Classic Chicken Parmesan – A Crispy, Cheesy Delight

Introduction
Craving a restaurant-quality dish at home? This classic chicken Parmesan recipe is crispy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor. Tender breaded chicken cutlets topped with marinara sauce and gooey melted mozzarella make this a family favorite. Follow this easy step-by-step guide to create a perfect chicken Parmesan that’s sure to impress!

Ingredients

For the chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to an even thickness)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs (beaten)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (Italian-seasoned)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and black pepper (to taste)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)

For the topping:

• 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
3. Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes:
   • Dish 1: Flour
   • Dish 2: Beaten eggs
   • Dish 3: A mixture of breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
4. Dredge each chicken breast in flour, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it with the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture. Press gently to ensure an even coating.

Step 2: Fry the Chicken

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the breaded chicken breasts and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 3: Assemble the Chicken Parmesan

1. Spread 1/2 cup of marinara sauce evenly over the bottom of a baking dish.
2. Place the fried chicken breasts on top of the sauce.
3. Spoon 1/2 cup of marinara sauce over each piece of chicken.
4. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese and additional Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.

Step 4: Bake the Dish

1. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
2. For a golden, crispy topping, broil for an additional 2–3 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.
2. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
3. Pair with spaghetti, a side salad, or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Parmesan

• Pound the chicken to an even thickness to ensure even cooking.
• For extra crispiness, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan and mozzarella cheese for the best flavor and texture.

Conclusion
This classic chicken Parmesan is crispy, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying. Whether it’s for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results right in your kitchen. It’s a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite!

Call to Action
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