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 nutty, salty flavor to the breadcrumb mixture.

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

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

Olive oil: Used to coat the chicken breasts before breading, helping the breadcrumbs adhere and adding moisture.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the chicken.

Black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and depth to the seasoning.

When preparing chicken breasts for Chicken Parmesan, ensure they are of even thickness for uniform cooking. If needed, use a meat mallet to pound them to an even thickness. This not only helps in cooking the chicken evenly but also makes it more tender. Additionally, when coating the chicken with the breadcrumb mixture, press the crumbs firmly onto the surface to create a thicker, crispier crust. This technique ensures that the breadcrumbs adhere well and form a delicious, crunchy exterior.

• 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: Panko breadcrumbs provide a similar crunch and can be seasoned with Italian herbs to mimic the original flavor.

• grated parmesan cheese - Substitute with grated pecorino romano: Pecorino Romano has a similar salty and nutty flavor, making it a good alternative to Parmesan.

• marinara sauce - Substitute with tomato basil sauce: Tomato basil sauce has a similar tomato base and can provide a comparable flavor profile.

• shredded mozzarella cheese - Substitute with shredded provolone cheese: Provolone melts well and has a mild flavor that works well in place of mozzarella.

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

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in the same quantity and provides a similar salty taste.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a similar heat and can be used in the same quantity as black pepper.

• Allow the chicken parmesan to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the breadcrumbs soggy.
• For short-term storage, place the chicken parmesan in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
• To freeze, wrap each piece of chicken parmesan tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Then, place the wrapped pieces in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date for reference.
• When ready to reheat, thaw the chicken parmesan in the refrigerator overnight. This ensures even reheating and maintains the texture.
• Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. 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 and cover with a microwave-safe lid or another plate. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• To maintain the crispy texture of the breadcrumbs, consider reheating in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
• Serve with a fresh side of vegetables or a salad to complement the reheated chicken parmesan.

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

• For a quicker method, use the microwave. Place the chicken parmesan on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.

• If you prefer a crispy texture, use a skillet. Heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat. Place the chicken parmesan in the skillet and cover it with a lid. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is hot and the cheese is melted.

• For an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken parmesan in the air fryer basket. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is warmed through and the cheese is bubbly and slightly crispy.

• Oven: Used to bake the chicken parmesan to ensure it is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

• Skillet: Used to cook the chicken breasts until they are golden brown on both sides.

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

• Baking dish: Used to transfer the cooked chicken breasts and bake them with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese.

• Tongs: Used to handle the chicken breasts while cooking and transferring them to the baking dish.

• 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.

• Knife: Used to trim any excess fat or unwanted parts from the chicken breasts.

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

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

• Basting brush: Used to coat the chicken breasts with olive oil before dipping them in the breadcrumb mixture.

• Oven mitts: Used to safely handle hot dishes and pans from the oven.

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

Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure and organize all ingredients before starting. This reduces prep time and ensures a smooth cooking process.

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

Flatten chicken breasts: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for quicker and more uniform cooking.

Preheat oven early: Start preheating your oven while you prepare the chicken to save time.

Cook in batches: If your skillet is small, cook the chicken breasts in batches to ensure even browning.