Chicken Parmesan Hearts
Chicken Parmesan Hearts are a delightful twist on the classic dish, featuring tender chicken breasts coated in crispy breadcrumbs, smothered in rich marinara sauce, and topped with gooey melted mozzarella. Perfect for romantic dinners or family gatherings, these heart-shaped delights bring warmth and nostalgia to the table. Easy to prepare, they transform simple ingredients into a memorable meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking/Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs (seasoned)
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese (sliced)
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup fresh basil (chopped)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and coat a baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Season each chicken breast with salt and pepper.
- Set up three bowls: one with flour mixed with salt, one with beaten eggs, and one with Italian breadcrumbs.
- Dredge each chicken breast in flour, dip into egg, and coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and fry each chicken piece until golden brown on both sides (about 4 minutes per side).
- Place the fried chicken in the prepared baking dish. Pour marinara sauce over each piece and sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan on top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Chicken Parmesan Heart (190g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: For added crunch, substitute regular breadcrumbs with panko. Customize flavor by adding fresh herbs to the marinara sauce or experimenting with different cheese varieties like fontina or provolone. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; reheat at 350°F for optimal texture.