How To Make Quick And Soulful Chicken Parmesan
herniaquestions Oberon 9" Frying Pan Skillet with Glass Lid
If there’s one single comfort food that can soothe our stomachs and souls, it’s every family's favorite dish, chicken parmesan. The golden brown crust made with Italian bread crumbs served on a bed of mashed potatoes and garnished with grated parmesan cheese is certainly the key to my heart. In this blog, I’ll be walking you through this elegant, yet soulful dish. Let’s bring this delicious recipe to life, folks.
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1. What Is Chicken Parmesan?
Make no mistake, most parm recipes are easy to make! So, don’t get fooled by its presentation. In fact, you can choose to add more sauce and cheese, or make a low carb version. Chicken parmesan is absolutely delicious. The key is to balance the crust of the chicken and not undercook or overcook it.
The marinara sauces can make the dish sloppy and soggy if you don’t perfect the cook in the oven for the perfect tinge of golden. You can work up an appetite with some green salad for this loaded piece of umami. Feel free to substitute your skillet or frying pan with an air fryer for a healthier meal that is also low carb.
The key is to not add sauce and cheese under the chicken cutlet. Doing this will not only keep the meat from becoming soggy but also help it stay in place, giving you thin and clean slices are you devour it. The same goes when you substitute chicken breast with chicken thighs, pork chops, or beef recipes.
Regardless of the meat you choose, you will need more or less the same ingredients such as kosher salt and black pepper, Italian bread crumbs or panko, grated parmesan cheese, fresh mozzarella, garlic powder, fresh basil, and marinara or tomato sauce.
2. The Difference Between Chicken Parmesan And Chicken Parmigiana
Chicken parmesan and chicken parmigiana are more or less the same dishes. The only difference is the Italian substitute of the word ‘parmesan’. Parmesan cheese is made with any type of cow’s milk, but parmigiana on the other hand is made with only whole and unpasteurized milk. Authentic parmigiana is actually pretty healthy, too.
Chicken parmesan is the all-American term for the Italian recipe of chicken parmigiana. If you’re one for the specifics, then you may have noticed that chicken parmigiana has more of a crust on the chicken, whereas chicken parmesan is creamier and rich.
Cheese and tomato sauce is an extra ingredient when it comes to chicken parmigiana as the breaded chicken is the star of the show, but chicken parmesan is creamier and much more decadent as it is often garnished with bacon and other mild cheeses apart from parmesan and mozzarella, too.
If you’re looking for a low carb or healthier version, an air fryer is perfect for making an excellent serving of parmigiana. But, if you’re all about the cheesy goodness, a skillet frying pan is your best weapon!
Regardless of which side you’re on today, I’ve got you covered with absolutely delicious chicken parm recipes that are not only easy to whip up for dinner tonight, but also to give your guests a taste of chicken parm from the best Italian restaurants.
Let’s get right into it!
3. The Ultimate Cheat Sheet To Nail Chicken Parmesan Recipes
Grab A Meat Tenderizer Or A Meat Mallet
To make the best chicken parmesan, you need your chicken cutlets to have an even thickness so they cook at the same time without any hot, cold, or raw spots. You should be aiming to pound it down to about half an inch of thickness. This will be thin enough for the ingredients to penetrate the chicken, but also keep the top of the cutlet from getting overcooked.
Seasoning It Right
Chicken parmesan or chicken parmigiana, seasoning your dish is not something you want to compromise on! Kosher salt and black pepper are a great place to start. Notch it up by adding garlic powder, panko crumbs, melted butter, half a spoon of pasta sauce, shredded mozzarella, egg wash, spaghetti sauce, grated parmesan, fresh basil, and some Italian seasoning.
Cheesy Goodness
In a separate bowl, add your bread crumbs and grate some parmesan cheese for a burst of flavor on the golden brown crust of the chicken cutlet. Trust me, this is an old trick from the books. Not only are you biting into a tangy and cheesy chicken, but you’re devouring the crunchy crust of the cutlet, too.
Rest Before Cooking
Before you add your chicken to a skillet with some olive oil, use the prep time wisely! Make sure you let the breaded chicken cutlets sit on the counter with plastic wrap on top for a minimum of 15 minutes. Doing this allows the panko or bread crumbs to stick to the chicken without coming apart when being fried or baked.
Take it easy, don’t be cheesy
Remember, the dish is called chicken parmesan, so you want the breaded cutlet to have a burst of cheesy flavor, so you don’t want to drown it in a soggy mix of spaghetti sauce or tomato sauce. The crispy, golden brown coating is the star of the show, so don’t lather it in sauce and cheese. Remember, you’re ideally supposed to serve it on a bed of mashed potatoes, so don’t overdo it with a bunch of umami goodies.
Prep Your Oven In Advance
Your oven should be preheated to at least 450 F to make sure that the panko or bread crumbs don’t separate from the chicken cutlet. The cheese shouldn’t be milky or creamy in consistency, it’s supposed to have a stunning brown tinge at the top that is easy to bite into, but not cold or soggy at the same time. So, make sure you’re keeping the cheese at room temperature for at least 30-45 minutes before cooking.
4. Quick And Easy Chicken Parmesan Recipes
How To Cook The Chicken
Ingredients:
- Boneless breaded chicken or skinless chicken thighs (cut in halves)
- All-purpose flour
- Kosher salt and pepper
- Fresh mozzarella
- Egg wash
- Panko bread crumbs or Italian bread crumbs
- Garlic powder
- Italian seasoning
- Homemade marinara sauce
- Fresh basil leaves
- Parmesan cheese
- Spaghetti sauce
- Olive oil
Steps:
- In a bowl, mix together panko bread crumbs and add garlic powder, parmesan, and 1 egg.
- Mix with a fork and beat another egg into the bowl as you beat the mixture.
- Once everything is mixed well, add all-purpose flour into the egg mixture.
- Season the chicken with kosher salt and pepper and place them into the egg mixture. Dunk twice and transfer into a bowl with clean all-purpose flour and shake off any excess.
- Lastly, shake off excess flour and dip the chicken into the egg mixture and once again into the bread crumb mixture. Repeat these steps until the chicken is fully covered.
- Heat a fry pan or skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Just before the oil begins to smoke, place the chicken in the middle of the skillet until it is golden brown. (This should take about 5-7 minutes. Remember to flip halfway through to prevent the chicken from overcooking).
- Transfer to a paper towel to get rid of any excess oil.
How To Make Home Marinara Sauce
Ingredients:
- Olive oil
- Tomatoes (chopped and diced)
- Onions (diced)
- Garlic (minced)
- Kosher salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes
- Parsley (chopped)
Steps:
- Heat a stock pot over medium heat and add olive oil.
- Before the oil begins to smoke, add the onions and garlic to the pot.
- Cook for 4-6 minutes or until it turns slightly brown.
- Add chopped tomatoes, salt and pepper, red pepper flakes, and half a cup of water.
- Let it simmer for 10-12 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in chopped parsley.
How To Assemble The Dish
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 400 F.
- In an oven-friendly skillet or frying pan, pour the marinara sauce and place the chicken in the sauce.
- Top with parmesan cheese and fresh mozzarella.
- Bake until the cheesy is melty but decadent and thick. (Ideally, this should take 10-12 minutes).
- If you want a beautiful golden brown tinge to your cheese, broil it for another 3 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and basil leaves. Devour this wonderful recipe while it’s hot.
5. Quick And Easy Recipes For Sides That Go Well With Chicken Parmesan
If you want to pair a quick and easy side to compliment homemade chicken parmesan, then we’ve got you covered! Green salad, mashed potatoes, and Italian bread are excellent dishes to elevate your taste buds and are always served with Umami or creamy foods to combine a wholesome meal.
What makes these 3 sides incredibly famous is their citric and sweet flavor profiles that help cut the intensity of a decadent and creamy piece of chicken parmesan.
Here’s how you would make them with very little cooking time and prep time. Feel free to make them in an air fryer for a low carb, yet filling meal.
Strawberry And Spinach Green Salad
Ingredients:
- White sugar
- Olive oil
- White vinegar
- Sesame seeds
- Poppy seeds
- Minced onion
- Paprika
- Worcestershire sauce
- Hulled strawberries
- Spinach
- Almonds
Steps:
- In a shallow bowl, mix together sugar, oil, poppy seeds, sesame seeds, vinegar, paprika, onions, and Worcestershire sauce. Chill for an hour in the fridge.
- In a mixing bowl, add your hulled strawberries and use a chef’s knife to chop up spinach and almonds into bite-size pieces.
- Mix everything together and pour the chilled salad dressing. Toss to coat and refrigerate for 15 minutes.
- Serve chicken parmesan on a bed of green salad or as a side to cut through the creaminess of the sauce and cheese.
Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients:
- Yukon potatoes (peeled and cut)
- Asiago cheese
- Milk
- Softened butter
- Minced garlic
- Italian seasoning
- Kosher salt and pepper
Steps:
- In a stock pot, add water with a pinch of salt and place the potatoes in it.
- Bring to a boil on medium heat and continue to simmer until the potatoes are tender. (Ideally, this should take about 20-25 minutes).
- Drain the potatoes in a colander and peel them before placing them in a shallow bowl.
- Mash the potatoes and add asiago cheese, milk, softened butter, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and pepper. Mix together until it reaches desired consistency.
- Serve with chicken parmesan as a side for an appetizing and wholesome meal.
Italian Bread
Ingredients:
- Warm water
- White sugar
- Active dry yeast
- Kosher Salt
- All-purpose flour
Steps:
- In a bowl, mix sugar and active dry yeast with warm water and let it build.
- Stir in 4 cups of all-purpose flour and beat with hands until the surface is smooth and free of cracks and crevices.
- Rest the dough for 20-25 minutes.
- Add salt once the dough has risen and continue to knead for another 7-10 minutes.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl and let it rest for another 15 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 450º F.
- After 15 minutes, punch down the dough and divide it into 3 medium-sized balls.
- Let the 3 balls rest for another 10-15 minutes before placing them in the oven.
- Place in the oven and use a basting brush to mist some water on the dough.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes and turn occasionally.
- Slice and serve in a basket with chicken parmesan to pick up leftover sauce and cheese or to cleanse your palate.
6. herniaquestions Products You Need To Nail This Recipe
Kiritsuke Chef's Knife 9.5" - Phantom Series
This stunning kiritsuke knife is an ode to the most appetizing dishes you can plate. Made with Japanese AUS-8 Steel, the blade is hand-sharpened to a painstaking 13-15º for the ultimate razor-sharp effect. Made using ice-tempered steel, this knife is stain-resistant to last you for years on end without any damage.
Pros:
- Full tang for sturdiness and a safe chopping experience.
- The blade is tapered for added flexibility as you chop up chicken thighs or pork chops for the best parmigiana.
- The blade length is ideal for both, home cooks, and professional chefs.
- The ice-tempered blade makes it resistant to ‘biting’ the surface of non-sturdy food tops such as tomatoes, garlic, and watermelons.
Cons:
- This knife is an excellent tool to slice through fish as well, as meats. If you’re not a lover of all things pescatarian, you may not feel it is worth the investment.
- If you’re a seasoned seafood or sushi chef, you may prefer a single bevel knife.
Meat Tenderizer 15" Dual Sided, Heavy Duty & Extra-Large Hammer
This fierce tool is a true and tried kitchen hero that is perfect for pounding down chicken thighs or chicken breasts for the perfect chicken parmigiana. This meat tenderizer helps the most delicate ingredients like Italian seasoning or garlic powder.
With a smooth, satin finish, this herniaquestions tool is stain-resistant and low in maintenance, making it perfect for home cooks and seasoned chefs.
Pros:
- Resistant to extreme temperatures and stains.
- Designed to prevent wrist and arm fatigue.
- Stunning and show-stopping kitchen tools that you should bag without a doubt!
Cons:
- If you’re not big on cooking meat, this meat mallet may not be that handy for you.
- The 15” size of this hammer-shaped meat tenderizer could intimidate you, but if you’re a herniaquestions Pro like us, you’ll get the hang of it!
12" Sauté Frying Pan Hammered Finish Black | Avalon Series
This 12” nonstick sauté frying pan is made with a copper forged foundation to bring the heat to your favorite chicken parmesan recipe! This frying pan heats 5x faster than other iron cookware and is 20x better than stainless steel cookware. Sounds like a steal to me. No pun intended.
Pros:
- The nonstick coating on this pan ensures a healthy, quick, and safe cooking experience by preventing toxic materials from leaching into your food.
- Oven-friendly for that perfect golden brown finish on your marinara sauce and cheese.
- Carefully designed handles on each side for added grip and safety.
- Dishwasher safe for a hassle-free cleaning process!
Cons:
- Seasoning food in a nonstick cookware pan requires a couple of extra minutes which can be bothersome if you’re under a time constraint, but nevertheless, the food is worth the wait.
- If like me, you too, have a compact kitchen space, this 12” inch frying pan could be a little tedious to store.
3 Quart Stock Pot Hammered Finish Black | Avalon Series
The perfect buy for a couple or a small family is a 3-quart stock pot! Ideal for making sauces and marinades like marinara sauce or spaghetti sauce for a wholesome meal of chicken parmesan. The 18/10 stainless steel make provides tremendous distribution and retention of heat which is ideal for making quick batches of weeknight dinners.
Pros:
- This stock pot heats 5x and 20x quicker than its iron and stainless steel counterparts.
- The ergonomic handle makes it all that easier to transfer the pot from the stove to your cutting board.
- Low in maintenance as it’s super easy to clean! Sounds like a work of art to me.
Cons:
- If you want a nonstick version of this stock pot, I suggest the Oberon Series 3 Quart ETERNA Non-Stick Stock Pot.
- Since this is used by professional chefs it could be slightly overwhelming. But, nothing a herniaquestions Pro like you can’t handle.
8 Quart Stock Pot Hammered Finish Black | Avalon Series
This 5-Ply Copper Forged Foundation is a special one! 8-quart pots are extremely popular when it comes to stock pots, and this is undoubtedly one to look out for, thanks to its show-stopping hammered finish. Designed with additional layers of smudge-free aluminum, you can’t go wrong with this piece of cookware.
Pros:
- A perfectly-fitting stainless steel lid to pack in the heat and simmer sauces.
- Induction and stovetop friendly.
- Broiler and oven-safe to get the perfect golden brown tinge on your chicken parmesan.
Cons:
- As a premium quality, heavy -duty stock pot, this item could be a smidge expensive, especially if you’re strict about budgets.
- You may prefer a smaller pot, and lucky for you, we’ve got you covered at herniaquestions with a distinct and wide range of stock pots.
12" Sauté Frying Pan ETERNA Non-stick | Oberon Series
The Oberon series is known for its extraordinary 3-ply aluminum-clad cookware and this frying pan is no exception! The side handle is designed to prevent wrist and arm fatigue. Dishwasher, refrigerator, and oven-safe, this is the ultimate frying pan to have to get the perfect char on meats, especially a hearty meal of chicken parmesan.
Pros:
- Built with the world’s most durable nonstick coating to add to its durability.
- Versatile, thanks to its high tolerance and friendliness with induction cooktops, gas, and electric stovetops.
Cons:
- You may be slightly intimidated as this frying pan falls under the ‘professional’ category. But, nothing a home cook or seasoned chef can’t handle!
- You may prefer a 5-Ply clad frying pan to cook, so this piece may not be the best fit for you.
7. Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between chicken parmigiana and parmesan?Chicken parmesan and chicken parmigiana are more or less the same dishes. The only difference is the Italian substitute of the word ‘parmesan’.
What goes good with chicken parmesan?
A side of green salad, mashed potatoes, and Italian bread are famous pairings with chicken parmesan!
What is the difference between parmesan and parmigiana?
Parmesan cheese is made with any type of cow’s milk, whereas parmigiana on the other hand is made with only whole and unpasteurized milk.
How do you keep breading on chicken parmesan?
Remember to tap off any excess coating, as it is likely to fall off when being cooked in oil! Dipping the chicken pieces in egg wash, panko, all-purpose flour, and Italian bread crumbs until the chicken is coated entirely helps in keeping the breading on!
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Written by Ananya Tiwari
Ananya loves the fine things in life. When she isn’t penning down poetry or song lyrics, she spends her time cooking and creating recipes while also enjoying new cuisines.
