Crispy Chicken Parm: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Favorite

Photo byMK Madhavi

There’s nothing quite like a crispy, cheesy, and saucy chicken Parmesan to satisfy your cravings. This beloved Italian-American dish combines crunchy, breaded chicken with gooey cheese and tangy marinara, creating the perfect bite every time. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or an impressive meal for guests, crispy chicken Parmesan always delivers comfort and flavor.

This recipe not only keeps all the delicious elements intact but also offers flexibility with ingredients to fit your personal preferences or dietary needs. Whether you opt for chicken or turkey, Parmesan or nutritional yeast, mozzarella or a vegan alternative, you’ll still end up with a crispy, cheesy masterpiece.

The Magic of Chicken Parm

Chicken Parmesan, affectionately known as Chicken Parm, has long been a favorite because of its crispy exterior and juicy, flavorful interior. It’s a comforting meal that feels both hearty and indulgent, yet approachable enough for a weeknight dinner. The combination of fried chicken, melted cheese, and marinara sauce creates a wonderful contrast of textures and flavors that’s impossible to resist.

Recipe: Crispy Chicken Parmesan

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (can substitute turkey)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten (or use egg substitute)
• 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (substitute with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option)
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup olive oil (for frying)
• 1 cup marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or vegan cheese substitute)

Directions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to get ready for baking.
2. Prep the Chicken: If needed, gently pound each chicken breast to an even thickness to ensure they cook evenly. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
3. Set Up Breading Stations: Prepare three separate bowls. The first will have the flour, the second contains the beaten eggs, and the third will hold the seasoned breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast), dried basil, oregano, and garlic powder.
4. Bread the Chicken: Dredge each chicken breast in flour first, shaking off the excess. Then dip the chicken into the eggs, making sure it's fully coated. Finally, press it into the breadcrumb mixture until it's completely covered and ready to fry.
5. Fry the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry each chicken breast for about 3-4 minutes per side until it's golden brown and crispy. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain off any excess oil.
6. Add Sauce and Cheese: Place the crispy chicken in a baking dish. Spoon marinara sauce over the top of each piece, then generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella (or your preferred cheese) over the sauce.
7. Bake: Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
8. Serve and Enjoy: Once out of the oven, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Pair it with your favorite pasta or a fresh salad to complete the meal.

Cooking Tips:

• Always make sure to pound the chicken evenly so it cooks uniformly. This helps avoid overcooked or undercooked areas.
• Using a meat thermometer is key to making sure your chicken is perfectly cooked without being dry. Look for 165°F in the thickest part of the breast.
• Feel free to tweak the seasonings to your liking. If you prefer a bit more heat, you can add crushed red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture or even a dash of hot sauce to the marinara.

With its crispy coating and melt-in-your-mouth goodness, this Chicken Parm recipe is bound to become a favorite in your kitchen. The flexibility of the ingredients makes it ideal for anyone to adapt, so whether you're cooking for yourself, your family, or guests with different dietary needs, you can still deliver a meal that hits all the right notes.

Here are some helpful sources related to crispy chicken Parmesan recipes:

1. Simply Recipes provides a detailed recipe for classic Chicken Parmesan, along with tips on making your own sauce and homemade breadcrumbs for an extra special touch. They also suggest pairing the dish with pasta or a side salad to complete the meal​(Simply Recipes).
2. Skillet Chicken Parmesan from the same site offers a simpler, one-pan version of the recipe, ideal for quicker preparation and easy cleanup. This version keeps all the essential flavors but reduces the effort needed for the meal​(Simply Recipes).
3. Baked Chicken Marinara is a twist on the traditional Chicken Parm, using boneless chicken thighs for a more flavorful option. This recipe combines crispy chicken with a rich marinara sauce and melted cheese for a comforting and delicious dinner​(Simply Recipes).

Feel free to check these sources for more variations or detailed instructions!