Crispy Chicken Parmesan with Spaghetti
Craving a satisfying meal that everyone will love? This Crispy Chicken Parmesan with Spaghetti is a classic for a reason, offering golden-brown chicken cutlets smothered in rich marinara and melted cheese, served alongside comforting pasta. You’ll find this a truly filling dinner recipe that’s surprisingly easy to make.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can also be used for a slightly richer flavor.
- Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs give the best crispiness. Regular breadcrumbs work too, but may be less crunchy.
- Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite jarred sauce or a homemade version.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Fresh mozzarella or a blend of Italian cheeses can be substituted.
- Spaghetti: Any long pasta like fettuccine or linguine will work well.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs total)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 3-4 tablespoons olive oil (for pan-frying)
For Assembly:
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
For the Spaghetti:
- 8 oz spaghetti
- Salt for boiling water
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Tools Needed: Large skillet, baking dish, large pot
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken Cutlets
Butterfly each chicken breast horizontally, then pound them to an even 1/2-inch thickness. Season both sides with salt and pepper. This creates thinner pieces that cook quickly and evenly.
2. Set Up Your Breading Stations
Prepare three shallow dishes. In the first, place the flour. In the second, beat the eggs. In the third, combine panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. This organized setup makes breading mess-free.
3. Bread the Chicken
Dredge each chicken cutlet first in flour, shaking off any excess. Dip it into the beaten egg, allowing extra to drip off. Finally, press the chicken into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.
4. Pan-Fry the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken cutlets for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. You may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
5. Assemble and Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pour half the marinara sauce into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange the crispy chicken cutlets over the sauce, top with the remaining marinara, and sprinkle generously with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and melted.
6. Cook the Spaghetti
While the chicken bakes, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
7. Serve Your Filling Dinner Recipe
Serve the baked Crispy Chicken Parmesan immediately over a bed of hot spaghetti. Garnish with fresh basil, if you like. This truly is a satisfying and filling dinner recipe.
Variation Ideas
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumbs or marinara sauce.
- Herbaceous Twist: Mix fresh chopped parsley into your breadcrumb mixture.
- Veggie Boost: Sauté some chopped mushrooms or bell peppers and add them to your marinara sauce before baking.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover Crispy Chicken Parmesan and spaghetti separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken in the oven or air fryer for best crispiness, and the spaghetti in the microwave or a skillet with a splash of water.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can bread the chicken cutlets up to a day in advance and store them uncovered in the refrigerator.
Q: How do I get extra crispy chicken?
A: Ensure your oil is hot enough before frying, and don’t overcrowd the pan. Using panko breadcrumbs also helps immensely.
Q: What kind of marinara sauce should I use?
A: Use your favorite jarred marinara or a simple homemade sauce. A good quality sauce makes a big difference in this filling dinner recipe.
Q: Can I use different types of cheese?
A: Absolutely! Provolone, Fontina, or an Italian blend are great options to add different flavors.
Q: My chicken isn’t cooking evenly, what should I do?
A: Make sure you pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before breading and frying.
Q: Is this a good recipe for meal prepping?
A: Yes, this Crispy Chicken Parmesan is an excellent filling dinner recipe for meal prepping. You can bake it and portion it out for lunches or dinners throughout the week.
