Easy Barefoot Contessa Chicken Parmesan

The Easy Barefoot Contessa Chicken Parmesan Recipe is a classic Italian-American dish featuring crispy breaded chicken, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese. It’s a comforting, flavorful meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.

The Barefoot Contessa Chicken Parmesan recipe is a classic Italian-American dish featuring crispy breaded chicken, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese. It’s a comforting, flavorful meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.

The Barefoot Contessa Chicken Parmesan recipe delivers crispy breaded chicken smothered in marinara sauce and topped with melted cheese. This comforting classic is simple to make and always a family favorite.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• Crispy Perfection – Golden breaded chicken that stays crunchy under the sauce.
• Cheesy Goodness – Gooey melted mozzarella and Parmesan make every bite irresistible.
• Classic Comfort Food – A timeless Italian-American dish that feels cozy and satisfying.
• Family-Friendly – A crowd-pleaser that both kids and adults will love.
• Restaurant Quality at Home – Enjoy a gourmet-style meal without leaving your kitchen.

Barefoot Contessa Chicken Parmesan Ingredients

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Tender, juicy protein for breading perfection.
• All-purpose flour – Light coating to help breading stick evenly.
• Eggs – Whisked for dredging, creating crispy golden coating.
• Breadcrumbs – Crunchy texture that gives chicken its classic crisp.
• Parmesan cheese – Nutty, salty flavor blended into breading mixture.
• Olive oil – Used for frying, adds rich Mediterranean flavor.
• Marinara sauce – Tangy tomato base for saucy, comforting layer.
• Mozzarella cheese – Melty topping for gooey, irresistible cheesiness.
• Fresh basil – Fragrant herb garnish for bright, fresh finish.

How To Make Easy Barefoot Contessa Chicken Parmesan

Step 1: Place chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound evenly until about ½ inch thick. Season both sides lightly with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Prepare three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with grated Parmesan cheese.

Step 3: Dredge each chicken breast in flour, then dip in egg, and finally coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture.

Step 4: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden brown on both sides, about 3–4 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 5: Spread marinara sauce in the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange fried chicken breasts on top, spoon more sauce over them, then sprinkle generously with mozzarella cheese.

Step 6: Place the dish in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 20–25 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh basil, and serve hot with pasta or a side salad.

Barefoot Contessa Chicken Parmesan Recipe Tips

• Pound chicken evenly – This ensures even cooking and keeps the chicken juicy.
• Use fresh breadcrumbs – Homemade or fresh breadcrumbs give a crispier, more flavorful coating than store-bought.
• Don’t skip Parmesan in the breading – It adds rich, nutty flavor and helps the crust brown beautifully.
• Pan-fry before baking – Browning the chicken first locks in flavor and prevents sogginess.
• Choose quality marinara sauce – A good tomato sauce makes all the difference in the final taste.
• Don’t overbake – Remove from the oven once the cheese is melted and bubbly to keep the chicken tender.
• Serve immediately – Chicken Parmesan tastes best hot and fresh with pasta, garlic bread, or salad.

Storing, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

• Storing: Store leftover Chicken Parmesan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the chicken and sauce separate if possible to maintain crispiness.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked Chicken Parmesan in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Wrap portions individually to make reheating easier.
• Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is bubbly. For a quicker option, use the microwave, but note the coating may lose crispiness.

Barefoot Contessa Chicken Parmesan Recipe Faqs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used, though they may take a bit longer to cook.

How do I keep the chicken crispy under the sauce? Add the sauce and cheese right before serving or bake briefly to melt the cheese without over-soaking the breading.

What pasta goes best with Chicken Parmesan? Spaghetti is classic, but penne, rigatoni, or even a side of garlic bread works wonderfully.

Can I make this ahead of time? You can bread the chicken and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before cooking. Bake or fry just before serving for the best results.

What type of cheese is best for topping? Mozzarella is traditional, but adding Parmesan and provolone creates extra flavor and a melty, gooey topping.

Can I make this a lighter version? Yes, bake the breaded chicken instead of frying and use part-skim mozzarella to cut calories.

How do I know when the chicken is done? Use a meat thermometer—chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

More Ina Garten Copycat Recipes

• Easy Barefoot Contessa Turkey Burger Recipe
• Barefoot Contessa’s Tuna Casserole
• Barefoot Contessa Chicken Divan Recipe
• Barefoot Contessa Chicken Marsala Recipe
• Ina Garten Deviled Eggs Recipe
• Ina Garten Tartar Sauce Recipe
• Ina Garten’s Banana Bread Recipe
• Ina Garten Stuffed Peppers Recipe

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