Hey friends! If you love crispy, cheesy, and flavorful chicken, then this Chicken Parmesan recipe is for you! This healthier version is lightly pan-seared and then baked to perfection, making it a great option for a delicious homemade meal. It’s always a family favorite in my house, and I know you’re going to love it too. Let’s get started!

Method

Preparing the Chicken

Begin by placing the chicken breasts on a clean cutting board. Use a sharp knife to carefully fillet each chicken breast into two thinner pieces. This step ensures the chicken cooks evenly and gives you a crispy coating on every bite. Once filleted, pat the chicken dry with a paper towel. This removes excess moisture and helps the breading stick better.

Setting Up the Breading Station

Prepare two shallow bowls one for the eggs and one for the breadcrumb mixture. In the first bowl, crack the eggs and whisk them until they are well combined and smooth. In the second bowl, mix the Italian-flavored breadcrumbs, panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. This combination creates a crunchy, flavorful coating that sticks perfectly to the chicken.

Coating the Chicken

Take each filleted chicken piece and dip it into the beaten eggs, making sure both sides are fully coated. Then, transfer it to the breadcrumb mixture and press firmly, ensuring an even layer of coating. Flip the chicken and press the other side into the breadcrumbs. Repeat this process with all the chicken pieces and place them on a clean plate while you prepare the skillet.

Pan-Searing the Chicken

Heat 1/4 cup of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Allow the oil to warm up before adding the chicken this helps achieve a crispy, golden-brown crust. Carefully place the breaded chicken into the skillet, cooking for about 2-3 minutes per side. Flip the chicken using tongs once the bottom side turns golden brown and crispy. The goal is to lightly crisp the exterior without fully cooking the inside, as it will finish baking in the oven. Once seared, transfer the chicken to a baking dish.

Baking the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the seared chicken pieces in a single layer in a baking dish. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C). This step ensures the chicken is fully cooked while keeping it juicy and tender.

Serve and Enjoy

Once the chicken is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This helps lock in the juices and keeps the chicken moist. Serve your crispy, golden Chicken Parmesan over a bed of pasta with marinara sauce, or pair it with a fresh salad for a lighter option. Sprinkle extra parmesan or mozzarella cheese on top for even more cheesy goodness!

Necessary Tools

Cutting board and knife
Shallow bowls (for breading mixture and eggs)
Large skillet
Baking dish
Tongs (for flipping the chicken)
Baking sheet with parchment paper (optional)

Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Recipe by Henry AveryCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Total time

minutes

Ingredients

3 chicken breasts, filleted
3/4 cup Italian-flavored breadcrumbs
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup parmesan cheese
2 eggs
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/4 cup oil for frying
Pasta or marinara sauce (for serving)

Directions

Preparing the Chicken: Start by filleting the chicken breasts into thinner pieces. This helps them cook evenly and gives you that perfect crispy coating. Pat them dry with a paper towel to help the breading stick better.
Setting Up the Breading Station: In one shallow bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth. In another shallow bowl, mix the Italian-flavored breadcrumbs, panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. This breadcrumb mixture gives the chicken a crunchy and flavorful coating.
Coating the Chicken: Take each filleted chicken piece and dip it into the beaten eggs, making sure it’s fully coated. Then, press it into the breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides evenly. Repeat for all pieces and set them aside.
Pan-Searing the Chicken: Heat 1/4 cup of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the breaded chicken pieces. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown. The goal here is to get a crispy crust while keeping the inside tender. Once seared, transfer the chicken to a baking dish.
Baking the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the seared chicken in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Serve and Enjoy: Once done, serve the crispy, golden Chicken Parmesan over a bed of pasta with marinara sauce or alongside a fresh salad. Top with extra parmesan or mozzarella for even more cheesy goodness!

Notes

Make sure to fillet the chicken evenly so that it cooks properly.
Don’t overcrowd the skillet while pan-searing, as this can lower the oil temperature and make the coating soggy.
Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken is fully cooked (165°F/75°C internally).
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking so it stays juicy.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with pasta and marinara sauce for a classic meal.
Pair with a side salad for a lighter option.
Add a side of garlic bread to soak up all that delicious sauce.
Try it in a chicken parmesan sandwich with a toasted bun and extra cheese.

Fun Fact

Did you know that Chicken Parmesan (or Chicken Parmigiana) actually comes from Italian immigrants in the United States? The dish was inspired by Eggplant Parmesan, a classic Italian recipe, and quickly became a popular comfort food!

Conclusion

This Chicken Parmesan is crispy, cheesy, and full of flavor perfect for a cozy homemade meal! Whether you serve it over pasta, in a sandwich, or with a salad, it’s sure to be a hit. Try it out and let me know how you like it. Happy cooking!