Description
This House Favorite Chicken Parmesan recipe features tender, breaded chicken breasts fried to golden perfection and topped with a rich homemade San Marzano tomato sauce and a bubbly, golden layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Served with garlic bread and a fresh green or kale salad, this classic Italian-American dish is crispy, cheesy, and utterly irresistible.
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
Tomato Sauce
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 2 shallots, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 28-ounce can San Marzano Style Crushed Tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon salt
Cheese Topping
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Serving Suggestions
- Garlic Bread
- Green Salad
- Kale Salad
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and freshly ground pepper. Set up three separate bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of panko and traditional breadcrumbs, each lightly seasoned with a pinch of salt.
- Coat the Chicken: Dredge each chicken piece in the flour, shaking off any excess. Dip into the beaten eggs, then press firmly into the breadcrumb mixture to ensure an even coating all over.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat a shallow layer (1-2 inches) of oil in a wide skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the coated chicken pieces and fry for several minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Make the Sauce: In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Add the minced shallots and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 3-4 minutes. Add the crushed San Marzano tomatoes and 1 teaspoon salt, then simmer the sauce gently for 15-20 minutes to develop flavors.
- Broil the Cheese: Preheat your oven broiler to high. Into a small oven-safe pan, spoon 3/4 cup of the tomato sauce. Evenly layer 2-3 tablespoons of shredded mozzarella cheese in the center of the sauce and sprinkle lightly with Parmesan cheese. Broil near the top of the oven for 4-5 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown.
- Assemble and Serve: Carefully tilt the hot pan over a plate with the fried chicken, sliding the hot sauce and melty cheese topping over the chicken. Serve immediately alongside garlic bread and your choice of green or kale salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Using a mix of panko and traditional breadcrumbs provides extra crunch and texture.
- Oil should be hot but not smoking to ensure proper frying and avoid greasy chicken.
- You can substitute frying with air frying by lightly spraying the breaded chicken with oil and air frying at 375°F for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- San Marzano tomatoes yield a rich and authentic flavor but any good quality crushed tomatoes can be used.
- Rest the chicken on a wire rack after frying to keep it crispier.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Chicken Parmesan, Fried Chicken, Italian-American, Breaded Chicken, Tomato Sauce, Mozzarella, Parmesan, Comfort Food
