If you’re in the mood for a heartwarming, crowd-pleaser dish that’s perfect for a family dinner, then look no further! The Chicken Parmesan Recipe by BellRecipes is a perfect blend of juicy chicken, crispy breading, marinara goodness, and melty cheese. It’s quick to make, absolutely mouthwatering, and brings that cozy restaurant flair right into your own home. Great for beginners or seasoned chefs, this recipe is perfect for treating your taste buds to an Italian classic that never fails to impress.
Table of content
- About The Recipe
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- How to Make the Recipe(Step-by-Step)
- Expert Tips for Success
- Variations and Customizations
- Nutritional Information
- Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Recipe Card
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Comments & Reviews
- Social Sharing Options
About The Chicken Parmesan Recipe by Bellrecipes Recipe
Chicken Parmesan might sound fancy, but it’s actually one of the most approachable meals to whip up at home. This dish is believed to have its roots in Italian-American cuisine, inspired by the flavors of southern Italy. Think of it as cousins to Eggplant Parmesan—it shares many similarities but brings the protein-packed punch of chicken to the table. What makes our Chicken Parmesan Recipe by BellRecipes stand out? It’s all about that balance of textures: tender chicken breast, golden-brown crust, and ooey-gooey cheese that stretches when you take a bite. It’s like comfort food and a hug in a single bite! Whether you’re impressing at a dinner party or just feeding your family mid-week, this recipe feels impressive without being overcomplicated to make. And hey, kids love it too! Pair it with spaghetti and garlic bread for the ultimate Italian-inspired meal.Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy Italian-American comfort food
- Perfectly crispy on the outside, tender on the inside
- Loaded with marinara sauce and gooey melted cheese
- Family-friendly and great for picky eaters
- Can easily adapt to gluten-free or low-carb diets
- Leftovers heat up beautifully for next-day meals
- Pairs well with pasta, salad, or garlic bread
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- Chicken breasts (can substitute thighs for a budget-friendly option or tofu for a vegetarian twist)
- Bread crumbs (use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version)
- Parmesan cheese (freshly grated gives the best tangy kick)
- Marinara sauce (store-bought works fine, but homemade makes it pop!)
- Mozzarella cheese (can use provolone or a dairy-free alternative)
- Eggs (used for dredging the chicken, can sub with almond milk for egg-free version)
- Flour (or almond flour for low-carb diets)
How to Make the Recipe (Step-by-Step)
- Prepare the chicken: Pound chicken breasts so they’re even in thickness.
- Set up the dredging station: Arrange bowls with flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs with Parmesan.
- Bread the chicken: Coat each breast in flour, dip in eggs, then press into breadcrumbs for a crispy coating.
- Cook the chicken: Pan-fry in hot oil until golden and cooked through.
- Add the marinara: Spread sauce over each chicken piece.
- Top with cheese: Layer mozzarella on top—go generous!—and sprinkle extra Parmesan.
- Bake: Place in the oven at 400°F until cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Serve: Pair with your choice of pasta, salad, or just enjoy as-is!
Expert Tips for Success
Always pound the chicken breasts for even cooking.
Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook in batches if needed to get that perfect crispy crust.
Use fresh cheese for the best flavor; pre-shredded can be dry.
Let the fried chicken rest on a paper towel to drain excess oil before adding the sauce.
Preheat your oven for at least 10 minutes to ensure even baking.
Variations and Customizations
This recipe is super flexible! Want to go low-carb? Use almond flour for breading and serve with zoodles (zucchini noodles) instead of traditional pasta. Need a vegetarian option? Swap chicken for hearty slices of eggplant or even portobello mushrooms. If you’re looking for a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara. For dairy-free, try using your favorite vegan cheese alternative.
Nutritional Information
One serving of Chicken Parmesan typically includes around 450 calories. It’s a well-balanced plate providing about 35g of protein (yay, chicken!), moderate carbs thanks to the breading and marinara, and about 15g of fat from the cheese and frying oil. To make it healthier, bake instead of fry to cut down on fat, or serve it with roasted veggies to lighten up the carb sides.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can pop it in the microwave for a quick meal (cover it to prevent splattering!) or bake at 350°F until warmed through to bring back some crispiness to the breading.
Recipe Card of Chicken Parmesan Recipe by Bellrecipes
Ingredients list
- 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
- salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs, or more as needed
- 0.75 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, or more if needed
- 0.5 cup olive oil for frying, or as needed
- 0.5 cup prepared tomato sauce
- 0.25 cup fresh mozzarella, cut into small cubes
- 0.25 cup chopped fresh basil
- 0.5 cup grated provolone cheese
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Collect all ingredients. Start by heating your oven to an inviting 450°F (230°C).
- Position chicken breasts strategically between sheets of robust plastic. Give them a thorough pounding with the tenderizer until they're uniformly 1/2-inch thick.
- Generously season with salt and pepper. Dust each breast with flour, ensuring an even spread on both sides.
- Beat eggs lightly in a bowl. Mix bread crumbs with Parmesan cheese in a second bowl. Dip the floured chicken into the eggs, then coat with the bread crumb mixture. Let the coated chicken rest for about 10-15 minutes.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Fry the chicken until golden, about 2 minutes on each side.
- Place fried chicken in a baking dish. Add 2 tablespoons of tomato sauce, then layer mozzarella, basil, provolone, and remaining Parmesan. Drizzle some olive oil on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven until the cheese is bubbly and golden, and the chicken is cooked through, about 15 to 20 minutes. Use a thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C).
Recipe Video
Notes
Nutrition
All Your Questions About This Recipe
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Bread and cook the chicken in advance, then add sauce and cheese right before baking to keep the crust crisp.
What’s the best way to make this gluten-free?
Simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour. You won’t even notice the difference!
Can I freeze Chicken Parmesan?
Sure thing! Let it cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep for up to 3 months!
What sides go best with this dish?
You can’t go wrong with spaghetti, a crisp Caesar salad, or some buttery garlic bread.
This Chicken Parmesan recipe by Bellrecipes looks absolutely amazing! I love the idea of using panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch, and the combination of mozzarella, Parmesan, and fresh basil is just *perfection*. I might add a bit more tomato sauce since I enjoy extra saucy dishes. Looking forward to trying this—thanks for sharing such a delicious recipe! 🍝