Chicken Parmigiana Olive Garden Copycat Recipe

Juicy breaded chicken, gooey melted cheese, and a tangy marinara sauce come together in this outrageously comforting Chicken Parmigiana Olive Garden Copycat Recipe. If you’ve ever fallen for this classic at your favorite Italian-American restaurant, you’ll be delighted to know how easily you can recreate it at home! With golden-crisp chicken, a bubbling cheese crown, and irresistible herby aromas, this Chicken Parmigiana Olive Garden Copycat Recipe will have your kitchen smelling like a trattoria and your family begging for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Chicken Parmigiana Olive Garden Copycat Recipe lies in its simple ingredients, each one serving a bigger purpose than just flavor. The perfect crunch, the savory depth, and the gorgeous colors all start here. Gather these staples and you’re already halfway to weeknight dinnertime bliss.

• Chicken breasts: Center-cut and cut thin for quick cooking and a perfectly tender bite—pound them for a uniform thickness!
• Kosher salt: Brings out all the flavors and ensures each layer tastes just right.
• Freshly ground black pepper: Adds subtle heat and highlights all the savory notes of the dish.
• All-purpose flour: Helps the breading adhere and gives the chicken a beautiful, crisp coating.
• Eggs: Act as the golden glue that holds the crunchy goodness together.
• Water: Loosens up the egg for lighter, smoother coverage.
• Panko breadcrumbs: Deliver next-level crunch—much lighter and crispier than regular breadcrumbs!
• Finely grated Parmesan cheese: Infuses a nutty, salty kick throughout your crust, and it’s a must for authentic flavor.
• Italian seasoning: Think oregano, basil, and thyme—all those herby flavors that make Italian food sing.
• Garlic powder: Brings warmth and complexity to the breading, without overpowering.
• Olive oil (or frying oil): For that deep golden fry and an extra hint of rich flavor.
• Marinara sauce: Use your favorite jarred or homemade! This adds tanginess and moisture.
• Freshly grated mozzarella cheese: The hallmark of Chicken Parmigiana—gooey, stretchy, and utterly delicious.
• Chopped fresh parsley: Brightens up the whole dish with a fresh, herby pop of color.

How to Make Chicken Parmigiana Olive Garden Copycat Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Pound the Chicken

Begin by slicing your chicken breasts horizontally into cutlets—this keeps them juicy and ensures every bite is tender. Place the pieces between two sheets of plastic wrap and use the flat side of a meat mallet or a rolling pin to gently pound them to an even thickness. This step is key for even cooking and getting that signature restaurant-style cutlet!

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Sprinkle both sides of the chicken with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. This simple move elevates all the flavors and guarantees every bite is perfectly seasoned—never bland, always delicious.

Step 3: Set Up the Dredging Station

Setting up your dredging station makes this process smooth and mess-free. Arrange three shallow bowls: one for flour, one for beaten eggs mixed with water, and one for your breadcrumb mixture (panko, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder). This assembly line approach ensures even breading and speeds things up!

Step 4: Bread the Chicken

First, dredge a chicken piece in the flour, coating both sides and tapping off excess. Next, dip it into the egg wash, then into the seasoned breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture. Press down well so that every nook and cranny gets a good layer of breadcrumb. Repeat with all pieces—this is where that iconic crunch of the Chicken Parmigiana Olive Garden Copycat Recipe begins!

Step 5: Fry Until Golden

Heat olive oil in a deep, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering—just enough oil to come up about half an inch. Add your chicken cutlets and cook 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until the breadcrumb coating is deep golden brown and the chicken reaches a safe 165°F inside. The aroma at this stage is pure heaven!

Step 6: Drain, Sauce, and Cheese

Once fried, remove the chicken and thoughtfully drain excess oil from the skillet. Nestle the chicken back in the pan, spoon marinara sauce over each piece, then shower generously with freshly grated mozzarella. Every layer counts in building that crave-worthy slice!

Step 7: Bake Until Bubbly

Slip the skillet into a preheated 350°F oven and bake for 5 to 8 minutes, just until the cheese melts and mingles with the sauce. If you want an extra bubbly, golden cheese topping, pop the pan under your broiler for a minute or two—but watch closely!

Step 8: Finish and Garnish

Top your finished Chicken Parmigiana Olive Garden Copycat Recipe with a shower of fresh chopped parsley. This final touch wakes up the plate with color and a bright, herby snap. You’re ready to serve up comfort—Italian-style!

How to Serve Chicken Parmigiana Olive Garden Copycat Recipe

Garnishes

For a legit Italian-American touch, scatter plenty of fresh, chopped parsley over the top. A little extra shaved Parmesan or even a light drizzle of olive oil can also make the dish feel restaurant-worthy. If you love a pop of color, add sliced basil or even a handful of colorful cherry tomatoes for summery brightness.

Side Dishes

Chicken Parmigiana Olive Garden Copycat Recipe pairs beautifully with a tangle of spaghetti, garlic bread, or a crisp green salad tossed with vinaigrette. You could also serve roasted vegetables, creamy risotto, or steamed broccoli on the side. Whatever you choose, these sides will round out your meal into a real Italian feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t be shy with your plating! Serve the crispy cutlet over a mound of pasta or nestle it on a wooden board for a rustic, shareable vibe. You could even slice the chicken for a sandwich or serve mini versions as party sliders. This Chicken Parmigiana Olive Garden Copycat Recipe is as adaptable as it is impressive!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Chicken Parmigiana stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. For best results, let the chicken cool before sealing it up. This way, you keep both the flavor and the signature crispy crust.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze Chicken Parmigiana Olive Garden Copycat Recipe! Place individual portions in freezer-safe containers or wrap tightly with foil and place in a zip-top bag. For longer freshness, freeze without the sauce and cheese, then add those right before reheating. It’ll taste just as good—if not better—later on!

Reheating

For the crispiest results, reheat chicken cutlets on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven until warmed through and the cheese is bubbly again. A quick blast under the broiler brings back that just-melted magic. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the breading a bit soggy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Definitely! Chicken thighs will give you an even juicier result. Just make sure to pound them to an even thickness and follow the breading and cooking steps as outlined for a delicious spin on the classic Chicken Parmigiana Olive Garden Copycat Recipe.

What’s the best way to get the breading extra crispy?

Opt for panko breadcrumbs and press the coated chicken firmly into the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture. Frying in hot oil (not overcrowding the pan) is also crucial—this locks in that signature crunchy crust loved in every bite.

Can I assemble this ahead and bake later?

Absolutely, just bread and fry the chicken in advance. When you’re ready to serve, layer on the sauce and cheese, then bake until the cheese melts and the chicken is heated through. This makes entertaining with Chicken Parmigiana Olive Garden Copycat Recipe hassle-free!

Is there a gluten-free version?

For a gluten-free take, simply swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free alternative and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. You’ll get the same homey, crispy result without compromising flavor or texture in your Chicken Parmigiana Olive Garden Copycat Recipe.

Do I have to use a skillet that’s oven-safe?

Using an oven-safe skillet is ideal for a seamless stovetop-to-oven transition. If your skillet isn’t oven-proof, transfer the fried, sauced, and cheesed chicken to a baking dish before the final bake. The taste will still be spot on!

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about making a Chicken Parmigiana Olive Garden Copycat Recipe right in your own kitchen. The crispy coating, melty cheese, and zesty sauce are pure comfort in every forkful. Give this recipe a try and see just how easy (and fun!) it is to bring this beloved restaurant favorite to life at home. I can promise it won’t be your last time making it!

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