.
2. Coat the Chicken: Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour, shaking off any excess. Dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, then press firmly into the breadcrumb mixture ensuring an even coating all around.
3. Fry the Chicken: Heat a shallow layer of oil (approximately 1-2 inches) in a wide skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the chicken pieces and fry for a few minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are fully cooked. Remove and drain on paper towels if desired.
4. Make the Sauce: In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced shallots and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the tomato paste and cook another 3-4 minutes to deepen the flavor. Add the crushed San Marzano tomatoes and 1 teaspoon salt, then simmer gently for 15-20 minutes. If you have more time, simmer longer for richer taste.
5. Broil the Cheese for Each Serving: Preheat your oven’s broiler to high. In a small oven-safe pan, transfer about 3/4 cup of the warm tomato sauce. Evenly layer 2-3 tablespoons of shredded mozzarella cheese in the center on top of the sauce, then sprinkle a small amount of freshly grated Parmesan cheese over it. Place the pan near the top of the oven and broil for 4-5 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and has a beautiful golden brown color.
6. Assemble and Serve: Using oven mitts, carefully tilt the hot small pan over the plate with fried chicken, allowing the sauce and melted cheese to slide gently over the chicken. Serve immediately with garlic bread and your choice of green or kale salad for a complete, hearty meal. Enjoy the crispy, cheesy goodness!

Notes

• For a lighter alternative, you can air fry the breaded chicken instead of frying in oil.
• Mixing panko and traditional breadcrumbs gives a perfect crispy texture.
• Use San Marzano style canned tomatoes for the richest sauce flavor.
• Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
• Broiling the cheese directly on the sauce adds a delightful browned and melty topping.
• Serve with garlic bread and fresh salads to balance the rich chicken Parmesan.

Keywords: Chicken Parmesan, Breaded Chicken, Italian-American, Comfort Food, Homemade Tomato Sauce, Fried Chicken, Melty Cheese