Chicken Parmigiana
Chicken Parmigiana is a classic Italian-American dish featuring breaded chicken breasts baked to crispy perfection, topped with rich tomato sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. It's a crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners or gatherings, combining savory flavors with a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine dry Italian bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder in a shallow bowl.
- Dip each chicken breast in the beaten egg, then roll in the bread crumb mixture to coat evenly.
- Place the coated chicken on a cookie sheet or jelly roll pan.
- Bake in a preheated 375° oven for 15 minutes.
- Turn the chicken over and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until thoroughly cooked.
- Spoon tomato sauce over the chicken and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 3 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture. If you don't have Italian seasoning, mix dried oregano and basil for a good substitute. You can also use panko breadcrumbs for a crunchier texture. If you're short on time, store-bought marinara sauce can be a quick alternative to homemade tomato sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Chicken Parmigiana over a bed of spaghetti for a classic pairing. A simple side salad with Italian dressing complements the dish well. For a heartier option, consider serving it with Italian Roasted Potatoes or alongside Italian Sauteed Chicken With Italian Mushroom Rice for a delicious meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Chicken Parmigiana in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps maintain the cheese's melty texture and keeps the chicken from drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Parmigiana contains roughly 428 calories, with 19g protein, 75g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (39% of the Daily Value), iron (28% of the Daily Value), and calcium (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 665mg per serving (29% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier and more flavorful dish. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through than breasts.
What can I serve with Chicken Parmigiana?
Chicken Parmigiana pairs beautifully with garlic bread and a fresh garden salad. You can also serve it alongside pasta, like spaghetti or fettuccine, for a complete Italian meal experience.
Can I make Chicken Parmigiana ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bread and bake the chicken ahead of time, then store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, simply reheat and add the sauce and cheese before a final bake to melt the cheese.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).