Description

This Chicken Parmigiana Recipe is crispy, cheesy, and packed with rich flavors! Juicy breaded chicken, golden-fried to perfection, topped with a flavorful homemade tomato sauce and gooey melted cheese. It’s the ultimate comfort food—better than takeout and perfect for a cozy dinner at home!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken

2 large chicken breasts, halved and pounded thin
1 tsp salt (for dry brining)
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp Italian seasoning

For the Breading

½ cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp paprika
¼ cup olive oil (for frying)

For the Sauce

1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14 oz) tomato passata
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tsp dried basil
½ tsp dried oregano
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
1 tsp sugar (to balance acidity)
¼ cup white wine (optional)

For the Toppings

1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Dry Brine the Chicken

Season the chicken with salt and let it sit for 30 minutes to enhance juiciness.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
Sauté the onion for 2-3 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Stir in the tomato passata, red pepper flakes, basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and sugar.
(Optional) Add white wine for extra depth of flavor.
Simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls:
- Bowl 1: Flour
- Bowl 2: Beaten eggs
- Bowl 3: Panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, and paprika
Dredge each chicken piece in flour, dip in egg, and coat with breadcrumb mixture.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

Heat ¼ cup olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
Fry the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Drain on a paper towel.

Step 5: Assemble & Bake

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Place chicken in a baking dish and top each piece with 2 tbsp sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
Bake for 12-15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!

Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot with pasta or a fresh salad.

Notes

For extra crispiness, double-dip the chicken in egg and breadcrumbs.
To make ahead, prepare the sauce and bread the chicken in advance. Fry just before baking.
Baking instead of frying? Brush the chicken with oil and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20 minutes before adding toppings.

Nutrition

Calories: 550
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 820mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 45g
Cholesterol: 145mg