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House Favorite Chicken Parmesan Recipe

4.6 from 129 reviews

House Favorite Chicken Parmesan is a crispy, cheesy delight featuring golden-fried chicken breasts topped with a rich San Marzano tomato sauce and melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Served best with garlic bread and fresh salads, this classic Italian-American dish delivers comforting flavors and a satisfying crunchy texture.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 1 lb. chicken breasts, sliced in half horizontally (4 large, flat pieces)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt + freshly ground pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 cup traditional breadcrumbs
  • Oil for frying (about 1-2 inches in skillet)

Tomato Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons oil (olive oil recommended)
  • 2 shallots, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 28-ounce can San Marzano Style Crushed Tomatoes (e.g., DeLallo)
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Cheese Topping

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Accompaniments

  • Garlic Bread
  • Green Salad
  • Kale Salad

Instructions

  1. Prep the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and freshly ground pepper. Prepare three separate bowls for dredging: one with flour seasoned with a pinch of salt, one with beaten eggs, and one combined with panko and traditional breadcrumbs also seasoned with salt.
  2. Coat the Chicken: Dredge each piece of chicken first in the flour until fully coated, shaking off any excess. Next, dip the chicken into the beaten egg, and lastly, press the chicken firmly into the breadcrumb mixture to create an even coating.
  3. Fry the Chicken: Heat a shallow layer (1-2 inches) of oil in a wide skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Carefully add the coated chicken pieces and fry for several minutes on each side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C). Remove and drain excess oil.
  4. Make the Sauce: In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced shallots and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 3-4 minutes to deepen flavor. Add the crushed San Marzano tomatoes and 1 teaspoon of salt. Allow to simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Broil the Cheese: Preheat the broiler to high. Spoon about 3/4 cup of the warm tomato sauce into a small oven-safe pan. Evenly layer 2-3 tablespoons of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce and sprinkle with a little Parmesan. Place the pan under the broiler near the top rack for 4-5 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  6. Assemble and Serve: Carefully tilt the hot cheese and sauce pan over each plate of fried chicken, allowing the sauce and melted cheese to slide over the chicken breasts. Serve immediately alongside garlic bread and your choice of green or kale salad for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Use a mix of panko and traditional breadcrumbs for a perfect crispy texture.
  • Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to avoid soggy chicken.
  • Check chicken internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F.
  • If preferred, air fryer can be used with light oil spray for a healthier version.
  • San Marzano tomatoes are highly recommended for authentic tomato sauce flavor.
  • Broil cheese carefully to avoid burning; watch closely during the last minute.

Keywords: Chicken Parmesan, Fried chicken, Italian chicken, Tomato sauce, Breaded chicken, Mozzarella, Parmesan, Crispy chicken