Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The main protein for the dish, providing a tender and juicy base.

Italian seasoned breadcrumbs: Adds a flavorful and crispy coating to the chicken.

Grated parmesan cheese: Mixed with the breadcrumbs for extra flavor and a cheesy crust.

Marinara sauce: A rich tomato-based sauce that complements the chicken and cheese.

Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts over the chicken, creating a gooey and delicious topping.

Olive oil: Used to coat the chicken breasts before breading and to cook them until golden brown.

When coating the chicken breasts with the breadcrumb mixture, press down firmly to ensure an even and thorough coating. This helps create a crispy crust that will hold up well during cooking. Additionally, using olive oil instead of an egg wash can add a subtle richness to the chicken and help the breadcrumbs adhere better.

• boneless, skinless chicken breasts - Substitute with boneless, skinless turkey breasts: Turkey breasts have a similar texture and can be cooked in the same way as chicken breasts.

• italian seasoned breadcrumbs - Substitute with panko breadcrumbs mixed with italian seasoning: Panko breadcrumbs provide a similar crunch, and adding Italian seasoning will mimic the flavor profile.

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

• marinara sauce - Substitute with tomato basil sauce: Tomato basil sauce offers a similar tomato base with added basil for a slightly different but complementary flavor.

• shredded mozzarella cheese - Substitute with shredded provolone cheese: Provolone melts similarly to mozzarella and has a mild flavor that works well in this dish.

• olive oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil has a neutral flavor and a high smoke point, making it a suitable alternative for cooking the chicken.

• Allow the chicken parmesan to cool completely at room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the dish soggy.
• Transfer the cooled chicken parmesan to an airtight container. If stacking pieces, place a piece of parchment paper between each layer to avoid sticking.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes.
• For freezing, wrap each piece of chicken parmesan individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This ensures each piece is well-protected from freezer burn.
• Place the wrapped pieces in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is bubbly.
• For a quicker option, reheat from frozen by covering the chicken parmesan with foil and baking at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes. Remove the foil for the last 10 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and brown.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken parmesan in an oven-safe dish, cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying out, and bake for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• For a quicker method, use a 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. Check and continue heating in 30-second intervals until hot.
• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken parmesan in the basket and heat for about 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure it doesn't overcook.
• For stovetop reheating, place the chicken parmesan in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of marinara sauce to keep it moist, cover with a lid, and heat for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

• Oven: Used to bake the chicken parmesan to ensure the cheese melts and the dish is heated through.

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

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

• Baking dish: Used to hold the chicken breasts topped with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese for baking.

• Tongs: Useful for flipping the chicken breasts in the skillet to ensure even cooking.

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

• Tablespoon: Used to measure the olive oil for coating the chicken breasts.

• Spatula: Helpful for transferring the chicken breasts from the skillet to the baking dish.

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

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for preparing the chicken breasts.

• Oven mitts: Essential for safely handling the hot baking dish when removing it from the oven.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure and set out all ingredients before starting. This will streamline your cooking process.

Use pre-made marinara sauce: Opt for a high-quality store-bought marinara sauce to save time on preparation.

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

Preheat the skillet: Ensure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken to reduce cooking time.

Shred cheese ahead: Shred the mozzarella cheese beforehand and store it in the fridge until needed.