olive garden chicken parmigiana
This Olive Garden-inspired Chicken Parmigiana recipe brings the classic Italian-American dish to your kitchen. Tender, breaded chicken breasts are fried to a golden crisp, topped with marinara sauce, and smothered with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Baked to perfection, it’s a comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion, whether for a cozy family dinner or a special gathering. Serve it with pasta, salad, or garlic bread for the ultimate meal.
Equipment
- Large skillet – 1 (for frying chicken)
- Shallow bowls – 3 (for breading station)
- Baking dish – 1 (for assembling and baking)
- Meat mallet or rolling pin – 1 (for flattening chicken)
- Paper towels – 1 (for draining excess oil)
- Oven – 1 (for baking)
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese for topping
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
Prep the Chicken:
- Slice or pound chicken breasts to an even thickness of about ½ inch. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Bread the Chicken:
- Set up your breading station with three bowls:
- Bowl 1: Flour
- Bowl 2: Beaten eggs
- Bowl 3: Mix breadcrumbs and ½ cup Parmesan.
- Coat each chicken breast in the flour, dip in the egg, and then press into the breadcrumb mixture.
Fry the Chicken:
- Heat ¼ inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the chicken for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from oil and drain on paper towels.
Assemble the Dish:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place fried chicken in a baking dish. Spoon marinara sauce over each piece, then top with mozzarella and the remaining Parmesan.
Bake the Chicken:
- Bake for 15–20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Broil for 1–2 minutes for a crispy top.
Serve:
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve over pasta or with garlic bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- Healthier Version: For a lighter option, bake the breaded chicken instead of frying. Simply coat the chicken and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like provolone or fontina for different flavors.
- Leftovers: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results, but a microwave can also be used if needed.
- Vegetarian Alternative: Swap chicken for eggplant slices for a delicious vegetarian version of this dish.