Chicken Parmesan with Extra Cheese is the ultimate comfort food! This dish features tender, breaded chicken breasts, smothered in marinara, and layered with gooey cheese that melts beautifully in the oven. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners or gatherings, offering a heartwarming meal that everyone will enjoy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients
How to Make
Tips for Making
Make-Ahead Instructions
Storing Leftovers
Freezing
Reheating
Serving Suggestions
FAQs
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect Family Dinner: This hearty Chicken Parmesan with Extra Cheese is a crowd-pleaser that combines flavorful chicken with rich sauce and cheese, making it a hit with kids and adults alike.
Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have dinner ready in no time, perfect for busy weeknights!
Leftovers are Delicious: This recipe makes great leftovers for lunch the next day, simply reheating them to enjoy the same tasty experience.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe.
Breadcrumbs: Use plain or seasoned breadcrumbs for coating the chicken.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated for the best flavor.
Marinara Sauce: A rich tomato sauce that adds a wonderful flavor to the dish.
Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded to create that melty, gooey topping.
Olive Oil: Used for frying the chicken until golden brown.
Italian Seasonings: A blend of dried herbs like oregano and basil that enhances the flavor.

How to Make

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking dish by greasing it lightly.
In a shallow bowl, mix breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, and Italian seasonings.
Dip each chicken breast into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring they are fully coated.
In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sear the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Layer the seared chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish, covering them with marinara sauce and topping with shredded mozzarella.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tips for Making

Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly grated cheeses and homemade marinara sauce take this dish to the next level.
Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Ensure the chicken is cooked through but not dry for the best texture.
Add Spices: Customize with your favorite spices or herbs in the breadcrumb mix for added flavor.

Make-Ahead Instructions

You can prepare the chicken and bread it a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate it until you’re ready to cook.
Assemble the dish and bake it straight from the fridge, adding an extra 10 minutes to the bake time.

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Freezing

Let the Chicken Parmesan cool completely before freezing.
Wrap in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or place in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating

For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes.
If using a microwave, heat in 30-second intervals until warm; be cautious as this might cause the cheese to lose its texture.

Serving Suggestions

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work well and add extra moisture to the dish.

What is the best cheese to use for Chicken Parmesan?

Both mozzarella and Parmesan are traditional, but feel free to mix in provolone or gouda for extra flavor.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?

Absolutely! Bake the breaded chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes for a healthier option.

How can I make it gluten-free?

Substitute traditional breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.

What can I serve with Chicken Parmesan?

Pasta, garlic bread, or a fresh salad pairs perfectly with this dish.