Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless, these are the main protein component of the dish.

Italian seasoned breadcrumbs: These breadcrumbs are pre-seasoned with Italian herbs and spices, adding flavor to the chicken coating.

Parmesan cheese: Grated cheese that adds a salty, nutty flavor to the breadcrumb mixture.

Marinara sauce: A tomato-based sauce that provides a rich, tangy base for the dish.

Mozzarella cheese: Shredded cheese that melts beautifully over the chicken, creating a gooey topping.

Olive oil: Used for dipping the chicken and cooking it to a golden brown.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the chicken.

Black pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth of flavor to the chicken.

When preparing chicken breasts for Chicken Parmesan, ensure they are of even thickness to promote uniform cooking. If necessary, use a meat mallet to gently pound the thicker parts of the chicken to match the thinner areas. This not only helps in achieving a consistent golden brown crust but also ensures the chicken cooks through evenly in the oven, preventing any undercooked or overcooked sections.

• boneless, skinless chicken breasts - Substitute with boneless, skinless turkey breasts: Turkey breasts have a similar texture and flavor profile, making them a suitable alternative.

• italian seasoned breadcrumbs - Substitute with panko breadcrumbs with italian seasoning: Panko breadcrumbs provide a similar crunch and can be seasoned with Italian herbs to match the flavor.

• grated parmesan cheese - Substitute with grated pecorino romano: Pecorino Romano has a similar salty and tangy flavor, making it a good substitute.

• marinara sauce - Substitute with tomato basil sauce: Tomato basil sauce offers a similar tomato base with a slightly different herb profile.

• shredded mozzarella cheese - Substitute with shredded provolone cheese: Provolone melts similarly to mozzarella and has a comparable mild flavor.

• olive oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil has a neutral flavor and similar cooking properties, making it a suitable alternative.

• salt - Substitute with kosher salt: Kosher salt has a similar taste but is less dense, so you may need to adjust the quantity.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat and flavor, though it is slightly milder and less visually noticeable.

• Allow the chicken parmesan to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the breadcrumbs soggy.

• For short-term storage, place the chicken parmesan in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

• To freeze, wrap each piece of chicken parmesan individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps to prevent freezer burn and keeps the chicken fresh.

• Place the wrapped pieces in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness. The chicken parmesan can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

• When ready to reheat, thaw the chicken parmesan in the refrigerator overnight. This ensures even reheating and maintains the texture of the chicken and cheese.

• Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the cheese is bubbly. Cover with foil to prevent the cheese from over-browning.

• For a quicker option, you can reheat in the microwave. Place the chicken parmesan on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a microwave-safe lid or another plate, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through.

• Garnish with fresh basil or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese before serving to enhance the flavor and presentation.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the chicken parmesan in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from drying out.
  4. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is warmed through and the cheese is bubbly.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the chicken parmesan on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to keep the moisture in.
  3. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. If needed, continue heating in 30-second intervals until hot.

• Skillet Method:

  1. Heat a skillet over medium-low heat and add a small amount of olive oil.
  2. Place the chicken parmesan in the skillet and cover with a lid.
  3. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is warmed through and the cheese is melted.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the chicken parmesan in the air fryer basket.
  3. Heat for 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. If needed, continue heating in 1-2 minute intervals until hot and the cheese is bubbly.

• Oven: used to bake the chicken parmesan to ensure the cheese melts and becomes bubbly.

• Skillet: used to cook the chicken breasts until they are golden brown on each side.

• Shallow dish: used to combine the breadcrumbs and grated parmesan cheese for coating the chicken.

• Baking dish: used to transfer the chicken breasts for baking in the oven.

• Measuring cups: used to measure the breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, marinara sauce, and shredded mozzarella cheese.

• Measuring spoons: used to measure the salt, black pepper, and olive oil.

• Tongs: used to handle the chicken breasts while coating them and transferring them to the skillet and baking dish.

• Spatula: used to flip the chicken breasts in the skillet to ensure even cooking.

• Knife: used to trim any excess fat from the chicken breasts before seasoning.

• Cutting board: used as a surface to prepare the chicken breasts.

• Serving platter: used to serve the finished chicken parmesan.

• Basil: used as a garnish to add a fresh touch to the dish.

Pre-cut ingredients: Prepare chicken breasts and measure out breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese in advance.

Use store-bought marinara: Opt for a quality marinara sauce to save time on making it from scratch.

One-pan method: Cook the chicken in an oven-safe skillet, then transfer directly to the oven, skipping the need for a separate baking dish.

Preheat oven early: Start preheating your oven before you begin prepping to ensure it's ready when you are.

Batch cooking: Double the recipe and freeze extra portions for a quick meal later.