This Classic Chicken Parmigiana is a crispy, golden-fried chicken breast topped with a rich tomato sauce and gooey melted cheese. A favorite Italian-American dish, this recipe is easy to make at home and pairs perfectly with pasta or a fresh side salad. Try the creamy tomato variation or substitute veal for a veal parmigiana twist!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Sauce:

2 tablespoons butter
½ cup finely chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 teaspoon sugar
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped

For the Chicken:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into halves)
½ cup bread crumbs
3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon dried oregano
1 egg
2 tablespoons milk
2 tablespoons olive oil
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

Melt butter in a 2-quart saucepan over medium heat.
Add onion and garlic and sauté until tender.
Stir in diced tomatoes, sugar, salt, and pepper.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Stir in fresh basil and keep warm.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Pound the chicken between two sheets of plastic wrap to ¼-inch thickness using a meat mallet.
In a shallow dish, mix bread crumbs, 3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, and oregano.
In another bowl, whisk together egg and milk.
Dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the chicken and cook for 4-6 minutes per side until golden brown.
Transfer the cooked chicken to a serving platter.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

Spoon warm tomato sauce over the chicken.
Top with shredded mozzarella and 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese.
Let stand for 2 minutes until the cheese melts.
Serve with hot cooked pasta or a side salad.

Variations

Veal Parmigiana

Substitute 1 lb boneless veal sirloin steak or veal leg steak, cut ½-inch thick.
Pound to ¼-inch thickness and follow the same preparation steps.

Creamy Tomato Chicken Parmigiana

After simmering the sauce for 10 minutes, add 3 tablespoons whipping cream, half-and-half, or light cream.
Stir constantly and cook for 3 more minutes before adding basil.

Nutrients (Per Serving – Approximate)

Calories: 418 kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 34g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Sodium: 715mg
Fiber: 1g

The Foundation: The Perfect Tomato Sauce

The tomato sauce is the heart of Chicken Parmigiana, and it’s what elevates this dish from good to great. A classic Chicken Parmigiana sauce typically consists of diced tomatoes, garlic, onions, and a few key seasonings like basil, salt, and pepper. The combination of the sweet tomatoes with the savory garlic and onion creates a flavorful base that perfectly complements the crispy chicken. Adding a pinch of sugar helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes, making the sauce smoother and more rounded in flavor.

Fresh basil brings a pop of herby brightness to the sauce, making it the ideal companion to the richness of the fried chicken. The simplicity of the ingredients makes this sauce both easy to prepare and deeply satisfying. The sauce can be made ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld together for an even richer taste. Pouring this aromatic sauce over the crispy chicken cutlets and then topping it with cheese is what brings the dish to life.

The Chicken: Golden, Crispy, and Flavorful

The chicken cutlets in Chicken Parmigiana are the star of the dish, and achieving the perfect texture and flavor is key to a successful recipe. The chicken breasts are typically pounded thin to ensure that they cook quickly and evenly, resulting in a crispy, golden crust while maintaining juiciness inside. This step is crucial as it allows the chicken to absorb the flavors of the breadcrumbs and ensures a delightful texture in every bite.

Coating the chicken in a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and dried oregano gives the chicken a flavorful, aromatic crust. The breadcrumbs help the chicken achieve that signature crunch, while the Parmesan adds a salty, nutty depth to the flavor. When fried in olive oil, the chicken becomes crispy on the outside while staying tender and juicy on the inside. The addition of the egg and milk mixture as a binding agent ensures the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken, providing that satisfying crunch with every bite.

The Cheese: Gooey and Melted to Perfection

A key feature of Chicken Parmigiana is the gooey, melted cheese that crowns the crispy chicken and tomato sauce. Mozzarella cheese is the classic choice for this dish, offering a mild, creamy flavor and excellent meltability. Topping the chicken with a generous amount of shredded mozzarella creates that irresistible cheesy pull with every bite.

In addition to mozzarella, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese adds an extra layer of flavor and richness. Parmesan cheese has a sharp, nutty flavor that complements the milder mozzarella, creating a balanced cheese topping that’s both creamy and flavorful. The cheese should be melted until bubbly and slightly golden, which adds a visually appealing finish to the dish.

Variations to Elevate the Dish

While the classic version of Chicken Parmigiana is delicious on its own, there are many variations you can explore to add a twist or make the dish your own. One popular variation is to swap the chicken for veal, creating Veal Parmigiana. Veal is a tender meat that cooks quickly and pairs wonderfully with the crispy coating, rich tomato sauce, and melted cheese. The preparation steps for veal are essentially the same as for chicken, and it’s an excellent option for those who enjoy a slightly more delicate flavor.

Another option for variation is the creamy tomato Chicken Parmigiana. For this version, after simmering the tomato sauce for 10 minutes, you can add cream (whipping cream, half-and-half, or light cream) to the sauce. The cream transforms the sauce into a velvety, rich version that complements the crispy chicken in a unique way. This variation adds a luxurious element to the dish and makes it even more indulgent.

Pairing Suggestions for a Complete Meal

Chicken Parmigiana is typically served with pasta, which provides a hearty and satisfying base for the dish. Spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne are all excellent options for pairing with Chicken Parmigiana, as the pasta allows the sauce to cling to the noodles, making every bite delicious. A sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese over the pasta and chicken enhances the flavor even more.

If you prefer a lighter option, Chicken Parmigiana can also be served with a fresh side salad. A simple green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette is a perfect contrast to the richness of the chicken and sauce. For an even more refreshing side, try serving the Chicken Parmigiana with roasted vegetables, such as zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers.

A Make-Ahead Favorite for Special Occasions

One of the best aspects of Chicken Parmigiana is that it’s easy to prepare in advance, making it a great option for dinner parties, family gatherings, or meal prep. You can assemble the dish ahead of time, including the breaded chicken and tomato sauce, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply bake the dish until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This makes Chicken Parmigiana a fantastic option for entertaining, as it allows you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time with your guests.

Conclusion: A Timeless Italian-American Classic

Chicken Parmigiana is a timeless dish that brings together crispy fried chicken, savory tomato sauce, and creamy melted cheese in one indulgent meal. Whether served with pasta, a side salad, or on its own, it’s a flavorful, satisfying dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. The simplicity of the ingredients, combined with the richness of the flavors, makes Chicken Parmigiana a classic that never goes out of style.

With its versatility, you can easily modify the recipe to suit your taste preferences, from swapping chicken for veal to adding a creamy twist to the tomato sauce. Whether you’re preparing it for a casual dinner or a special celebration, Chicken Parmigiana is sure to impress. It’s a comforting and crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to make yet feels like a gourmet meal.

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