Name: Best Chicken Parm
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 3-4 boneless skinless chicken breasts; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs (beaten); 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs; 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade); 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)

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If you’re craving a comforting and delicious meal, look no further than the Best Chicken Parm. This classic Italian-American dish features breaded and fried chicken breasts topped with marinara sauce and gooey cheese. It’s a perfect blend of flavors and textures, making it an all-time favorite for families and gatherings. The crispy exterior contrasts beautifully with the tender chicken inside, while the rich tomato sauce complements the savory cheese. Whether served over pasta or with a side of garlic bread, this dish is sure to impress everyone at your table. In just under an hour, you can create this delectable masterpiece that rivals any restaurant version. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, cooking the Best Chicken Parm at home has never been easier. Let’s dive into why you’ll love making this dish in your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Best Chicken Parm

Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and straightforward steps make this recipe stress-free, even for novice cooks
Flavorful and Versatile: Enjoy outstanding flavor with ingredients you can easily customize by adding your favorites or adjusting spices
Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for casual gatherings, holiday celebrations, or weeknight dinners

Ingredients for Best Chicken Parm

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding
All-Purpose Flour: This will help create a light coating on the chicken before frying
Eggs: Beaten eggs act as a binder that helps the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken
Breadcrumbs: Use Italian-style breadcrumbs for added flavor; they give a nice crunch to the dish
Marinara Sauce: Choose your favorite store-bought or homemade sauce to enhance the overall taste
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Aim for fresh mozzarella for that bubbly texture when melted

For the Sauce:

Fresh Basil Leaves: Fresh basil adds a burst of flavor; feel free to substitute dried basil if needed

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Best Chicken Parm

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating up, spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Season each boneless skinless chicken breast with salt and pepper. Then set up three shallow dishes: one with flour, another with beaten eggs, and the last one filled with breadcrumbs.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

First dip each piece of chicken in flour until coated lightly. Next, dunk it into beaten eggs before finally pressing it into breadcrumbs until evenly coated.

Step 4: Fry Until Golden

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add enough oil to cover the bottom. Once hot, place chicken pieces in the skillet. Cook them for about four minutes on each side until golden brown.

Step 5: Assemble in Baking Dish

Transfer fried chicken breasts to your prepared baking dish. Pour marinara sauce generously over each piece before topping them with shredded mozzarella cheese.

Step 6: Bake Perfectly

Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for about fifteen minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Transfer to plates and drizzle with extra marinara sauce for the perfect finishing touch.

Tips and Tricks

Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:

Even Cooking: Make sure all ingredients are cut to similar sizes for consistent cooking times
Temperature Control: Let ingredients reach room temperature before starting for better results
Crispy Coating: For extra crunchiness, double-coat your chicken by dipping it back into eggs and breadcrumbs after initial coating

How to Serve Best Chicken Parm

This Best Chicken Parm is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:

Rice or Potatoes: A hearty base that soaks up the delicious sauce.
Fresh Salad: Adds a crisp and refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the dish.
Crusty Bread: Perfect for enjoying every last drop of the flavorful sauce.

Feel free to pair it with your favorite sides for a personalized meal!

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead: You can prepare the chicken cutlets and sauce in advance. Cook the chicken and let it cool before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The sauce can also be made ahead and will stay fresh in the fridge for about five days.
Storing: To store leftovers, place them in a sealed container, ensuring that both chicken and sauce are covered to prevent drying out. You can keep them in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze them for up to three months.
Reheating: For best results, reheat your Best Chicken Parm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, covered with foil to retain moisture. Alternatively, you can use a microwave, heating at medium power in short intervals until warmed through.

Suggestions for Best Chicken Parm

Choose the Right Chicken

Selecting the right type of chicken is crucial for making the best chicken parm. Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts to ensure a tender and juicy result. Avoid using frozen chicken, as it can lead to uneven cooking and a rubbery texture. Thaw your chicken in the refrigerator overnight for optimal results. Additionally, pound the chicken to an even thickness; this ensures that it cooks uniformly. When you achieve a perfect golden-brown crust during frying, you elevate the dish’s flavor significantly. Remember, starting with quality ingredients makes all the difference.

Don’t Skip the Marinara Sauce

A common mistake when preparing the best chicken parm is using store-bought marinara sauce without enhancing it. While convenience is tempting, homemade marinara elevates your dish significantly. If time is short, add fresh herbs like basil or oregano to store-bought sauce to enhance its flavor. Simmering your sauce with garlic and onions also adds depth. Ensure that your sauce complements rather than overwhelms the chicken flavor. A well-balanced marinara will enhance your dish, making each bite flavorful and satisfying.

Overcooking the Chicken

Overcooked chicken can ruin your best chicken parm experience. Cooking chicken until it’s dry results in a disappointing texture and taste. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Cooking on medium heat allows for even cooking without burning the coating. Additionally, allowing your chicken to rest after cooking lets juices redistribute, ensuring moistness in every bite. Mastering this technique will take your dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

Layering Ingredients Correctly

When assembling your best chicken parm, layering ingredients correctly is essential for both presentation and taste. Start by placing fried chicken on a baking dish; then add marinara sauce generously over each piece of chicken before sprinkling cheese on top. Avoid piling too much cheese or sauce at once, as it can lead to sogginess during baking. Bake until the cheese melts and bubbles for that perfect finish. This careful layering ensures that each component shines through while providing a beautiful visual appeal.

FAQs

What Is the Best Cheese for Chicken Parm?

When preparing the best chicken parm, choosing the right cheese is crucial for achieving a creamy texture and rich flavor. Traditionally, mozzarella cheese tops this dish due to its excellent melting properties and mild taste. For an added depth of flavor, consider mixing mozzarella with freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese. These cheeses provide that savory kick while balancing out mozzarella’s creaminess perfectly. Always opt for high-quality cheeses for the best results, as they enhance both taste and texture in this classic Italian-American recipe.

Can I Make Chicken Parm Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can prepare components of the best chicken parm ahead of time for convenience! You can bread and fry your chicken in advance; just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it with sauce and cheese. Similarly, you can make marinara sauce days ahead and refrigerate or freeze it for later use. For optimal freshness, assemble everything just before baking to avoid sogginess from moisture buildup during storage.

What Sides Pair Well With Chicken Parm?

When serving the best chicken parm, pairing it with complementary sides enhances its flavors beautifully. Classic choices include spaghetti tossed in olive oil or marinara sauce, which harmonizes well with the dish’s rich taste profile. A fresh garden salad provides a refreshing crunch that balances out flavors beautifully; consider adding light vinaigrette dressing to keep it vibrant yet simple. Garlic bread serves as an excellent accompaniment as well; its crispiness contrasts wonderfully with soft pasta and melty cheese.

How Do I Store Leftover Chicken Parm?

To maximize freshness when storing leftover best chicken parm, allow it to cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. Store leftovers in the refrigerator if you plan to eat them within three days; otherwise, freezing them will extend their shelf life significantly—up to three months! When reheating frozen portions, thaw overnight in the refrigerator first before warming them up in an oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated thoroughly—this keeps your crust crispy while ensuring even heating throughout.

Conclusion for Best Chicken Parm

In summary, mastering the art of crafting the best chicken parm requires attention to detail at every step—from selecting quality ingredients like fresh chicken breasts and homemade marinara sauce to avoiding common pitfalls such as overcooking or improper layering techniques. Remember that choosing high-quality cheeses enhances both flavor and texture significantly! Preparing components ahead of time makes serving easier while enjoying delicious leftovers afterward ensures no meal goes wasted! By following these guidelines closely, you’ll create a delightful dish that impresses family and friends alike!