Olive Garden Chicken Parmesan Recipe

When you’re craving a soothing meal with rich flavors, you should definitely be making Olive Garden’s Chicken Parmesan.

This dish features perfectly breaded chicken cutlets topped with marinara sauce and cheese, baked to melty perfection.

For a little crunch, make sure your breadcrumbs are golden before baking—it makes all the difference!

How to Make Olive Garden Chicken Parmesan

Ingredients

• 4 Chicken Breasts (boneless, skinless)
• 1 cup Flour
• 2 Eggs
• 1 cup Milk
• 1 cup Bread Crumbs
• 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated)
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
• 1/2 cup Marinara Sauce
• 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese (shredded)
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 350°F.

While the oven is warming, prepare three separate bowls for breading.

Use flour in the first bowl, mix eggs and milk in the second, and combine bread crumbs with Parmesan cheese in the third.

Step 2:

Pound out chicken breasts until they’re about a half-inch thick to ensure even cooking.

Lightly season with salt and pepper.

Step 3:

Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, then dip in the egg mixture, and finally coat with the breadcrumb mixture.

Press lightly to make sure the crumbs stick well.

Step 4:

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the chicken and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.

Transfer chicken to a baking dish.

Step 5:

Pour marinara sauce over each piece of chicken.

Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top.

Put the dish in the oven and bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Choose the Right Cheese

For the best melting quality, use freshly grated mozzarella cheese instead of pre-packaged shredded cheese because it is less processed and melts better.

Bread Crumb Mixture

Add a bit of Italian seasoning to your bread crumb and Parmesan mixture for an extra kick of flavor.

Cooking the Chicken

Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it’s cooked through and safe to eat.

Sauce Selection

Using a high-quality marinara sauce will significantly enhance the overall taste of your dish, so don’t hesitate to experiment with different brands.

Keep it Crispy

Avoid overcrowding the skillet when frying the chicken to maintain its crispiness, and do it in batches if necessary.

What to Serve with Olive Garden Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Fresh Green Salad

To complement your chicken parmesan, a fresh green salad works beautifully!

You might want to try a mix of crisp romaine and arugula with some cherry tomatoes and cucumbers.

A light vinaigrette adds the right amount of tanginess.

Spaghetti Marinara

A classic choice is spaghetti pasta with marinara sauce.

The pasta soaks up the savory sauce, making every bite flavorful.

You can use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if you prefer.

Roasted Vegetables

If you want to branch out, consider roasted vegetables.

Brussels sprouts with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt add delicious depth.

This option is not only tasty but also nutritious.

Garlic Bread

Another delicious side dish to consider is garlic bread.

The crunch and garlic bring an additional layer of flavor.

It’s nice to mop up any leftover sauce with it.

Creamy Polenta

Something a bit different could be a creamy polenta.

It provides a wonderful texture contrast and tastes marvelous with the sauce.

Consider this for a rustic twist on your meal.

Fruit Salad

For a bit of sweetness, a fruit salad can be surprisingly refreshing.

Mixed berries or apple slices with a hint of mint will clear the palate.

It’s a lovely balance to the hearty chicken parm.

Variations and Substitutions

Gluten-Free Option

You can make a gluten-free version by using gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour.

This switch is perfect for those avoiding gluten but still craving that classic breaded crunch.

Cheese Variations

Feel free to experiment with different cheeses besides mozzarella.

You might try provolone or fontina for an interesting twist on the original recipe.

Grilled Chicken

Swap out the traditional breaded chicken for grilled cutlets.

This is a lighter option that still maintains the chicken’s juicy, flavorful essence.

Vegetable Alternatives

You can add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition.

These additions enhance the nutritional profile and provide refreshing flavors on your plate.

Marinara Sauce Tweaks

Consider adding garlic, basil, or a splash of red wine to your marinara.

A few enhancements to the sauce can personalize the taste and deepen the flavor profile.

Vegan Substitutions

For a vegan take, use plant-based chicken products and dairy-free cheese.

This switches up the original but keeps the familiar and heartwarming Italian feel.

How to Store Leftover Olive Garden Chicken Parmesan

When you have some delicious Olive Garden Chicken Parmesan left over, you’ll want to store it properly to retain its flavor and texture.

Take a moment to let your leftover chicken parmesan cool to room temperature before storing.

How to Store in the Fridge

For short-term storage, place the chicken parmesan in an airtight container to keep out moisture and odors.

You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Make sure the fridge is set to 40°F (4°C) or lower to maintain freshness.

Freeze for Longer Storage

Freezing is a great option if you’re not planning to eat the leftovers soon.

Wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

Place the wrapped pieces in a freezer-safe bag or container to prevent freezer burn.

You can keep the chicken parmesan in the freezer for up to three months.

Now you’re all set to save those tasty leftovers for another day. Enjoy!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using Thick Chicken Breasts

You might be tempted to use thick chicken breasts, but that will only make cooking uneven and slow.

Opt for thin cutlets for quicker cooking and a crisp texture.

This technique gives you a beautiful golden crust every time!

Overcrowding the Pan

Putting too many pieces in the pan at once can drop the cooking temperature fast.

Cook the chicken in batches to let each cutlet brown properly.

This way, you achieve that desired crispy perfection without it turning soggy.

Skipping the Marinara Warm-Up

Pouring cold marinara over the hot chicken can dull the overall flavor.

Warm your marinara sauce gently before adding it to the chicken.

It brings out a robust taste and melts the cheese to gooey delight!