Chicken Parmesan is one of those classic recipes that never gets old. It’s crispy, cheesy, and full of comforting Italian-inspired flavors. This homemade version is surprisingly easy to make and tastes even better than what you’d get at a restaurant. Whether you’re enjoying it as a family dinner or a cozy treat for two, this Chicken Parmesan recipe will leave everyone wanting seconds. Plus, you can pair it with pasta or a fresh salad for the perfect meal.
Method
Prep the Chicken:
Butterfly the chicken breasts by slicing them horizontally, but not all the way through, so they open like a book. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.
Bread the Chicken:
In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and Italian herbs. Dip each chicken breast into the whisked egg, then coat in the breadcrumb mixture.
Cook the Chicken:
Heat a frying pan over medium heat. Cook the breaded chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden. Transfer to an ovenproof tray and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes.
Make the Sauce:
In a saucepan, sauté the shallot until softened. Add the garlic and chili flakes, cooking for another 30 seconds. Stir in the tomato purée and cook for a minute. Add the crushed tomatoes and chicken stock, and let the sauce simmer until slightly reduced. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, cream, and fresh basil, cooking for another 5 minutes.
Assemble and Grill:
Take the chicken out of the oven and spoon some of the sauce over each piece. Top with mozzarella slices and place under the grill for a few minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serve:
Serve the chicken with pasta tossed in the remaining sauce or alongside a fresh green salad.
Homemade Chicken Parmesan
Equipment
- Frying pan
- Small saucepan
- Ovenproof tray
- Whisk
- Knife and cutting board
- Mixing bowls
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 2 chicken breasts butterflied
- 1 tsp Italian herbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 40 g breadcrumbs
- 15 g Parmesan cheese grated
- 1 whisked egg
- For the Sauce:
- 1 shallot or small onion diced
- 2-3 garlic cloves crushed
- 1 tbsp tomato purée
- 1 tin crushed tomatoes 400g
- 100 ml chicken stock
- 15 g Parmesan cheese grated
- 3 tbsp double cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 100 g lighter mozzarella sliced
- Fresh basil leaves
- Pinch of chili flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: Prep the Chicken.
- Butterfly the chicken breasts by slicing them horizontally, but not all the way through, so they open like a book. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.
- Step 2: Bread the Chicken.
- In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and Italian herbs. Dip each chicken breast into the whisked egg, then coat in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Step 3: Cook the Chicken.
- Heat a frying pan over medium heat. Cook the breaded chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden. Transfer to an ovenproof tray and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes.
- Step 4: Make the Sauce.
- In a saucepan, sauté the shallot until softened. Add the garlic and chili flakes, cooking for another 30 seconds. Stir in the tomato purée and cook for a minute. Add the crushed tomatoes and chicken stock, and let the sauce simmer until slightly reduced. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, cream, and fresh basil, cooking for another 5 minutes.
- Step 5: Assemble and Grill.
- Take the chicken out of the oven and spoon some of the sauce over each piece. Top with mozzarella slices and place under the grill for a few minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Step 6: Serve.
- Serve the chicken with pasta tossed in the remaining sauce or alongside a fresh green salad.
Notes
- Don’t Skip the Preheat: Make sure your oven and grill are preheated for even cooking.
- Avoid Overcooking: Check the chicken’s internal temperature (it should be 75°C or 165°F) to keep it juicy.
- Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of chicken stock to loosen it.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with spaghetti or penne pasta for a classic combination.
- Serve with garlic bread or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and fresh basil for a touch of elegance.
Fun Fact
Did you know Chicken Parmesan is an American-Italian creation? It’s inspired by the classic Italian dish “Melanzane alla Parmigiana,” which uses eggplant instead of chicken. It became popular in Italian-American communities as a heartier alternative.
Conclusion
This Homemade Chicken Parmesan is a delicious way to enjoy a classic comfort meal with a homemade touch. Crispy chicken, creamy sauce, and gooey cheese make for a dish that’s both indulgent and satisfying. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Give it a try, and let me know how much you love it. Buon appetito! 🐔🧀🍅