Chicken Parmigiana(12 Servings)
Juicy breaded chicken breasts topped with flavorful tomato sauce, melted mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, baked to golden perfection—perfect for hearty family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 6 whole chicken breasts, skinned, boned and split ⓘ
- flour ⓘ
- 3 eggs, beaten
- 2 to 2 3/4 cups coarse crumbs (from buttery crackers)
- 3 medium onions, chopped ⓘ
- 3 medium cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 can whole peeled tomatoes, chopped (28 oz.) ⓘ
- 1/3 cup dry sherry or red wine ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf, finely crushed ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon dry leaf oregano
- 1 pound mozzarella cheese, sliced ⓘ
- Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large frying pan, add 2 teaspoons olive oil and sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until golden.
- Add chopped tomatoes, dry sherry or red wine, a crushed bay leaf, oregano, and salt; bring to a boil, then simmer, stirring occasionally for 10 minutes.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper; dip in flour, then beaten eggs, followed by coarse cracker crumbs.
- Brown the coated chicken breasts in cooking oil until browned on both sides.
- Keep warm if necessary in a warm oven.
- Spoon some of the sauce into a 9 x 13 x 2-inch baking dish.
- Lay a chicken breast at one end of the dish.
- Top with a little sauce, then slices of mozzarella cheese, followed by more sauce and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
- Repeat the layering process with remaining chicken breasts, sauce, and cheeses, leaving some sauce to top and more Parmesan for sprinkling.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F for 15 minutes or until heated through and browned somewhat on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding Italian herbs like basil or thyme to the sauce. If you don’t have coarse crumbs, crushed panko or even plain breadcrumbs can work in a pinch. For a lighter version, try baking the chicken instead of frying. You can also substitute the mozzarella with provolone or a blend of Italian cheeses for different taste profiles.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Chicken Parmigiana with a side of spaghetti or a green salad to balance the richness of the dish. Garlic bread or a simple arugula salad can complement the meal beautifully. This dish pairs wonderfully with Italian Chicken Salad for a multi-course feast or can be enjoyed alongside Chicken Cacciatore for a flavorful Italian dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also use the microwave, but be cautious as it may make the chicken less crispy. Consider pairing with a fresh Italian salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Parmigiana(12 Servings) contains roughly 462 calories, with 24g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (49% of the Daily Value) and calcium (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 563mg per serving (24% 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 prepare Chicken Parmigiana ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce a day in advance. Simply layer the dish as instructed, cover, and refrigerate. Bake it just before serving for a fresh, hot meal. This makes it convenient for gatherings or busy weeknights.
What can I do with leftover Chicken Parmigiana?
Leftover Chicken Parmigiana can be repurposed into a delicious sandwich or served over a bed of pasta for a quick meal. You can also chop it up and mix it into a salad for an easy lunch, transforming it into an Italian-inspired dish.
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but ensure they are fully thawed before cooking to achieve even cooking and proper texture. This will help the breading adhere better and provide the best flavor in your Chicken Parmigiana.
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).