This Italian Chicken Parmesan recipe by Giada De Laurentiis is a delicious meal that you can enjoy in no time using chicken cutlets, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, marinara sauce, and fresh herbs.

To make Giada’s Chicken Parmesan, sear the seasoned chicken cutlets, layer them with marinara sauce and cheese, then bake in a hot oven for about 5 minutes until the cheese melts and the chicken is cooked through.

Other Italian meals that I enjoy making are Giada’s Chicken Cacciatore and Giada’s Artichoke Risotto; both are incredibly flavorful and easy to prepare.

Can I Make Chicken Parmesan Ahead of Time?

Absolutely, you can prepare the Chicken Parmesan ahead of time. Just sear the chicken, layer on the sauce and cheese, then cover and refrigerate. When you’re ready to eat, pop it in the oven until it’s hot and bubbly. Your Chicken Parmesan will still taste fresh and delicious.

Giada De Laurentiis Chicken Parmesan Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1 teaspoon of chopped fresh thyme
• 1 teaspoon of chopped fresh rosemary
• 1 teaspoon of chopped fresh Italian parsley
• 4 chicken cutlets (about 3 ounces each)
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• ½ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
• ¾ cup of marinara sauce (homemade or high-quality jarred sauce)
• ¼ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
• 8 teaspoons of grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

How To Make Giada De Laurentiis Chicken Parmesan

1. Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 500°F.
2. Prepare the Herb Oil: In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, chopped thyme, rosemary, and parsley until well blended.
3. Season the Chicken: Brush both sides of each chicken cutlet with the herb oil. Then, sprinkle the cutlets evenly with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
4. Sear the Chicken: Heat a large, heavy, ovenproof skillet over high heat. Once the skillet is hot, add the chicken cutlets. Sear them just until browned, about 1 minute per side. This will lock in the juices and add a nice golden crust.
5. Add the Sauce and Cheese: Remove the skillet from the heat. Spoon the marinara sauce over and around the cutlets, ensuring they’re well-coated. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of shredded mozzarella over each cutlet. Then, sprinkle each cutlet with 2 teaspoons of grated Parmesan.
6. Bake to Perfection: Dot the tops of the cutlets with small pieces of butter. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the chicken is cooked through.
7. Serve Hot: Carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Serve the Chicken Parmesan hot, with extra marinara sauce on the side if desired. Enjoy this classic dish fresh out of the oven.

How Do I Keep the Chicken Parmesan Crispy?

To keep your Chicken Parmesan crispy, sear it well and avoid drowning it in too much sauce before baking. Use a good quality skillet that retains heat, and don’t forget to broil it for a minute at the end for that extra crunch.

Recipe Tips

• Double up on the sauce: If you love your Chicken Parmesan extra saucy, go ahead and double the marinara. Trust me, it’ll keep your chicken from drying out and give you more of that rich, tangy flavor that makes this dish so irresistible.
• Go for the crispy factor: For an extra crispy crust, after searing, pop your chicken under the broiler for a minute or two before adding the sauce and cheese. It’s like giving your Chicken Parmesan a crispy crown – and who doesn’t love a little extra crunch?
• Let the chicken rest: After you take your Chicken Parmesan out of the oven, let it sit for a few minutes. It’s tempting to dive right in, but this lets the juices redistribute, keeping your chicken juicy instead of losing all that goodness on your plate.
• Butter that pan: Before you even think about adding the chicken, butter up your baking dish or skillet. It’ll add a rich, buttery flavor to the bottom of the chicken and keep everything from sticking, making cleanup a breeze. And who doesn’t like easy cleanup?

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Chicken Parmesan: Add a kick by mixing crushed red pepper flakes into the herb oil before brushing the chicken. It’s a simple way to bring some heat without overpowering the classic flavors we all love.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap out regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs, and make sure your marinara sauce is gluten-free. You won’t even miss the gluten, and everyone can enjoy a delicious, crispy chicken.
• Vegetarian Twist: Replace the chicken with thick slices of eggplant or portobello mushrooms for a tasty vegetarian version. It’s hearty and satisfying, with all the cheesy, saucy goodness that makes Chicken Parmesan a favorite.
• Extra Cheesy: If you’re a cheese lover, add some provolone or fontina along with the mozzarella and Parmesan. The extra cheese will create an even richer, gooey topping that’s just irresistible, especially when you’re in the mood for something indulgent.

What To Serve With Chicken Parmesan

Serve your Chicken Parmesan with balsamic-glazed Brussels sprouts, roasted beet, and goat cheese salad, or crispy sweet potato fries for a unique twist. Add a side of creamy risotto or charred broccolini to elevate the meal.

You can also pair it with a watermelon feta salad or truffle mashed potatoes for something truly special.

How To Store Leftover Chicken Parmesan

In The Fridge:

Place your leftover Chicken Parmesan in an airtight container, ensuring it’s covered well to prevent drying out. Store it in the fridge, where it will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Be sure to avoid leaving it at room temperature for too long before storing it.

In The Freezer:

Chicken Parmesan can be stored in the freezer if properly wrapped in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 3 months, retaining its flavor and texture. Avoid freezing the chicken with fresh herbs, as they may lose their flavor.

How To Reheat Leftover Chicken Parmesan

Reheat your leftover Chicken Parmesan in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes until heated through and the cheese is melted. Or, for a quicker option, use a microwave, heating in short intervals until warm, but this might make the breading less crispy.

Check out More Giada Dinner Recipes:

• Giada Asparagus Soup With Herbed Goat Cheese
• Giada De Laurentiis Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe
• Giada De Laurentiis Chicken Vesuvio
• Giada De Laurentiis Chicken Carbonara