Carrabba’s Chicken Parmesan Recipe is a crispy, cheesy Italian favorite featuring golden breaded chicken breasts topped with rich marinara and melted mozzarella. It’s a comforting, restaurant-style dish that’s easy to make at home.
Carrabba’s Chicken Parmesan is a classic Italian-American dish that combines crispy breaded chicken with a rich marinara sauce and gooey melted mozzarella cheese.
This recipe captures all the comforting flavors you love from the restaurant, making it easy to recreate a beloved favorite right in your own kitchen.
Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion, Carrabba’s Chicken Parmesan pairs beautifully with pasta or a fresh green salad for a satisfying meal everyone will enjoy.
Why You Will Love This Recipe!
- Crispy, golden-breaded chicken delivers perfect texture in every bite.
- Rich marinara sauce adds authentic Italian flavor and tangy sweetness.
- Gooey melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses create a cheesy, savory topping.
- Simple ingredients come together quickly for a delicious homemade dinner.
- Versatile dish that pairs well with pasta, veggies, or a fresh salad.
Carrabba’s Chicken Parmesan Ingredients
- Chicken: Use either boneless skinless chicken breast or chicken tenderloins.
- Breadcrumbs: Use either regular panko or breadcrumbs. YOu can also make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free panko bread crumbs.
- Eggs: Use room temperature large eggs
- Seasonings and Spices: Italian Seasoning
- Oil: Use olive oil, coconut oil, avocado oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil.
- Marinara Sauce: For a regular chicken parmesan use either homemade or store-bought marinara sauce.
- Cheese: For the best air fryer parmesan chicken, use freshly grated mozzarella cheese.
How To Make Carrabba’s Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Step One: Start by preheating your air fryer temperature to 350 degrees F, using the air fryer setting. In the first bowl, add the eggs, and whisk them with a fork. In the second bowl add the breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, and oil.
Step Two: Then dredge chicken into the egg mixture and then into the breadcrumb mixture, making sure that your sides of the chicken are coated. Spray your air fryer basket with nonstick spray, then add your chicken to your Air Fryer basket, in a single layer.
Step Three: Set cook time for 12-15 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway during the cooking process. When the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F, you can safely remove the chicken.
Step Four: Spoon the marinara sauce over the chicken, and then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the chicken, and return to the air fryer. Cook at 350 degrees F, using the air fryer setting, and set cook time for 3-5 minutes,
Carrabba’s Chicken Parmesan Recipe Tips
- Pound the Chicken Evenly: For juicy and evenly cooked chicken, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before breading.
- Use Fresh Breadcrumbs: Fresh Italian-style breadcrumbs give the best crispy texture and flavor.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Cook the chicken in a single layer to ensure even crispiness and avoid sogginess.
- Flip Halfway: Turning the chicken halfway through cooking helps achieve an evenly golden crust.
- Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F for safe eating.
- Use Quality Cheese: Fresh mozzarella and Parmesan give the best melty, flavorful topping.
- Serve Immediately: Chicken Parmesan is best served hot to keep the cheese gooey and the crust crispy.
Storing, Freezing & Reheating Instructions
- Storing: Store leftover Carrabba’s Chicken Parmesan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it chilled to maintain freshness and flavor.
- Freezing: Wrap the chicken Parmesan tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
- Reheating: Reheat leftover chicken Parmesan in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until heated through and crispy. Alternatively, warm it in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to keep the chicken moist.
What To Serve With Carrabba’s Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Carrabba’s Chicken Parmesan pairs beautifully with a variety of classic Italian sides to complete your meal. Serve it alongside a fresh Caesar salad or a simple mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette for a crisp, refreshing contrast.
Garlic bread or warm, crusty Italian bread is perfect for soaking up any extra marinara sauce. For heartier options, creamy Parmesan risotto, buttered pasta, or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli make excellent complements, balancing the rich, cheesy flavors of the chicken parmesan.
Carrabba’s Chicken Parmesan Recipe Faqs
an I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe? It’s best to use fresh chicken breasts for even cooking and the best texture. If using frozen, thaw completely before cooking.
What can I substitute for Italian seasoning? You can use a mix of dried basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary as a homemade Italian seasoning substitute.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked? The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
Can I make this recipe in the oven instead of an air fryer? Yes! Bake at 375°F for about 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
What sides pair well with Carrabba’s Chicken Parmesan? Classic sides include spaghetti with marinara, garlic bread, or a fresh green salad.
Can I prepare the chicken Parmesan ahead of time? You can bread the chicken in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before cooking. Assemble and bake or air fry just before serving.
Is this recipe gluten-free? Traditional breadcrumbs contain gluten, but you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs as a substitute.
More Copycat Carrabba’s Recipes
Carrabba’s Spicy Sicilian Chicken Soup (Mama Mandola’s Chicken Soup)
Carrabba’s Italian Grill Arancini Recipe
Copycat Carrabba’s Chicken Bryan
Instant Pot Copycat Carrabba’s Sausage Lentil Soup
Carrabba’s Italian Grill Stuffed Mushrooms Parmigiana Recipe
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Carrabba’s Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Description
Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs, or panko
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 4 tablespoons oil
- 2 pieces chicken, boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Start by preheating your air fryer temperature to 350 degrees F, air fryer setting.
- Then in a small bowl, break your eggs and mix them, until frothy.
- In another bowl, mix the breadcrumbs or panko, Italian seasoning, and oil.
- Then dip the chicken into the egg mixture and then into the breadcrumb mixture.
- Then place them in your Air Fryer basket.
- Cook until done; it took me 18 minutes. It will depend on your chicken breast’s thickness. After 10 minutes, flip your chicken and use cooking spray and spray the side.
- When the chicken is done, remove the chicken breasts.
- I put my chicken in an air fryer safe bowl, pour the marinara sauce, and then sprinkle the cheese.
- Air Fryer for another 3-4 minutes, just so the cheese is melted.
Equipment
- Cooking Spray
Nutrition
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Deb Kramer
This was SO delicious!! Will definitely become a weekly meal. My husband said he could eat it every day! Served with thin spaghetti.
Marguretta Burkhalter
Looking forward to trying the chicken parmesan! For a long time this was a signature recipe for me but now I am living alone so I have scaled back considerably. I would love to try chicken Parmesan for one in my air fryer!