We’ve always loved Chicken Parmesan for its crispy, cheesy goodness and Italian-American roots, making it a go-to comfort food that brings families together. Today we’re putting a flavorful spin on this classic with Ragu sauce, turning it into a hearty ragu chicken version that’s simple yet irresistible.
This recipe combines tender breaded chicken with rich, savory Ragu for a dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Our easy steps ensure you get that perfect golden crust and melted cheese every time, so let’s dive in and create something delicious.
Ingredients
In our Ragu Chicken Parmesan recipe, we select high-quality ingredients that blend Italian-American flavors with ease. Below, we list them in the order they’re used, complete with precise measurements and prep notes to ensure a delicious, foolproof dish.
Main Components
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds total; pound to 1/2-inch thickness for even cooking and a perfect golden crust)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging; sift if lumpy to create a smooth coating)
- 2 large eggs (beaten in a shallow bowl; add a pinch of salt for better adhesion)
- 1.5 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs (preferably homemade or panko for extra crunch; mix in 1/4 cup grated Parmesan for added flavor)
- 2 cups Ragu sauce (a robust, jarred marinara variety; heat gently before use to enhance its rich, tomatoey aroma)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (freshly shredded for optimal melt; divide into portions for layering)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (finely grated; reserve some for topping to achieve that signature cheesy melt)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves (roughly chopped; add just before serving for a burst of herby freshness)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (extra-virgin for frying; use in a non-stick pan to prevent sticking and promote a crispy exterior)
- Salt and black pepper (to taste; season chicken before coating for enhanced flavor depth)
Tools and Equipment
To prepare our flavorful Ragu Chicken Parmesan with ease and precision, we need the right tools and equipment. These essentials help us achieve that perfect golden crust and bubbly cheese topping without any hassle. Building on our ingredient list, we’ll focus on items that streamline the breading, frying, and baking processes for a seamless cooking experience.
Essential Tools List
We recommend gathering the following tools, organized by their role in the recipe. This ensures everything flows smoothly from prep to plate.
- Mixing Bowls (medium and large): We use these for whisking eggs and combining breadcrumbs with seasonings. Opt for sturdy, non-slip bowls to prevent spills during the breading process.
- Frying Pan or Skillet (10-12 inches, non-stick or cast iron): Essential for searing the chicken breasts to a crispy golden brown. A non-stick surface helps us flip the chicken easily and reduces oil splatter.
- Baking Dish (9×13 inches, oven-safe): This is where we assemble the Ragu Chicken Parmesan layers, allowing the sauce and cheese to meld perfectly in the oven. Choose a glass or ceramic dish for even heat distribution.
- Meat Mallet or Rolling Pin: We rely on this to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness, ensuring they cook uniformly and stay tender.
- Tongs: Perfect for handling the chicken during frying and transferring it to the baking dish, giving us better control and safer kitchen maneuvers.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons (set of 1/4 to 1 cup, and spoons up to 1 tablespoon): Accurate measurements are key for our seasonings and liquids, so we always use a reliable set to avoid inconsistencies.
- Chef’s Knife and Cutting Board: We use the knife to slice chicken and chop fresh basil, paired with a sturdy cutting board for safe, efficient prep work.
- Oven Mitts and Spatula: These protect our hands during baking and help us serve the dish without messing up the cheesy topping.
By having these tools ready, we ensure our Ragu Chicken Parmesan preparation is efficient and enjoyable, setting the stage for the cooking steps ahead.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our high-quality ingredients and essential tools, we guide you through the straightforward steps to prepare our flavorful Ragu Chicken Parmesan. Follow these instructions closely for a dish with a perfect golden crust and irresistibly melted cheese.
Prep the Chicken
First, we place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts on a cutting board and pound them with a meat mallet or rolling pin to an even 1/2-inch thickness, ensuring tender, uniform pieces that cook perfectly. Next, we season the chicken generously with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper for enhanced flavor.
To set up our breading station, we prepare three shallow bowls: one with 1 cup of all-purpose flour mixed with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, another with 2 beaten eggs, and the third with 1 cup of Italian-style breadcrumbs combined with 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan for a crispy, cheesy coating. We dip each chicken breast first into the flour mixture to coat evenly, then into the eggs for adhesion, and finally into the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure they stick well. This step creates a golden, crunchy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the juicy interior.
Cook the Chicken
We heat 1/4 cup of olive oil in a large frying pan or skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers and a breadcrumb sizzles on contact. Carefully, we add the breaded chicken breasts to the hot oil, cooking them for 3-4 minutes per side until they turn a deep golden brown and release a mouthwatering aroma of toasted breadcrumbs and herbs.
Once cooked, we transfer the chicken to a paper-lined plate to drain any excess oil, ensuring our Ragu Chicken Parmesan remains light and not greasy. We aim for an internal temperature of 165°F, checked with a thermometer, to guarantee juicy, safe-to-eat chicken.
Assemble the Dish
We spread 1 cup of Ragu sauce evenly across the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, creating a flavorful base that infuses every bite. We place the cooked chicken breasts on top of the sauce, then spoon another 1 cup of Ragu sauce over them for a hearty, tomato-rich layer.
Next, we sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauced chicken, followed by an additional 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan for a melty, bubbly topping that promises irresistible gooeyness. Finally, we garnish with 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil for a burst of vibrant, aromatic freshness that elevates our Ragu Chicken Parmesan to Italian-American perfection.
Bake the Ragu Chicken Parmesan
We preheat our oven to 375°F and position the assembled baking dish on the middle rack. We bake the dish for 20-25 minutes, watching as the cheese melts into a golden, bubbling masterpiece and the aromas of tomato, basil, and cheese fill the kitchen.
After baking, we remove the dish using oven mitts and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld, ensuring our Ragu Chicken Parmesan is ready to serve with a satisfying, hearty texture.
Make-Ahead Instructions
One of the beauties of our Ragu Chicken Parmesan recipe is its flexibility for busy schedules. We can prepare key components in advance to save time while ensuring the dish retains its crispy crust and flavorful sauce. Below, we break down the steps for making ahead, storing, and reheating to keep everything fresh and delicious.
Preparing the Chicken Ahead
To streamline our cooking process, we recommend prepping the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. Start by pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness as outlined in our preparation steps. After seasoning, dredge the chicken in flour, dip in beaten eggs, and coat with Italian-style breadcrumbs. Once breaded, place the pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours. This step ensures the coating stays crisp when we’re ready to fry.
Making the Sauce and Assembly in Advance
Our hearty Ragu sauce can be prepared ahead to let flavors meld even more. Cook the sauce separately by simmering it with your favorite seasonings, then let it cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. For assembly, we can partially build the dish ahead: Spread a layer of the cooled Ragu sauce in the baking dish, add the cooked (or pre-breaded) chicken, top with sauce, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and fresh basil, then cover and refrigerate the entire assembled dish for up to 8 hours. Avoid baking until just before serving to prevent the topping from becoming soggy.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Proper storage is key to maintaining the quality of our Ragu Chicken Parmesan. If we’ve fully prepared and baked the dish ahead, let it cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 1 month—use a layer of foil over the top to protect the cheese.
When reheating, we thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator if needed. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for 15-20 minutes until heated through, then uncover for 5 minutes to restore that bubbly, golden topping. For a quicker option, use the microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes per portion, but we advise finishing in the oven for the best texture.
| Make-Ahead Step | Storage Method | Duration | Reheating Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breaded Chicken | Refrigerator | Up to 24 hours | Fry as directed in the recipe. |
| Prepared Ragu Sauce | Refrigerator or Freezer | Up to 3 days (fridge) or 3 months (freezer) | Simmer on stovetop until warm. |
| Assembled Dish | Refrigerator | Up to 8 hours | Bake as per recipe instructions. |
| Fully Baked Dish | Refrigerator or Freezer | Up to 2 days (fridge) or 1 month (freezer) | Oven-bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes. |
Conclusion
We’ve loved sharing this Ragu Chicken Parmesan recipe as it’s a simple way to bring Italian-American comfort to your table. It’s perfect for busy days or gatherings and delivers that satisfying crispy crust and cheesy goodness every time.
We’re sure it’ll become a staple in your kitchen so dive in and enjoy the flavors we’ve highlighted. Share your twists with us for even more fun.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ragu Chicken Parmesan?
Ragu Chicken Parmesan is a tasty twist on the classic Italian-American dish, featuring breaded chicken topped with Ragu sauce, melted cheese, and herbs. It’s a hearty comfort food that’s easy to prepare for weeknight meals or special occasions, blending crispy chicken with flavorful sauce for a satisfying dinner.
What ingredients are needed for Ragu Chicken Parmesan?
You’ll need boneless, skinless chicken breasts, all-purpose flour, eggs, Italian-style breadcrumbs, Ragu sauce, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, fresh basil, olive oil, and seasonings. These high-quality ingredients ensure a perfect blend of flavors, with precise measurements provided in the recipe for easy preparation.
What tools are required to make Ragu Chicken Parmesan?
Essential tools include mixing bowls, a frying pan or skillet, a baking dish, a meat mallet or rolling pin, tongs, measuring cups and spoons, a chef’s knife and cutting board, oven mitts, and a spatula. These items help achieve a golden crust and bubbly cheese topping for an efficient cooking experience.
How do I prepare Ragu Chicken Parmesan?
Start by pounding and seasoning chicken breasts, then bread them using flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs. Fry until golden, layer in a baking dish with Ragu sauce, more sauce, cheese, and basil, then bake until bubbly. The process takes about 30-40 minutes of prep and cooking for a delicious result.
Can I make Ragu Chicken Parmesan ahead of time?
Yes, bread the chicken up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it. Prepare Ragu sauce ahead and store for up to three days in the fridge or three months frozen. You can also assemble the dish and refrigerate for up to eight hours before baking, making it ideal for busy schedules.
How should I store leftover Ragu Chicken Parmesan?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze for up to three months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to maintain crispiness and flavor, avoiding microwaving to prevent sogginess.
Is Ragu Chicken Parmesan suitable for special occasions?
Absolutely, its hearty flavors and golden presentation make it perfect for gatherings or holidays. The recipe is straightforward yet impressive, serving 4-6 people, and can be prepped ahead to reduce stress on the day of your event.