Chicken Parmigiana Recipe

Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless, these are the main protein component of the dish.

Italian seasoned breadcrumbs: These breadcrumbs are pre-seasoned with Italian herbs and spices, adding flavor to the breading.

Parmesan cheese: Grated cheese that adds a salty, nutty flavor to the dish.

Marinara sauce: A tomato-based sauce that provides a rich and tangy flavor.

Mozzarella cheese: Shredded cheese that melts beautifully over the chicken.

Olive oil: Used for cooking the chicken to a golden brown.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and depth to the seasoning.

When preparing chicken breasts for Chicken Parmigiana, ensure they are of even thickness to promote uniform cooking. If the breasts are too thick, consider using a meat mallet to gently pound them to an even thickness. This not only helps in cooking the chicken evenly but also tenderizes the meat, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful dish.

• boneless, skinless chicken breasts - Substitute with boneless, skinless turkey breasts: Turkey breasts have a similar texture and flavor profile, making them a good alternative for chicken in this recipe.

• italian seasoned breadcrumbs - Substitute with panko breadcrumbs mixed with italian seasoning: Panko breadcrumbs provide a similar crunch, and adding Italian seasoning will give you the same flavor profile.

• grated parmesan cheese - Substitute with grated pecorino romano: Pecorino Romano has a similar texture and a slightly stronger flavor, which can enhance the dish.

• marinara sauce - Substitute with tomato basil sauce: Tomato basil sauce offers a similar tomato base with an added hint of basil, providing a fresh twist.

• shredded mozzarella cheese - Substitute with shredded provolone cheese: Provolone melts similarly to mozzarella and has a slightly sharper flavor, which can add depth to the dish.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it a suitable alternative for frying the chicken.

• salt - Substitute with kosher salt: Kosher salt has a similar flavor but a coarser texture, which can help in evenly seasoning the chicken.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a similar spiciness but a slightly different flavor profile, which can add a subtle complexity to the dish.

• Allow the chicken parmigiana to cool to room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation from forming, which can make the dish soggy.
• Transfer the chicken breasts to an airtight container. If stacking pieces, place a piece of parchment paper between each layer to prevent sticking.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes.
• For freezing, wrap each piece of chicken parmigiana individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. This helps maintain the dish's texture and flavor.
• Label the container with the date to keep track of freshness. The chicken parmigiana can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
• To reheat from frozen, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove the plastic wrap and place the chicken parmigiana on a baking sheet. Cover with foil and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil for the last 10 minutes to allow the cheese to become bubbly and golden.
• For a quicker reheating option, use the microwave. Place the chicken parmigiana on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a microwave-safe lid or another plate. Heat on medium power for 3-5 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover chicken parmigiana in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the chicken from drying out.
  4. Heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is warmed through and the cheese is bubbly.
  5. For a crispy top, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of reheating.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the chicken parmigiana on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to keep the moisture in.
  3. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes.
  4. Check the temperature and continue heating in 30-second intervals until warmed through.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a skillet over medium-low heat.
  2. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the skillet.
  3. Place the chicken parmigiana in the skillet and cover with a lid.
  4. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is warmed through and the cheese is melted.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the chicken parmigiana in the air fryer basket.
  3. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure it doesn't overcook.
  4. For an extra crispy finish, you can add a sprinkle of parmesan cheese during the last minute of reheating.

• Oven: Used to bake the chicken parmigiana until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

• Skillet: Used to cook the chicken breasts until they are golden brown.

• Baking dish: Used to transfer the cooked chicken breasts and bake them with marinara sauce and cheese.

• Tongs: Useful for flipping the chicken breasts while cooking in the skillet.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure the breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the salt, black pepper, and olive oil.

• Spatula: Helpful for spreading the marinara sauce evenly over the chicken breasts.

• Grater: Used to grate the parmesan cheese if it is not pre-grated.

• Cutting board: Used as a surface to season the chicken breasts.

• Knife: Used to trim any excess fat from the chicken breasts if necessary.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure and set out all ingredients before you start cooking to streamline the process.

Use pre-made marinara sauce: Save time by using a high-quality store-bought marinara sauce instead of making your own.

Thin chicken breasts: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure they cook faster and more evenly.

Preheat oven early: Start preheating your oven while you prepare the chicken to save time.

Use a non-stick skillet: A non-stick skillet can make cooking and cleanup quicker and easier.