Chicken Parmigiano from Fazoli's features tender breaded chicken breast topped with melted marinara-spiced mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, served over a bed of al dente spaghetti, offering a flavorful combination of crispy, cheesy, and savory elements.
Equipments
- Oven or countertop oven
- Baking sheet or oven-safe dish
- Shallow bowls (for breading)
- Tongs
- Large pot (for boiling pasta)
- Colander (for draining pasta)
- Saucepan (for marinara sauce)
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Box grater (for cheese, if grating fresh)
- Spatula or large spoon (for serving)
- Meat mallet (optional, for tenderizing chicken)
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 12 oz (340g) spaghetti
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Olive oil (for frying or drizzling)
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
To ensure your chicken breasts cook evenly and remain tender, consider gently pounding them to an even thickness before breading. When preparing the breading station, mix the Italian-style breadcrumbs with garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and dried basil to infuse the chicken with authentic Italian flavors. Use freshly shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese for a melty, flavorful topping that complements the marinara sauce best. Cooking the spaghetti al dente provides the ideal texture to balance the crispy chicken and rich sauce. Your homemade Chicken Parmigiano from Fazoli's copycat menu will capture the restaurant's signature combination of crispy, cheesy, and savory elements, delivering a delicious, satisfying meal.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pound chicken breasts to even thickness (optional).
- Season chicken breasts with salt and black pepper.
- Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, one with breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and basil.
- Dredge chicken in flour, then egg, then breadcrumb mixture.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Sear breaded chicken breasts until golden brown on both sides (2-3 minutes per side).
- Transfer seared chicken to a baking sheet or oven-safe dish.
- Boil a large pot of salted water.
- Cook spaghetti until al dente according to package instructions.
- Drain spaghetti using a colander; set aside.
- Warm marinara sauce in a saucepan.
- Spoon some marinara sauce over each chicken breast.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over sauced chicken breasts.
- Bake chicken in oven until cheese is bubbly and chicken is cooked through (10-15 minutes).
- Toss cooked spaghetti with remaining marinara sauce.
- Plate sauced spaghetti.
- Place baked chicken Parmigiano on top of spaghetti.
- Garnish with fresh parsley (optional).
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
Chicken Parmigiano from Fazoli's copycat recipe captures the essence of tender breaded chicken breast layered with melted marinara-spiced mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, served on perfectly cooked al dente spaghetti. You can substitute panko breadcrumbs for Italian-style breadcrumbs to achieve an extra crispy texture if preferred. If fresh herbs are unavailable, dried oregano and basil provide a reliable alternative, but adjust quantities to avoid overpowering the dish. When frying the chicken, use olive oil or a neutral oil with a high smoke point to ensure even browning without burning. For a quicker meal, precooked rotisserie chicken can replace raw chicken breasts, though the breading and baking steps may need slight adjustments.
Tips
Ensure chicken breasts are pounded to an even thickness to promote uniform cooking and juiciness. When breading, completely coat each chicken breast for a crispy texture that holds well after baking. Use freshly grated mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for a richer melt and more authentic flavor. Be mindful to cook the spaghetti al dente, as overcooking will make your finished dish mushy and less appealing.
Nutritions
Chicken Parmigiano from Fazoli's is a protein-rich dish providing essential amino acids from the tender breaded chicken breast, paired with calcium and phosphorus from melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. The accompanying al dente spaghetti offers complex carbohydrates for sustained energy, while the marinara sauce contributes antioxidants like lycopene from tomatoes and herbs such as oregano and basil. Breaded with seasoned breadcrumbs and lightly fried in olive oil, the dish also contains healthy fats and dietary fiber, supporting digestion and heart health. By balancing protein, carbs, and fats, this meal can satisfy your nutritional needs while delivering a flavorful, comforting experience.
Storage
Store leftover Chicken Parmigiano in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days to maintain freshness. Separate the chicken from the spaghetti to prevent sogginess, reheating the chicken in an oven at 350degF (175degC) for about 10 minutes to preserve the crispy breading. Your pasta can be quickly reheated on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of marinara sauce to retain moisture and flavor.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap Italian-style breadcrumbs with panko crumbs for an extra crispy chicken crust. Try using fresh basil or oregano instead of dried herbs in the breadcrumb mixture to enhance the dish's freshness. Instead of baking, finish the chicken under a broiler for a quicker melt and browning of cheese. For a lighter version, grill the breaded chicken breasts rather than frying them in olive oil.
Allergies
Chicken Parmigiano from Fazoli's contains common allergens such as eggs, dairy (mozzarella and Parmesan cheese), and wheat (all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs), which may trigger reactions in individuals with egg, milk, or gluten allergies. The presence of garlic and onion powder might also cause sensitivities for those with alliums-related food allergies or intolerances. Ensure your dietary needs are considered before enjoying this dish to avoid adverse allergic responses.
Why this recipe?
Fazoli's Chicken Parmigiano features tender breaded chicken topped with rich marinara sauce and melted mozzarella, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The dish pairs well with Fazoli's freshly cooked pasta and garlic bread, enhancing the overall Italian-American dining experience. Replicating this recipe at home allows you to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal customized to your taste preferences and dietary needs. Your effort in making this copycat version results in a satisfying, cost-effective, and delicious dish that captures the essence of Fazoli's popular menu item.