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Ultimate Homemade Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Ultimate Homemade Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Indulge in the perfect blend of crispy, cheesy, and saucy with this mouthwatering Chicken Parmesan. Our recipe takes this Italian-American classic to new heights with a buttermilk brine for extra tender chicken, a flavor-packed breading, and a rich, slow-cooked red sauce.

Ingredients

  • 3 boneless skinless chicken breast halves
  • 1 3/4 cups buttermilk, divided
  • 2 medium cloves garlic, minced (about 2 teaspoons)
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 loaf crusty Italian bread, crust removed, sliced into 1/2-inch slices
  • 5 ounces grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 quart Italian-American red sauce
  • 1/2 cup vegetable or canola oil
  • 10 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/2-inch chunks
  • 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley, basil, or a mix

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Start by preparing the chicken. Using a sharp chef’s knife, split each chicken breast horizontally. Place each piece in a plastic zipper-lock bag and pound to an even 1/4-inch thickness. Transfer the flattened chicken pieces to a large bowl.
  2. Create a flavorful brine by combining 1 1/2 cups buttermilk, minced garlic, 2 tablespoons kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper in the bowl with the chicken. Ensure the chicken is evenly coated, then transfer to a large zipper-lock bag. Remove excess air, seal, and refrigerate for 4 hours to overnight for optimal tenderness.
  3. While the chicken marinates, prepare the bread for the coating. Place bread slices on a wire rack set in a rimmed baking sheet. Allow to dry on the counter for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  4. The next day, create the flavorful breading. Break the dried bread into pieces and combine with 4 ounces of Parmesan cheese in a food processor. Season with black pepper and process until finely ground. Transfer this mixture to a large shallow bowl or pie plate.
  5. Set up your breading station: Place flour in one shallow bowl, whisk eggs with 2 tablespoons buttermilk and 1 tablespoon flour in another, and have your breadcrumb mixture ready in a third. Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of buttermilk over the breadcrumbs and mix with your fingertips to create a textured coating.
  6. Coat each piece of chicken by first dredging in flour, then dipping in the egg mixture, and coating thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture. Press firmly to ensure a thick, even layer adheres. Place the breaded chicken on the wire rack.
  7. Preheat your oven to 425°F. Gently heat the red sauce in a saucepan until it’s just simmering, then set aside.
  8. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 375-400°F. Carefully add the chicken pieces, cooking in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for about 2 minutes per side until golden-brown and crispy. Transfer to a paper-towel lined plate to drain excess oil.
  9. Assemble your Chicken Parmesan in a casserole dish. Start with a layer of sauce, then add the crispy chicken pieces. Top with more sauce down the center of each piece. Mix the mozzarella with the remaining Parmesan and sprinkle over the chicken.
  10. Bake for approximately 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from the oven, grate fresh Parmesan on top, and let it rest for 3 minutes. Garnish with chopped herbs before serving.

Recipe Notes

For the juiciest chicken, brine in buttermilk for at least 4 hours. In a time crunch? Even 1 hour will improve flavor and texture. Use your favorite homemade red sauce or a high-quality store-bought version. Opt for fresh mozzarella in a cryovac package rather than water-packed for best results.

Nutritional Information

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
694 Calories
35g Fat
44g Carbs
51g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4 to 6
Amount per serving
Calories 694
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 35g 44%
Saturated Fat 14g 70%
Cholesterol 161mg 54%
Sodium 1611mg 70%
Total Carbohydrate 44g 16%
Dietary Fiber 4g 14%
Total Sugars 9g
Protein 51g
Vitamin C 20mg 102%
Calcium 623mg 48%
Iron 4mg 22%
Potassium 848mg 18%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

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