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Chicken Parmesan with Spaghetti is the answer if you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that will transport you straight to Italy. This beloved Italian-American dish combines crispy, breaded chicken cutlets smothered in gooey mozzarella and tangy tomato sauce, served on a bed of perfectly cooked spaghetti.
Whether you’re an experienced cook or a beginner, this recipe is approachable and satisfying for all skill levels. Let’s dive into the world of crispy chicken and cheesy goodness!
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Why is Chicken Parmesan with Spaghetti so popular? Because it’s a delightful blend of textures and flavors that never fails to impress. Here’s why you’ll love this dish:
- Crispy, cheesy perfection: The combination of crunchy breaded chicken topped with melty mozzarella and Parmesan cheese creates a mouthwatering contrast of textures.
- Easy to prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is approachable for beginners while offering rewarding flavors for seasoned home cooks.
- Versatile meal: You can customize this dish to your preferences with different cheeses, herbs, or even gluten-free breadcrumbs. Plus, it’s perfect for serving at family dinners or impressing guests.
- Crowd-pleaser: Chicken Parmesan with Spaghetti is universally loved, making it a go-to dish for picky eaters, kids, and adults alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about the key ingredients that will make your Chicken Parmesan with Spaghetti truly shine. Selecting the best-quality ingredients will elevate your dish from good to great. Here’s a breakdown of everything you’ll need:
| INGREDIENT | IMPORTANCE & TIPS | SUBSTITUTIONS |
|---|---|---|
| Tomato sauce | Use a high-quality sauce for rich flavor. | Homemade sauce, marinara |
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | Pound them thin for even cooking. | Chicken thighs (juicier) |
| Sea salt and black pepper | It enhances all flavors; fresh cracked pepper is ideal. | Regular salt, ground pepper |
| All-purpose flour | It helps the egg mixture stick to the chicken. | Gluten-free flour |
| Large eggs | Provides a base for breading. | Plant-based egg alternatives |
| Water | It helps thin the egg mixture for better coating. | Milk |
| Panko breadcrumbs | Gives extra crunch compared to regular breadcrumbs. | Italian breadcrumbs, gluten-free breadcrumbs |
| Italian seasoning | Adds classic herb flavors to the breading. | Herbes de Provence |
| Parmesan cheese (freshly grated) | Fresh is best for a nutty, salty flavor. | Grated pecorino |
| Extra virgin olive oil | For frying the chicken. Use a light, fruity variety. | Canola oil, vegetable oil |
| Fresh mozzarella (sliced) | Melts beautifully on top of the chicken. | Provolone, fontina |
| Spaghetti | Cook al dente to hold up under the sauce. | Gluten-free pasta |
Optional garnishes: Fresh basil, extra Parmesan cheese
Tools You’ll Need
Having the right tools makes the cooking process easier and ensures great results. Here’s what you’ll need:
| TOOL | PURPOSE | SUBSTITUTES |
|---|---|---|
| Wire rack | Keeps chicken crispy by allowing air circulation. | Baking sheet lined with paper towels |
| Baking dish (9”x13”) | Perfect size for baking the chicken in sauce. | Any oven-safe dish |
| Plastic wrap | Protects chicken when pounding to an even thickness. | Parchment paper, zip-top bags |
| Meat mallet or rolling pin | To flatten the chicken breasts evenly. | Bottom of a heavy skillet |
| Whisk | For making the egg wash. | Fork |
| Saute pan | For frying the chicken. | Cast iron skillet |
| Chef’s knife | Slicing mozzarella and prepping ingredients. | Any sharp knife |
| Kitchen tongs | For flipping chicken during frying. | Slotted spoon, spatula |
Chicken Parmesan with Spaghetti: Step-By-Step Recipe!
Ingredients
- 3 c. Tomato sauce – divided
- 1½ lb. Chicken breast – boneless and skinnless
- 1 c. All-purpose flour
- 3 ea. Eggs – large
- â…“ c. Water
- 1½ c. Panko breadcrums
- 1 T. Italian seasoning
- 1ÂĽ c. Parmesan cheese – fresh grated and divided
- 2 T. Olive oil – extra virgin, divided
- 6 oz. Mozzerella – fresh, sliced
- 1 ea. Spaghetti – 16-oz. box
- Sea salt – to taste
- Black pepper – to taste
Optional, to serve:
- Fresh basil – chopped
- Parmesan cheese – freshly grated
Instructions
- Place the top oven rack in the center position.
- Preheat the oven to 425ÂşF.
- Pour one cup of the tomato sauce into a 9” x 13” baking dish and spread it evenly across the bottom. Set aside.
- Place chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap.
- Pound the chicken breasts with a meat mallet or rolling pin until approximately ½” thick.
- Remove and discard the top sheet of plastic wrap.
- Season with salt and black pepper, as desired, and set aside.
- Pour the flour onto a shallow, rimmed plate and whisk the eggs and water together in a large, wide bowl. Set aside.
- Add the breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, and one-quarter cup of Parmesan cheese to another shallow, rimmed plate.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste and gently stir to combine. Set aside.
- Bread each chicken breast by first lightly dredging in the flour and then coating in the egg wash.
- Gently shake off any excess flour or egg mixture before moving to the next step.
- Press each breast into the breadcrumb mixture until thoroughly coated on both sides. Once coated, place each breast onto a large plate and set aside. Repeat until all breasts are breaded.
- Heat one tablespoon olive oil in a large, high-sided skillet over medium heat.
- Once hot, add half the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook until lightly browned on each side, approximately 4-5 minutes per side.
- Once browned, transfer the breasts to the baking dish and arrange in a single layer. Repeat this process with the remaining olive oil and chicken.
- Top the browned chicken breasts with the sliced Mozzarella.
- Spread the remaining tomato sauce across the top in an even layer.
- Sprinkle the remaining grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
- While the chicken is baking, prepare the spaghetti according to package directions. Drain, rinse, and set aside until ready to serve. Â
- Remove the baking dish from the oven and cool for several minutes.
- Divide the spaghetti among individual serving plates and top each serving with a cheesy chicken breast and some sauce.
- To serve, sprinkle some fresh basil and/or Parmesan cheese on top if desired. Enjoy!
Video
RECIPE DIRECTIONS
1) Preheat and Prep
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Pour 1 cup of the tomato sauce into your baking dish and spread it evenly across the bottom. This sauce layer will help keep the chicken moist as it bakes.
2) Prepare the Chicken
- Pound the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap until they are about ½ inch thick. Pounding the chicken ensures even cooking and helps tenderize the meat.
- Season both sides with salt and black pepper. Set aside.
3) Set Up the Breading Stations
- On a shallow plate, spread out the flour.
- In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and water until smooth.
- Mix the panko breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, and ÂĽ cup of Parmesan cheese on another shallow plate.
4) Bread the Chicken
- Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess.
- Dip it into the egg wash, ensuring it’s fully coated, and let any excess drip off.
- Press the chicken into the breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides evenly. Set each piece aside on a plate.
5) Fry the Chicken
- Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Fry the chicken breasts in batches, about 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown.
- Once browned, place the chicken in the baking dish on top of the tomato sauce. Repeat with the remaining chicken.
6) Top and Bake
- Top each chicken breast with slices of mozzarella.
- Spread the remaining tomato sauce and sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
7) Cook the Spaghetti
- While the chicken is baking, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions.
- Drain and set aside, keeping it warm until the chicken is ready.
8) Serve and Enjoy
- Divide the cooked spaghetti among plates.
- Top each serving with a piece of chicken, spoon over some of the sauce from the baking dish, and garnish with freshly chopped basil and extra Parmesan if desired.
Recipe Tips, Tricks & Serving Suggestions
Tips & Tricks
A few simple tips can elevate your chicken parmesan with spaghetti dish from good to exceptional. Whether you’re looking for ways to enhance flavor or save time, these recipe tricks will ensure your meal turns out perfectly every time!
| TIP | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| Make it ahead | Bread and fry the chicken in advance, then refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake with sauce and cheese. |
| Healthier version | Skip frying and bake the breaded chicken directly at 425°F for about 20 minutes. |
| Breadcrumb tips | Panko breadcrumbs give an extra crispy coating, but regular or gluten-free breadcrumbs also work. |
| Seasoning adjustments | Add more Italian seasoning or garlic powder to the breadcrumb mixture for extra flavor. |
| Fresh mozzarella vs. shredded | Fresh mozzarella gives a gooey, melty texture. Shredded mozzarella works but isn’t as creamy. |
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Parmesan with Spaghetti is satisfying on its own, but pairing it with the right sides elevates the meal. Here are some creative serving ideas:
| SERVING SUGGESTIONS | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| Side Salad | A light arugula or mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the rich chicken. |
| Garlic bread | Serve with buttery garlic bread to soak up any leftover sauce. |
| Roasted vegetables | Pair with roasted asparagus or broccoli for a nutritious side. |
For a fancier presentation, garnish with fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a pop of color and extra flavor.
Conclusion
Chicken Parmesan with Spaghetti is a comfort food classic that’s surprisingly easy to recreate at home. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion, the crispy chicken, flavorful tomato sauce, and melted mozzarella will satisfy everyone at the table. You can easily customize this dish to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs, making it an adaptable and versatile recipe.
What are you waiting for? Try this Chicken Parmesan with Spaghetti recipe tonight! Don’t forget to share your cooking experience in the comments below, and tag us in your photos if you make this dish. We’d love to see your delicious creations!
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Happy cooking!
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
| FAQ | ANSWER |
|---|---|
| Can I use store-bought tomato sauce? | Yes, a high-quality store-bought sauce works perfectly for this recipe. Homemade sauce adds a more personalized flavor. |
| What’s the best chicken cut for this recipe? | Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for Chicken Parmesan. For a juicier option, you can also use chicken thighs. |
| Can I bake the chicken instead of frying? | Yes, you can bake the breaded chicken at 425°F for about 20 minutes. This is a healthier alternative to frying. |
| How do I store leftovers? | Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To retain crispiness, reheat in the oven. |
| Can I freeze Chicken Parmesan? | Yes, you can freeze the breaded and fried chicken separately, then add sauce and cheese before reheating. This makes it easy to prepare ahead. |
| Can I make this gluten-free? | Absolutely. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs. The texture and flavor will still be excellent. |
| What cheese can I use if I don’t have mozzarella? | Provolone or fontina are great alternatives to mozzarella. They provide a similar melty, cheesy texture. |
| How do I keep the chicken crispy? | Fry the chicken until golden, then drain it on a wire rack to maintain crispiness. Avoid placing it directly on paper towels, as this can cause sogginess. |
| What other sides pair well with Chicken Parmesan? | Roasted vegetables, a fresh green salad, or garlic bread are excellent side dishes. They balance the richness of the chicken and sauce. |
Hey There! Some links on this page are affiliate links, which means that as an Amazon Associate, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I greatly appreciate your support! Learn more on my Affiliate Disclosure page.
