Classic Chicken Parmesan

By CookFrames
0
0/5 (0)

Crispy, golden-fried chicken breast topped with bubbly melted mozzarella and parmesan, served over a rich, aromatic tomato sauce for a restaurant-quality meal.

↓ The ingredients ↓ The steps

Chicken Parmesan is a beloved comfort dish that balances crispy, breaded chicken with savory tomato sauce and gooey melted cheese. This version streamlines the process for home cooks, focusing on a precise shallow-fry technique and a quick, flavorful sauce that avoids the common pitfall of a soggy crust. It is a perfect example of how simple, high-quality ingredients can elevate a quick dinner into a true restaurant-style experience.

A perfectly golden Chicken Parmesan served over a vibrant tomato sauce base, garnished with fresh parsley.
A perfectly golden Chicken Parmesan served over a vibrant tomato sauce base, garnished with fresh parsley.
Prep25 mins
Cook30 mins
Total55 mins
Yield2 servings
DifficultyMedium
Calories650 kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. 1Slice the chicken breast
    A hand holding a chefs knife ready to slice a raw chicken breast horizontally on a wooden board.

    Place the chicken breast on a cutting board and carefully slice it horizontally into two thinner, even pieces. This helps the chicken cook quickly and evenly.

    Tip: Keep your hand flat on top of the chicken to hold it steady while slicing for better control.
  2. 2Flatten the chicken
    A rolling pin pressing down on a chicken breast covered with plastic wrap.

    Cover the chicken slices with a sheet of plastic wrap and use a rolling pin or the bottom of a flat pan to gently flatten them to an even thickness.

    Tip: Using plastic wrap prevents the chicken from sticking to your tools and keeps your workspace clean.
  3. 3Season the chicken
    Freshly ground black pepper and salt being sprinkled over a raw chicken breast on a wooden surface.

    Generously season both sides of the flattened chicken breast slices with salt and freshly cracked black pepper.

    Tip: Seasoning before coating ensures the flavor penetrates the meat rather than just the breading.
  4. 4Dredge in flour
    A chicken breast being pressed into a tray of seasoned flour.

    Place the seasoned chicken breast into a shallow tray filled with a mixture of flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Press down firmly to coat both sides completely, shaking off any excess flour.

    Tip: Ensuring an even, light coating of flour helps the egg wash adhere better in the next step.
  5. 5Dip in egg wash
    A chicken breast being lifted with tongs from a dish of whisked egg wash.

    Carefully lift the floured chicken breast and dip it into a tray of whisked eggs. Make sure the entire surface is coated, allowing any excess egg to drip off back into the tray.

    Tip: Use tongs to handle the chicken to keep your fingers clean during the coating process.
  6. 6Coat with breadcrumbs
    Hands pressing a chicken breast into a tray of breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese.

    Place the egg-coated chicken into a tray containing a mixture of breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt. Press the chicken firmly into the breadcrumbs to ensure a uniform, crunchy coating on all sides.

    Tip: For the best crust, press the crumbs into the meat rather than just rolling it.
  7. 7Shallow fry the chicken
    Breaded chicken breast frying in a pan with hot oil.

    Place the breaded chicken breast into a pan with hot salad oil. Use the shallow frying method, where the oil does not fully submerge the meat, to achieve a crispy texture on both sides.

    Tip: Keep the oil depth moderate to ensure even cooking without excessive absorption.
  8. 8Baste the chicken
    Spoon pouring hot oil over the browning chicken breast in the frying pan.

    After flipping the chicken, use a spoon to repeatedly baste the top of the chicken breast with the hot oil from the pan. This process accelerates browning and helps the chicken cook through evenly.

    Tip: Continuous basting is key to a perfectly golden and crisp crust.
  9. 9Sauté aromatics
    Shallots and garlic frying in olive oil in a small cooking pot.

    Heat olive oil in a pot and add the chopped shallots, sautéing until fragrant. Then, stir in the finely chopped garlic and continue to fry until the mixture releases a rich aroma.

    Tip: Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter quickly.
  10. 10Prepare tomato sauce
    Canned tomatoes being added to the pot with sautéed shallots and garlic.

    To the sautéed aromatics, add half a can of tomatoes along with chili flakes and oregano for flavor. Season with salt and sugar to taste, then simmer on low heat for 10 minutes.

    Tip: The sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes perfectly.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator
2 days
Store chicken and sauce in separate airtight containers.
Reheating
10 min
Reheat in a preheated oven at 180C until the cheese is melted and the crust is crisp. Avoid the microwave.

Burn It Off

Running
~70 minutes at a vigorous pace (~10 km/h).
Zumba
~85 minutes of high-energy dancing.
Brisk Walking
~2 hours of steady movement (~5 km/h).

Frequently Asked Questions

Ensure the chicken is patted dry before flouring. Press the breadcrumbs firmly into the chicken during the coating step to create a secure bond.
Yes, you can air fry the breaded chicken at 200C for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway, for a lighter version with less oil.
Shallow frying gives you the best of both worlds: a deep-fried level of crunch without the heavy oil usage and cleanup associated with deep-frying.
No ratings yet

How would you rate this recipe?