Name: Easy Chicken Parmesan | Crispy Pan-Fried Chicken Breast
Prep time: PT-491717H46M59S
Cook time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: ½ cup all purpose flour; 2 eggs; ⅔ cup seasoned italian bread crumbs; ⅓ cup freshly grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh herbs (like thyme, parsley, chives, or rosemary); 3-4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1½ pounds), pounded ¼"-thick; salt and freshly ground black pepper; ¼ cup olive oil; lemon wedges, for serving

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When it comes to satisfying cravings, few dishes can beat the comforting goodness of Chicken Parmesan. This classic Italian-American dish features juicy, crispy chicken breasts smothered in marinara sauce and topped with melted cheese. The crunch of the breading paired with the rich flavors of cheese and herbs creates an irresistible combination that makes you look forward to every bite. This recipe not only embodies those delightful qualities but is also surprisingly easy to whip up in your own kitchen.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Easy Chicken Parmesan | Crispy Pan-Fried Chicken Breast
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Easy Chicken Parmesan | Crispy Pan-Fried Chicken Breast

Easy Chicken Parmesan | Crispy Pan-Fried Chicken Breast

I still remember the first time I made Chicken Parmesan for my family. The kitchen filled with a tantalizing aroma as the chicken sizzled in the pan, and my loved ones eagerly awaited dinner. There’s something undeniably heartwarming about gathering around the table, sharing plates of crispy chicken topped with zesty sauce and savory cheese. Trust me when I say that this Easy Chicken Parmesan | Crispy Pan-Fried Chicken Breast is bound to become a cherished staple in your house. It’s quick to prepare, budget-friendly, and the kind of dish that makes everyone feel right at home. I invite you to bring this recipe to life and enjoy a delightful meal together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: On the table in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights!
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and seasoned bread crumbs creates an explosion of flavor with each bite.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The golden-brown crispy coating is sure to impress family and friends.
Flexible Serving: Whether for a cozy family dinner or a weekend gathering, this dish is a crowd-pleaser.
Diet-Friendly Options: Adjust the cheese or bread crumbs for gluten-free or lower-calorie options without losing the delicious taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

½ cup all-purpose flour: Essential for creating a light coating on the chicken. Substitute with gluten-free flour if needed.
2 eggs: These serve as a binder for the crumb coating. Use egg substitutes for a vegan adaptation.
⅔ cup seasoned Italian bread crumbs: Adds texture and flavor; I prefer Progresso for its delicious seasoning. Homemade bread crumbs work too!
⅓ cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese: Adds a rich, nutty flavor. Always go for freshly grated for the best taste.
¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances overall flavor. Adjust according to your taste preferences.
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds warmth and depth; always freshly ground for a better aroma.
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh herbs: Optional but recommended to elevate flavors. Use thyme, parsley, chives, or rosemary.
3-4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1½ pounds), pounded ¼”-thick: The star of the dish! Pounding the chicken ensures even cooking and tenderness.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: For seasoning the chicken.
¼ cup olive oil: For pan-frying to golden perfection. You can substitute with vegetable oil if preferred.
Lemon wedges: For serving; adds brightness to the dish.

How to Make Easy Chicken Parmesan | Crispy Pan-Fried Chicken Breast

Set up your assembly line: Position three large shallow bowls on your countertop. In the first bowl, pour in ½ cup of all-purpose flour. In the second, beat together 2 eggs until well mixed. In the third bowl, blend ⅔ cup of seasoned Italian bread crumbs, ⅓ cup of freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, ¼ teaspoon of salt, ¼ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper, and 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh herbs. This setup will streamline the breading process.

Prepare the chicken: Take your 3-4 boneless skinless chicken breasts and generously season them with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Now it’s time to coat! Dredge the first chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess until it has a light dusting. Dip it into the egg mixture, ensuring every bit is evenly coated. Finally, roll it in the bread crumb mixture, pressing gently for a good adhesion. Place the breaded chicken on a plate. Repeat the process until all the chicken breasts are ready.

Cook the chicken: Heat ¼ cup of olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering (but not smoking), add the breaded chicken breast. Fry for about 2 to 3 minutes until the first side turns golden brown and crispy. Carefully flip the chicken and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and has that beautiful golden hue on both sides.

Serve it up: When the chicken is perfectly cooked, remove it from the pan and serve immediately, accompanied by lemon wedges for a delightful squeeze of freshness.

Note: If your chicken breasts are large (8 ounces or more), you can either cut them in half after pounding to create smaller portions or slice them in half horizontally. This will help the chicken cook evenly and stay tender.

Make-Ahead Instructions: Want to save time? You can bread the chicken a day in advance. Just follow the breading steps, place the chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and store it in the fridge. Let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before frying to ensure even cooking.

Freezing Instructions: To freeze the breaded chicken, lay it out in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid, which takes about 1 to 2 hours. Once solid, transfer the chicken to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. You can store it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to cook, allow it to thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then pan-fry as per the recipe. If you’ve cooked the chicken and want to freeze it, let it cool completely, then wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap or foil and store for up to 3 months. Reheat by baking at 375°F until heated thoroughly and crispy; avoid microwaving to keep that crunch!

Storing & Reheating

To store the Chicken Parmesan, keep it at room temperature for no more than two hours after serving. For longer storage, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To freeze the breaded chicken, follow the suggested method and it will be good for up to 3 months. For reheating, pop it in the oven at 375°F for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until it’s heated through and has regained its delightful texture. Remember, reheating in the microwave can lead to sogginess.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

To avoid soggy breading, ensure your chicken is well patted dry before breading.
For a thicker crust, double dip the chicken in the egg and bread crumbs.
Cook chicken in batches to avoid crowding the pan; this ensures even frying.
If unsure about doneness, use a meat thermometer; chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Fresh herbs can enhance flavor immensely; feel free to mix and match your favorites.
Experiment with different coatings such as panko breadcrumbs for an extra crunch.

With this Easy Chicken Parmesan | Crispy Pan-Fried Chicken Breast recipe, you’ll create a dish that’s more than just a meal; it’s an easy way to create lasting memories with loved ones. Whether you stick to the classic ingredients or dabble in some customization, this dish will surely become a beloved favorite in your household.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and can add extra flavor to your dish. Just ensure they are boneless and skinless, and adjust your cooking time accordingly, as they may take a little longer to cook through.

How do I keep the chicken crispy when reheating?

To maintain that delightful crunch, avoid the microwave. Instead, reheat the chicken in the oven at 375°F until it’s heated through, which helps restore its crispy texture.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes! Simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free substitute and use gluten-free breadcrumbs. This way, everyone can enjoy this delicious Chicken Parmesan.

How can I make this dish dairy-free?

You can replace the cheese with a dairy-free alternative or omit it entirely. The breaded chicken will still shine with flavor, especially with the herbs and seasonings!