Never Fail Chicken Parmigiana
Never Fail Chicken Parmigiana features tender breaded chicken topped with rich tomato sauce and melted cheese, perfect for comforting family dinners and cheese lovers alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Beat the eggs in a bowl.
- Mix garlic powder, salt, and pepper into the bread crumbs.
- Dip each chicken piece into the beaten eggs, then coat with the bread crumb mixture.
- Fry the coated chicken in a pan with olive oil until cooked through.
- In a large baking dish, place the fried chicken pieces.
- Pour chunky tomato sauce over the chicken.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top of the sauce.
- Add shredded Mozzarella cheese over the Parmesan.
- Layer a little more Parmesan on top of the cheese.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken in Italian herbs or lemon juice before breading. If you don’t have bread crumbs, crushed crackers or panko work as great substitutes. To enhance the sauce, add some red pepper flakes or fresh basil. Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to get a crispy coating.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chicken parmigiana with a side of pasta or a fresh salad, such as a Linguini-Basil Salad, for a complete meal. Garlic bread also pairs beautifully with this dish, perfect for soaking up the sauce. For a lighter option, consider steamed vegetables or a mixed greens salad on the side.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chicken parmigiana in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. This helps retain the crispiness of the breading.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Never Fail Chicken Parmigiana contains roughly 521 calories, with 22g protein, 99g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (51% of the Daily Value), protein (44% of the Daily Value), and iron (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1948mg per serving (85% 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 breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work well in this recipe. They tend to be juicier and more flavorful. Just adjust the cooking time as necessary, ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety.
What can I substitute for Mozzarella cheese?
If you don’t have mozzarella cheese, you can substitute with provolone or fontina cheese for a similar meltiness. For a lower-fat option, part-skim mozzarella works well too, though the texture may be slightly less creamy.
Can this dish be made ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and layer it with sauce and cheese ahead of time. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake it directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
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).