Chicken parm is one of those classic recipes that we go back to often. It’s filling, comforting, and a wonderful weeknight meal that we know the whole family will love! After years of trial and error, we wanted to share the best chicken parmesan recipe ever. It’s simple and requires no fuss ingredients. You probably already have a lot in your pantry! It seems like a lot of work when you get a taste of it. However, this dish was ready in about 30 minutes. Whether you serve it alone, with a plate of pasta, or with vegetables, this meal is unbeatable.
Ingredients Description
Chicken Options:
We like to use skinless and boneless chicken breasts for our chicken parmesan recipes. You want to make sure to use thin chicken breasts. If you purchased chicken that wasn’t thin enough (which is quite common these days), you can even out the thinner side by using a mallet to pound the chicken out.
Breadcrumb options:
The bread coating is an essential part of this perfect comfort food recipe. It starts with a seasoned flour mixture, then is dipped in a beaten egg and finished with a seasoned breadcrumb. This recipe calls for a combination of panko breadcrumbs and regular dry breadcrumbs. We’ve found it’s the perfect combo for the ultimate crunchy combo. Be sure to use seasoned panna cotta. If using plain, you will need to add 1.5 teaspoons of Italian seasoning to the mixture.
Italian Tomato Sauce:
You can definitely use store bought marinara sauce for this recipe, especially if you are in a real rush! That said, you can turn your chicken up a notch if you make it from scratch!
Cheese Options:
Chicken Parmesan is usually made using a combination of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. The mozzarella provides that ooey-gooey melty cheese factor, while the Parmesan adds a lot of extra flavor. For best results, use both fresh mozzarella and freshly grated Parmesan.
Troubleshooting Guide
Problem: Breadcrumbs fall off the chicken while cooking.
solution: Make sure the chicken is dry before breading it. Pat it with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Use a shallow dish or pie plate to spread the breadcrumbs evenly over the chicken, then press the breadcrumbs lightly onto the chicken to help it stick.
Problem: The chicken was undercooked or raw in the middle.
solution: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. The thickest part of the meat should be at least 165°F. If the chicken is not cooked through, continue to roast in the oven until it reaches the correct temperature.
Problem: The cheese on top of the chicken is not melting or browning.
solution: Make sure the oven is preheated before baking the chicken parmesan. Also, try increasing the oven temperature to 400-450 degrees Fahrenheit and baking the chicken for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown. You can also broil the chicken for a few minutes at the end of the roast to help the cheese melt and brown.
How do you keep chicken parmesan crispy?
If you want your Chicken Parmesan to be the crispiest, wait until just before serving to add the marinara sauce. That means you’ll need to melt the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese directly onto the fried chicken breast. For best results, warm the marinade before seasoning the chicken.
service suggestion
You can serve Chicken Parmesan over any shape of cooked pasta, such as spaghetti or linguine. Coat the pasta with a little olive oil or melted butter to keep them from sticking. When serving with pasta, add another cup of marinara sauce to this recipe so there is enough sauce to coat the pasta. you can also:
- Serve with sautéed vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and onions.
- Serve it with garlic bread, breadsticks, or focaccia to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Serve with baked or mashed potatoes.
- Serve it with a side salad, such as a Caesar salad or a mixed greens salad.