House Favorite Chicken Parmesan Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
