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Classic Chicken Parmesan

A beloved Italian-American dish featuring breaded chicken cutlets topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese, typically served with pasta. This comfort food classic is perfect for family dinners.

55 minMediumServes 4650 cal/serving

Italian-AmericanDinnerOvenHigh ProteinHigh FiberPork-FreeAlcohol-FreeCorn-Free

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Ingredients

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, about 8 oz each, halved horizontally to make 4 cutlets
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, for breading
  • 1/4 cup olive oil, for frying
  • 2 cups marinara sauce, homemade or store-bought
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, for topping
  • 2 tbsp fresh basil leaves, chopped or torn
  • 8 oz spaghetti
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).

  2. 2

    Place 2 about 8 oz each, halved horizontally to make 4 cutlets boneless, skinless chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap and pound to an even 1/4-inch thickness. Season both sides with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning.

  3. 3

    Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes: one with 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, one with 2 beaten large eggs, and one with a mixture of 1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs and 1/2 cup for breading grated Parmesan cheese.

  4. 4

    Dredge each chicken piece in flour, shaking off excess, then dip in egg, and finally coat with the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to adhere.

  5. 5

    In a large oven-safe skillet, heat 1/4 cup for frying olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the breaded chicken and cook until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. The chicken will not be fully cooked at this point.

  6. 6

    Pour 2 cups homemade or store-bought marinara sauce around (not on top of) the chicken in the skillet. Alternatively, transfer the chicken to a baking dish and pour sauce around it.

  7. 7

    Sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese over each chicken piece, followed by the 1/4 cup for topping grated Parmesan cheese.

  8. 8

    Bake in the preheated oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), about 15-20 minutes.

  9. 9

    Meanwhile, cook 8 oz spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and toss with a little olive oil or some extra marinara sauce.

  10. 10

    Serve the chicken Parmesan over spaghetti, garnished with 2 tbsp chopped or torn fresh basil leaves.

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Questions

How much time should I plan for Classic Chicken Parmesan?

As written, 55 minutes: 25 of prep and 30 of cooking. The longest single stretch is step 8 (20 minutes): "Bake in the preheated oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), about 15-20 minutes."

What oven temperature does Classic Chicken Parmesan need?

For Classic Chicken Parmesan, the oven is set to 425 F (about 220 C) in step 1. The longest stretch at that heat is 20 minutes, in step 8. The target internal temperature is 165 F (about 75 C), given in step 8. A probe thermometer removes the guesswork.

What can I use instead of Italian seasoning in Classic Chicken Parmesan?

The entry for Classic Chicken Parmesan calls for 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning. In its place: Equal parts dried oregano, basil and thyme, with a little rosemary.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts in Classic Chicken Parmesan?

Yes. Boneless thighs at the same weight are more forgiving and stay juicier. Give them two to four minutes longer; they are at their best around 175 F rather than 165 F. As written, the entry for Classic Chicken Parmesan uses 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, about 8 oz each, halved horizontally to make 4 cutlets.

Does Classic Chicken Parmesan contain eggs?

Yes: 2 large eggs, beaten. The full allergen list for this entry is gluten, dairy and eggs. Packaged ingredients vary by brand, so check labels if the allergy is serious.

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