Chicken Cutlet Parmesan And Spaghetti

Indulge in the classic Italian-American favorite with this Chicken Cutlet Parmesan and Spaghetti recipe, a dish that combines the comforting flavors of crispy, breaded chicken with the richness of marinara sauce and gooey, melted mozzarella cheese.

This recipe elevates the humble chicken breast into a delightful culinary experience, featuring a perfect blend of textures from the crunchy breadcrumb coating to the luscious, cheesy topping. Paired with a side of lightly buttered spaghetti, this meal is both satisfying and elegant, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or casual gatherings alike.

Whether you’re an experienced cook or a kitchen novice, this straightforward yet impressive dish is sure to become a cherished staple in your recipe repertoire, delighting everyone at your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Crispy and Satisfying: The chicken cutlets are perfectly coated with seasoned breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, creating a deliciously crispy crust that offers a satisfying crunch with every bite.

Rich and Cheesy: Melted mozzarella cheese on top of each cutlet provides a creamy, gooey layer that complements the tangy marinara sauce, making the dish rich and indulgent.

Classic Italian Flavors: The combination of garlic, Parmesan, and marinara sauce delivers classic Italian flavors that are both comforting and familiar, making this dish a family favorite.

Easy and Approachable: With simple preparation steps, this recipe is accessible for cooks of all skill levels, allowing anyone to create a restaurant-quality meal at home without hassle.

Perfectly Paired with Pasta: Served alongside lightly buttered spaghetti, this dish becomes a complete meal that is both hearty and satisfying, perfect for any occasion or gathering.

Key Ingredients:

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: These form the heart of the dish, providing a lean and tender protein base that is perfect for absorbing the flavors of the breading and sauces.

Seasoned Breadcrumbs: Coating the chicken in seasoned breadcrumbs gives the cutlets a deliciously crispy and flavorful crust, enhancing the overall texture and taste of the dish.

Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a nutty, savory note to the breading mixture, elevating the flavor profile with its distinctive richness and depth.

Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella is key for achieving that gooey, melted cheese topping, offering a creamy and mild complement to the tangy marinara sauce.

Marinara Sauce: This classic tomato-based sauce provides a savory and slightly sweet element that ties the entire dish together, infusing the chicken with Italian-inspired flavors.

Eggs: Used to help the breadcrumb mixture adhere to the chicken, eggs are essential for creating a cohesive and well-coated crust on the cutlets.

Vegetable Oil: Lightly brushing the cutlets with vegetable oil ensures they achieve a beautiful golden-brown color and crispiness during baking.

Chicken Cutlet Parmesan And Spaghetti

Ingredients

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts

1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs

1 teaspoon garlic powder

¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1 cup marinara sauce

1 – 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

2 eggs

Instructions:

Preheat and Prepare: Set your oven to 400°F. Carefully slice each chicken breast in half horizontally to create four thin cutlets.

Flatten the Chicken: Place the chicken cutlets between sheets of waxed paper. Use the flat side of a meat mallet to gently pound them until they reach about ¼ inch in thickness.

Prepare Coatings: In a shallow dish, combine the seasoned breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder. In a separate shallow dish, beat the two eggs until fully mixed.

Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken cutlet into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off, then coat them in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.

Arrange and Bake: Lay the breaded chicken cutlets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Lightly brush the top of each cutlet with vegetable oil. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Add Toppings and Broil: Remove the chicken from the oven and carefully flip each cutlet. Spoon marinara sauce over each piece, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese. Turn on the broiler and return the baking sheet to the oven. Broil for 2-4 minutes, keeping a close eye until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve: Serve the chicken cutlets alongside a side of lightly buttered spaghetti for a complete and delicious meal.

Notes:

Chicken Preparation: To ensure even cooking, slice the chicken breasts horizontally and pound them to a uniform thickness of about ¼ inch. This helps the cutlets cook quickly and evenly, preventing dry or undercooked spots.

Breading Technique: For the best coating, ensure each chicken cutlet is fully covered in the egg wash before pressing it into the breadcrumb mixture. This helps the breadcrumbs adhere better and creates a crispier crust.

Cheese Options: While mozzarella is traditional for the gooey topping, you can experiment with other cheeses like provolone or fontina for a slightly different flavor and texture. Ensure the cheese is well-distributed over the sauce for even melting.

Marinara Sauce: For a more personalized touch, consider using homemade marinara sauce or enhancing store-bought varieties with additional herbs like basil or oregano. This can add depth and freshness to the dish.

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Broiling Tips: Keep a close eye on the chicken while broiling to melt the cheese. The cheese can quickly go from melted to overly browned, so check frequently to achieve the perfect bubbly, golden finish.

Pasta Pairing: Lightly buttered spaghetti serves as a classic accompaniment, but feel free to substitute with other pasta shapes or whole-grain options to suit your preference. Tossing the pasta with a bit of olive oil and Parmesan can enhance its flavor and prevent sticking.

Serving Suggestions: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for added color and freshness. This not only enhances the presentation but also adds a fragrant note that complements the dish’s rich flavors.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 4 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, you can substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for breasts if you prefer.

Keep in mind that thighs may require a slightly longer cooking time due to their higher fat content.

Ensure they are pounded to an even thickness for uniform cooking.

How can I make the cutlets extra crispy?

For an extra crispy texture, ensure the cutlets are well-coated in the breadcrumb mixture, and consider using panko breadcrumbs for added crunch.

You can also lightly fry the breaded cutlets in a skillet with a little oil before baking to enhance their crispiness.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the chicken cutlets ahead of time by breading and arranging them on a baking sheet, then covering and refrigerating until ready to bake.

Add the marinara sauce and cheese just before broiling to prevent sogginess.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat in the oven or a toaster oven to maintain the crispy texture of the cutlets.

If using a microwave, the cutlets may soften but will still taste delicious.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, to make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and pasta.

Ensure that all other ingredients, like marinara sauce, are also certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.

This allows you to enjoy the dish while adhering to dietary restrictions.

How do I ensure the chicken cutlets are evenly cooked?

To ensure even cooking, slice the chicken breasts horizontally into thinner pieces and pound them to a uniform ¼ inch thickness.

This helps the chicken cook quickly and evenly, preventing any part from being undercooked or overcooked.

What’s the best way to keep the breading from falling off?

Make sure the chicken is dry before dipping it into the egg wash.

Press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the cutlets to ensure they adhere well.

Let the breaded chicken rest for a few minutes before cooking to help the coating set.

How can I avoid the cheese from burning under the broiler?

Keep a close watch on the chicken while it’s under the broiler, as cheese can melt and brown quickly.

Broil for just 2-4 minutes, checking frequently, to achieve a bubbly and golden cheese topping without burning.

What should I do if the chicken isn’t fully cooked after baking?

If the chicken hasn’t reached an internal temperature of 165°F after baking, continue cooking in the oven for a few more minutes.

Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the chicken for doneness.

How can I enhance the flavor of the marinara sauce?

For a more robust sauce, consider sautéing some garlic and onions in olive oil before adding the marinara.

Fresh basil or oregano can also be added for extra flavor.

Let the sauce simmer briefly to meld the flavors before using it on the chicken.