Chicken Patty Parmesan

If you’re looking for a comforting, satisfying meal that’s packed with flavor, look no further than Chicken Patty Parmesan. This delightful dish offers a twist on the classic Chicken Parmesan, featuring juicy, homemade chicken patties smothered in marinara sauce and gooey mozzarella cheese. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Let’s dive into the deliciousness!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken Patty Parmesan is not only incredibly tasty but also easy to make. The combination of tender ground chicken, aromatic herbs, and cheesy goodness creates a dish that is both hearty and satisfying. Plus, it’s versatile! You can serve it over pasta, on a bed of greens, or even in a sandwich. The leftovers (if there are any!) are just as delicious the next day, making this recipe a win-win for meal prep and easy weeknight dinners.

What You’ll Gather

• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1/2 cup finely diced yellow or sweet onion
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/2 cup dried bread crumbs
• 1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Setup & Equipment

• Large skillet: For cooking the chicken patties.
• Baking dish: To assemble and bake the Chicken Patty Parmesan.
• Mixing bowls: For combining ingredients.
• Spatula: To flip the patties easily.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.

Chicken Patty Parmesan: From Prep to Plate

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, sautéed onion and garlic, beaten egg, milk, bread crumbs, freshly grated parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough patties.

Step 3: Form the Patties

Using your hands, divide the chicken mixture into equal portions and shape them into patties, about 3-4 inches in diameter. You should get around 4-6 patties, depending on the size you prefer.

Step 4: Cook the Patties

In the same skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken patties to the skillet. Cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. You may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.

Step 5: Assemble the Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a baking dish, pour a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Place the cooked chicken patties on top of the sauce. In a small bowl, mix together the remaining marinara sauce and tomato paste, then pour this mixture over the patties. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and sprinkle with additional grated parmesan.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional chopped parsley for a fresh touch. Serve your Chicken Patty Parmesan over pasta, with a side salad, or in a crusty roll for a delicious sandwich.

Make It Your Way

• Add Veggies: Incorporate finely chopped spinach or bell peppers into the chicken mixture for added nutrition and flavor.
• Use Ground Turkey: Swap ground chicken for ground turkey for a different lean protein option.
• Spice it Up: If you love heat, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add some chopped jalapeños to the mixture.
• Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses such as provolone or gouda to give the dish a unique twist.

Mistakes Even Pros Make

• Overmixing the Chicken Mixture: This can lead to dense, dry patties. Mix just until combined.
• Not Cooking the Patties Long Enough: Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety.
• Skipping the Cooling Step: Allowing the patties to cool slightly after cooking helps them hold together better when assembling.
• Using Low-Quality Marinara: A good marinara sauce makes a huge difference. Opt for a quality brand or homemade for the best flavor.

Make-Ahead & Storage

This Chicken Patty Parmesan is perfect for making ahead. You can prepare the chicken patties in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. Alternatively, you can cook the patties, assemble the dish, and refrigerate it before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from the refrigerator. The leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Questions People Ask

Can I freeze Chicken Patty Parmesan?

Yes! You can freeze the uncooked chicken patties or the assembled dish before baking. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or store in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

What can I serve with Chicken Patty Parmesan?

This dish pairs well with spaghetti, garlic bread, or a fresh green salad. You can also serve it on a toasted bun for a delicious sandwich option.

How do I ensure my patties are moist?

Adding milk and not overmixing the chicken mixture will help keep your patties moist. Cooking them just until done (165°F) is also crucial.

Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?

Absolutely! While homemade marinara is fantastic, a good quality store-bought sauce will work perfectly in this recipe. Just check the ingredients for flavor you enjoy.

The Takeaway

Cooking can be a joyful experience, especially when you’re creating something as comforting and delicious as Chicken Patty Parmesan. This recipe is not only approachable but also allows for customization, making it easy to adapt to your taste preferences. With its crispy chicken patties, rich marinara sauce, and melted cheese, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings and impress your family and friends. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let’s make some Chicken Patty Parmesan magic happen!

Chicken Patty Parmesan

This Chicken Patty Parmesan is a comforting, cheesy delight! Juicy chicken patties topped with marinara and mozzarella, perfect for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
• 1/2 cup yellow or sweet onion finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1 large egg lightly beaten
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/2 cup dried bread crumbs
• 1/3 cup parmesan cheese freshly grated
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese freshly grated
• 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Method

 

1. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, sautéed onion and garlic, beaten egg, milk, bread crumbs, freshly grated parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Mix everything together until just combined.
3. Using your hands, divide the chicken mixture into equal portions and shape them into patties, about 3-4 inches in diameter.
4. In the same skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken patties to the skillet. Cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
5. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a baking dish, pour a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Place the cooked chicken patties on top of the sauce. In a small bowl, mix together the remaining marinara sauce and tomato paste, then pour this mixture over the patties. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and sprinkle with additional grated parmesan.
6. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
7. Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional chopped parsley for a fresh touch.

Notes

• Feel free to add finely chopped spinach or bell peppers to the chicken mixture for extra nutrition.
• For a leaner option, substitute ground chicken with ground turkey.
• Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to increase the heat level to your liking.