Chicken Parmesan, or Chicken Parmigiana, evolved in the United States as an Italian‑American adaptation of the classic veal or eggplant parmigiana, combining Italian flavors with American preferences for hearty, cheese‑laden dishes.

In the Northeastern U.S., especially New York and New Jersey, chicken is often breaded and fried before baking, while in the Midwest some cooks use a lighter oven‑baked method like this recipe, substituting croutons for the fried coating.

It is typically served hot over a bed of spaghetti or alongside a simple green salad, with extra marinara on the side and a generous sprinkling of fresh basil or parsley for garnish.

Chicken Parmesan is a popular comfort‑food for family dinners, weekend gatherings, and holiday meals such as Christmas Eve or Thanksgiving as a hearty main course.

Authentic ingredients include low‑moisture mozzarella, Parmigiano‑Reggiano, and a simple tomato‑based marinara. Substitutes like part‑skim mozzarella, Pecorino Romano, or store‑bought marinara work well without compromising flavor.

Serve it with garlic‑buttered spaghetti, a crisp Caesar salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of sautéed spinach for a balanced meal.

Chef John’s version eliminates the frying step, using crunchy croutons to mimic the breaded crust, which saves time, reduces mess, and actually retains more crunch after the cheese melts.

Common errors include under‑seasoning the chicken, over‑crowding the dish which prevents the croutons from staying crisp, and not checking the internal temperature, which can leave the chicken unsafe.

Croutons provide a quick, oven‑stable crunch without the extra step of dredging and frying, preserving texture even after the cheese and sauce are added.

Yes, assemble the casserole up to the cheese layer, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Bake directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes if needed.

Food Wishes, hosted by Chef John, specializes in approachable, step‑by‑step video recipes that blend classic techniques with humor, covering a wide range of cuisines and skill levels.

Food Wishes focuses on simplifying traditional Italian‑American dishes—like this chicken parm—by removing labor‑intensive steps while still delivering authentic flavor, often adding witty commentary and clear visual cues.