The smell of golden-brown chicken with marinara sauce and Parmesan cheese takes me back to my childhood. In my family’s kitchen, laughter and the sound of forks filled the air. This Parmesan chicken recipe has been a family favorite for years, bringing us together.
This recipe has a 4.9 out of 5 rating from 27 reviews. It’s a classic Italian-American dish loved by many. Tender chicken, crispy breading, melted Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, and marinara sauce make it a hit. Your family will ask for more.
Table of Contents
The Rich History of Italian-American Parmesan Chicken
Chicken parmesan, also known as chicken parmigiana, comes from Italian-American immigrants who came to the U.S. in the early 1900s. These immigrants, mainly from Southern Italy, settled in cities like New York. They brought their cooking traditions, which evolved into the italian parmesan chicken we love today.
Origins in Early 20th Century Immigration
The story of chicken parmesan recipe starts in the late 1800s. Southern Italian immigrants, from places like Campania and Sicily, brought parmigiana di melanzane (eggplant parmesan) to New York. They then changed the recipe, using chicken instead of eggplant, creating the italian parmesan chicken we know.
Evolution into an American Classic
By the early 20th century, chicken parmesan recipe became popular. Places like Brooklyn Roots in New York made their own versions. They used big chicken cutlets, making the dish even more special. Now, it’s a favorite italian parmesan chicken dish in America.
“Chicken Parmesan is a quintessential Italian-American dish that has stood the test of time, combining the rich flavors of Italy with the heartiness of American comfort food.”
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Parmesan Chicken Recipe
Making a tasty parmesan chicken dish begins with picking the right ingredients. You’ll need tender chicken, a crunchy breading, and a rich sauce. Let’s explore the key elements that make this recipe a hit.
Selecting the Right Chicken Cuts
Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for the best taste. Breasts are leaner, while thighs are juicier. If using breasts, pound them to make them even, ensuring they cook well.
Breading and Cheese Components
- All-purpose flour for the initial dredging
- Beaten eggs and milk for the egg wash
- Panko breadcrumbs or regular dried breadcrumbs for the crunchy coating
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, along with provolone or mozzarella for the cheesy topping
Sauce and Seasonings
A tasty marinara sauce is crucial for the chicken. You can make your own or use a good store-bought one. Fresh basil adds a great smell and taste.
Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian herbs for extra flavor. This will make your parmesan crusted chicken even better.
With these key ingredients, you’re ready to make a delicious parmesan chicken recipe. It’s sure to impress your family and guests.
Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed
To make the perfect easy parmesan chicken, you’ll need some key tools. First, shallow dishes or cake pans are essential for breading. They give you room to coat the chicken in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs.
Then, a heavy-duty skillet or pan is vital for pan-frying. This step makes the chicken crispy and golden. A baking dish is also important for baking the chicken with cheese.
You’ll also need basic kitchen utensils like tongs, a slotted spoon, and a meat thermometer. These tools make handling the chicken easy and ensure it’s cooked right.
With the right equipment, cooking easy parmesan chicken becomes easier. You’ll get that crispy, flavorful dish every time.
| Kitchen Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Shallow Dishes or Cake Pans | Breading the chicken |
| Heavy-Duty Skillet or Pan | Pan-frying the chicken |
| Baking Dish | Baking the chicken with cheese |
| Tongs, Slotted Spoon, Meat Thermometer | Handling and ensuring proper cooking |
“Having the right equipment ensures a smooth cooking process and helps achieve the perfect crispy texture.”
Step-by-Step Breading Technique
To make the perfect parmesan crusted chicken or crispy parmesan chicken, start with a good breading process. Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes. This makes the coating process easier.
Flour Coating Process
First, put all-purpose flour in the first dish. Add a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to the flour. This adds flavor. Gently coat each chicken piece in the seasoned flour, shaking off any extra.
Egg Wash Application
In the second dish, mix a couple of eggs with a splash of milk or water. Dip the flour-coated chicken into the egg mixture. Make sure it’s evenly coated.
Breadcrumb Mixture Tips
For the last layer, mix panko breadcrumbs and grated parmesan cheese in the third dish. Add more salt and pepper. Press the chicken into the breadcrumb mixture, coating all sides. This will give you a crunchy, flavorful crust.
“The secret to achieving the perfect parmesan crusted chicken or crispy parmesan chicken lies in the breading process. Follow these steps, and you’ll be rewarded with a dish that’s bursting with flavor and texture.”
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Chicken Breasts | 3 boneless, skinless, cut in half to make 6 breast halves |
| All-Purpose Flour | For coating |
| Salt and Pepper | To season the flour |
| Eggs | 2, whisked with milk or water |
| Panko Breadcrumbs | 1 cup |
| Grated Parmesan Cheese | 1/2 cup, divided |
Mastering the Pan-Frying Method
To get your crispy parmesan chicken just right, you need to master pan-frying. This step is key to achieving that perfect crunch in your parmesan chicken recipe. Paying attention to oil temperature and cooking time is essential.
Start by heating a lot of avocado or vegetable oil in a big skillet over medium-high heat. The oil should sizzle when you add the chicken, but not smoke. This prevents the breading from getting soggy.
- Gently lower the breaded chicken into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
- Fry the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) for food safety and optimal texture.
Once the chicken is perfectly golden and crispy, place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. This keeps the crunchy texture as you move on. With pan-frying mastered, you’re on your way to a delicious crispy parmesan chicken dish that will wow everyone.
The Secret to Maintaining Crispy Texture
To get the perfect crispy texture for your crispy parmesan chicken or baked parmesan chicken, you need to balance technique and temperature. The secret to that delightful crunch is in how you handle the sauce and baking.
Proper Sauce Placement
Don’t drown your chicken in sauce. Place it on a bed of tomato or vodka sauce instead. This keeps the breading crispy. Spoon the sauce around the chicken, not on top, to keep the crust crisp.
Temperature Control Tips
- Preheat your oven to about 400°F. This ensures the chicken cooks well and stays crispy.
- Bake the crispy parmesan chicken for 15-20 minutes. Wait until it reaches 165°F inside.
- For an extra-crispy finish, broil it for 1-2 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning.
By controlling temperature and sauce placement, you get a perfect balance. Enjoy a crunchy exterior and juicy, flavorful interior with every bite of your baked parmesan chicken.
“The secret to the best crispy parmesan chicken is all in the temperature and sauce placement. Get it right, and you’ll have a dish that’s truly crave-worthy.”
Cheese Selection and Layering Techniques
To make the perfect parmesan chicken, choosing the right cheese and layering it is key. Use a mix of parmesan and provolone (or mozzarella) for the best taste and texture. Start by covering the chicken with a bit of marinara or tomato sauce. Then, add the cheese on top.
Begin with a good amount of parmesan cheese, then add shredded provolone or mozzarella. The parmesan adds a nutty, salty flavor. The provolone or mozzarella melts into a creamy, stringy layer. Finish with a few fresh basil leaves for a burst of herbal flavor.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken Breasts | 4 pieces |
| Grated Parmesan Cheese | 1 cup, divided |
| Shredded Mozzarella Cheese | 1 cup |
| Bread Crumbs | 1 cup |
| All-Purpose Flour | 1/2 cup |
| Large Eggs | 2 |
| Milk | 1/4 cup |
| Minced Garlic | 2 cloves |
| Dried Italian Seasoning | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Black Pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Olive Oil | 2 tablespoons |
After layering the cheese, the parmesan chicken recipe goes into the oven. It melts the cheese and creates a crispy, golden crust. This method is the secret to a perfect italian parmesan chicken dish that will wow everyone.
Perfect Timing and Temperature Guide
To get the perfect golden-brown crust and juicy inside, you need to master cooking time and temperature. It’s all about finding the right mix of pan-frying and baking. This ensures your dish is crispy, flavorful, and fully cooked.
Pan-Frying Duration
Begin by pan-frying the breaded chicken breasts until they’re light brown and crispy. This takes about 3-4 minutes per side. The initial sear locks in flavors and adds a great texture that stays through baking.
Baking Time and Temperature
Once pan-fried, move the chicken to a baking dish. Bake at 425°F (218°C) for 15-20 minutes. This makes the chicken fully cooked and the cheese melted and bubbly. Adjust the time if your chicken breasts are thicker, as they might need a bit longer.
| Cooking Time | Temperature | Chicken Thickness | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-4 minutes per side | Pan-fry | Thin-cut | Light brown, crispy crust |
| 15-20 minutes | 425°F (218°C) | Thin-cut | Cooked through, cheese melted and bubbly |
| 18-22 minutes | 425°F (218°C) | Thicker cuts | Cooked through, cheese melted and bubbly |
By using this timing and temperature guide, you’ll make the best baked parmesan chicken. It will be crispy on the outside and juicy inside. Enjoy your delicious dish!
Delicious Side Dish Pairings
Choosing the right side dishes can make your parmesan chicken recipe even better. You can pick from classic pasta or creative vegetable options. These pairings bring out the best in the crispy, cheesy chicken.
Try serving your parmesan chicken with al dente spaghetti or zucchini noodles for a lighter option. Add a fresh salad with balsamic vinaigrette for a nice contrast.
Roasted veggies like broccolini, cabbage, or asparagus are great choices. They add flavor and nutrition. Don’t forget garlic bread for a crunchy, savory touch.
| Side Dish | Recipe Details |
|---|---|
| No Knead Bread | Ingredients: 3 cups flour, 2 tsp instant yeast, 2 tsp salt, 1.5 cups water. Instructions: Rest dough for 3 hours, preheat oven to 450°F, bake for 50 minutes. |
| Caesar Salad | A simple and classic side salad option. |
| Pomodoro Pasta | An easy and basic pasta choice to pair with chicken parmesan. |
| Green Beans Almondine | French-style green beans with brown butter, almonds, shallots, garlic, and lemon. |
| Ribollita | A Tuscan bean soup made with white beans, vegetables, and day-old bread. |
There are many tasty side dishes to choose from. Find the perfect match for your homemade parmesan chicken. Try different flavors and textures to find your new favorite dish.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Enjoying the parmesan chicken recipe doesn’t have to end when it’s done. You can still enjoy the crispy, flavorful chicken later. Just follow the right storage and reheating steps.
To store leftover parmesan chicken, put it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Don’t use the microwave to reheat, as it can make the breading soggy. Instead, use your oven or toaster oven to keep it crispy.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Put the leftover chicken on a baking sheet, making sure the pieces aren’t touching.
- Heat the chicken for 20-30 minutes, or until it’s warm and the breading is crisp.
- For the best results, reheat the chicken alone from any sauce or toppings to keep the texture right.
If you plan to freeze the parmesan chicken, it can stay good for up to 3 months. To reheat from frozen, bake it at 350°F (175°C) for 45-60 minutes, or until it’s fully heated.
By following these easy storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy the easy parmesan chicken recipe even after the first meal. Enjoy every bite of this family-favorite dish!
Conclusion
This Parmesan chicken recipe is a hit with families everywhere. It’s crispy on the outside and tender inside. The cheese and sauce mix makes it a favorite dish.
Longhorn Steakhouse’s Parmesan Chicken is a fan favorite. It’s known for its complex flavors and perfect cooking. You can pan-fry, bake, or air fry it to get a crispy, juicy chicken.
Leftovers can be stored for up to 3 days in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer. Reheating it right can keep the crust crispy. Feel free to try different sides and cooking methods to make it your own.