Best Chicken Parmesan Recipe

If you are craving classic Italian comfort food done right, this Best Chicken Parmesan Recipe is your new go-to. Imagine juicy, tender chicken cutlets with a perfectly crispy, golden crust crowned with bubbly melted mozzarella and sharp Parmesan cheese, all nestled in a vibrant homemade marinara sauce. Every bite bursts with layers of flavor and texture, making it impossible to resist. It’s a dish that feels like a warm hug and takes your weeknight dinners to restaurant-quality levels without any extra fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a key role in building those comforting, irresistible flavors and textures. From the buttermilk marinade that keeps the chicken tender, to the crispy panko coating, and the fragrant herbs in the sauce, every component is essential.

• Chicken breasts: Thinly sliced to ensure quick, even cooking and tender bites.
• Buttermilk: Tenderizes the chicken and adds subtle tanginess.
• Eggs: Help the breading stick beautifully to the chicken.
• Flour and cornstarch: Create a light, crispy base for the breading.
• Seasonings (kosher salt, garlic powder, pepper, oregano, cayenne): Layer complex flavor into the breading and chicken.
• Panko breadcrumbs: Bring that satisfying crunch every bite deserves.
• Vegetable oil: Used for frying to get the perfect golden crust with a high smoke point.
• Marinara sauce and diced tomatoes: Make a rich, herb-infused sauce that’s both fresh and comforting.
• Fresh and dried herbs: Oregano, basil, garlic powder enhance the sauce’s depth.
• Cheeses (Parmesan and mozzarella): Melt into a creamy, bubbly topping that completes the dish.
• Spaghetti or pasta of choice: Adds a hearty, satisfying base for serving.

How to Make Best Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Cutlets

The first step to this Best Chicken Parmesan Recipe is slicing your chicken breasts horizontally to create thin cutlets. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and stays juicy. Don’t rush here—use a sharp knife and take your time to get four uniform pieces. This simple prep step makes a world of difference in texture.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Give the cutlets a quick but flavorful rub of garlic powder, kosher salt, and pepper. This foundational seasoning is like a secret handshake for the chicken, waking up the meat with savory notes that will shine through every bite.

Step 3: Marinate in Buttermilk and Eggs

Whisk together eggs and buttermilk to create a rich, tangy marinade that tenderizes the chicken while infusing it with moisture and flavor. Letting the chicken soak from 15 minutes up to 24 hours lets those flavors sink deep and guarantees juicy results that won’t dry out during frying.

Step 4: Set Up the Dredging Station

Now for the magic coating! Mix a savory blend of flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, oregano, garlic powder, and a pinch of cayenne for subtle warmth. Separately, have your panko breadcrumbs ready. This sequence ensures the coating will stick securely and fry up crisp and golden.

Step 5: Heat the Oil to Perfection

Pour enough vegetable oil into a heavy skillet to create about an inch of depth and heat it carefully until it reaches 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Maintaining this hot temperature is crucial for quick frying that produces a crispy, non-greasy crust—patience here rewards you big time.

Step 6: Bread the Chicken

Coat each piece of chicken in a careful sequence: egg mixture, seasoned flour, egg mixture again, then panko breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs firmly into the chicken for maximum crunch. Trust this multi-step breading process—it creates the signature crunch of the Best Chicken Parmesan Recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Step 7: Fry Until Golden and Juicy

Fry the breaded cutlets in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, turning once to achieve an even golden-brown crust. A meat thermometer should read 160 degrees Fahrenheit for perfectly cooked chicken without dryness. Transfer to a wire rack to keep the crust crisp while you finish frying.

Step 8: Simmer the Homemade Marinara Sauce

While frying, simmer your jarred marinara with diced tomatoes, herbs, and seasoning to elevate it with fresh, robust flavors. The blend of dried and fresh basil and oregano adds a fragrant, garden-fresh brightness that balances the rich cheese and crispy chicken beautifully.

Step 9: Cook the Pasta

Boil your choice of long pasta in salted water until al dente, then toss with a bit of oil to prevent sticking. This simple step provides the perfect bed for serving your chicken parmesan and soaking up all the delicious sauce.

Step 10: Broil the Chicken with Cheese and Sauce

Place the fried cutlets under the broiler topped with spoonfuls of the sauce and a generous melty blend of Parmesan and mozzarella. Keep a close eye as it broils quickly—watching the cheese bubble and just start to brown is pure joy, and the crispy edges of chicken remain intact for texture contrast.

How to Serve Best Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh basil leaves scattered on top add a pop of vibrant color and a fragrant, slightly sweet finish that complements the rich tomato sauce and cheese perfectly. It’s the subtle detail that makes the dish look stunning and taste even fresher.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables for brightness and balance. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is also a classic companion to soak up any of that luscious sauce left on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special touch, plate the pasta first, ladle some sauce over the noodles, then nestle the cheesy chicken cutlet on top. You can drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle fresh Parmesan to elevate the presentation. It’s a great way to impress guests or just treat yourself to a restaurant-style meal at home.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover chicken parmesan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the sauce separate from the breaded chicken helps preserve the crunchy texture, but it will still taste delicious if combined.

Freezing

You can freeze both the cooked chicken cutlets and the sauce separately for up to 2 months. Wrap the chicken tightly to avoid freezer burn. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat carefully to maintain texture and flavor.

Reheating

The best way to reheat leftover chicken parmesan is in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through and the crust is crispy again—usually about 15 minutes. Avoid microwaving as this can make the breading soggy and cheese rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can add extra juiciness and flavor, but remember to slice them thinly for even cooking like you would breasts.

What can I substitute if I don’t have buttermilk?

Mix 1/2 cup milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar, let it sit for 5 minutes to curdle—that’s a quick homemade buttermilk substitute that works great in this recipe.

Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?

You can bake the breaded chicken cutlets instead of frying, though the crust won’t be quite as crispy. Using whole wheat panko or less cheese also lightens the dish up a bit.

Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance?

Yes! Marinate the chicken up to 24 hours ahead and prepare the sauce a day before to deepen flavors. Just fry and broil fresh when ready to serve.

What kind of marinara sauce do you recommend?

I love using a good quality jar like Rao’s for rich flavor and simplicity, but homemade marinara works beautifully if you prefer fresh from scratch.

Final Thoughts

There is something so deeply satisfying about this Best Chicken Parmesan Recipe that keeps it a beloved classic in my kitchen. It’s approachable, flavorful, and always delivers a smile with every bite. Whether you’re feeding family or impressing friends, give this recipe a try and see why it earns a special spot on the dinner table again and again.

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