Introduction:
Chicken Parmesan is a beloved Italian-American dish that combines crispy breaded chicken cutlets, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese. This comforting classic is perfect for a cozy family dinner or entertaining guests. Easy to prepare, Chicken Parmesan brings together delightful flavors and textures in every bite.
Inspiration Behind the Recipe:
Originating in Italy, Chicken Parmesan has evolved into a staple in many households around the world. This recipe embraces traditional flavors while allowing for modern adaptations, making it a timeless favorite.
Ingredients Breakdown:
- For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian seasoned)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- For the Topping:
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish, optional)
Step-by-Step Recipe:
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap and pound them to an even thickness, about 1/2 inch thick. This helps them cook evenly.
- Set Up Breading Station:
- In three separate shallow dishes, set up your breading station: one with flour seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bread the Chicken:
- Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, shaking off the excess. Then dip it in the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing down to ensure an even coating.
- Fry the Chicken:
- In a large skillet, heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the breaded chicken breasts and fry for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Assemble the Dish:
- In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Place the fried chicken breasts in the dish, then spoon additional marinara sauce over each piece. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden top, you can broil for an additional 1-2 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired, and serve hot with pasta, garlic bread, or a side salad.
Tips for the Perfect Chicken Parmesan:
- Pound the Chicken: Ensuring an even thickness helps the chicken cook uniformly and prevents drying out.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly grated cheese and homemade marinara can elevate the flavors significantly.
- Adjust Cooking Time: If your chicken breasts are thicker, you may need to adjust the cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked.
Variations and Customizations:
- Add Veggies: Incorporate sautéed spinach or mushrooms into the marinara sauce for added nutrition and flavor.
- Eggplant Parmesan: Substitute chicken with breaded and fried eggplant slices for a vegetarian version.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for a spicy twist.
Health Considerations and Nutritional Value:
- Lean Protein Option: Using skinless chicken breasts provides a lean source of protein.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free options or ground almonds for a gluten-free version.
FAQ:
- Can I prepare Chicken Parmesan ahead of time?
Yes! You can bread the chicken and prepare the marinara sauce ahead of time, then assemble and bake when ready to serve. - How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover Chicken Parmesan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving. - Can I freeze Chicken Parmesan?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked Chicken Parmesan. Let it cool, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen or thaw overnight in the fridge.
Chicken Parmesan
Savor the classic flavors of Chicken Parmesan, featuring crispy breaded chicken topped with marinara sauce and gooey mozzarella. Perfect for any occasion, this hearty dish is sure to impress family and friends!
Ingredients
- 4 skinless boneless chicken breast halves
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs or more if needed
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese divided
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or more if needed
- ½ cup olive oil for frying or as needed
- ½ cup prepared tomato sauce
- ¼ cup fresh mozzarella cut into small cubes
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
- ½ cup grated provolone cheese
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
- Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Place chicken breasts between two sheets of heavy plastic (resealable freezer bags work well) on a solid, level surface. Use the smooth side of a meat mallet to pound the chicken to a thickness of 1/2 inch.
Season and Coat the Chicken:
- Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper.
- Sift flour over the chicken breasts, coating both sides evenly.
Prepare the Breading:
- Beat the eggs in a shallow bowl.
- In a separate bowl, mix the panko bread crumbs and ½ cup of the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Dip the flour-coated chicken breasts into the beaten eggs, then transfer to the breadcrumb mixture, pressing the crumbs into both sides. Repeat for all chicken breasts. Let them rest for 10 to 15 minutes.
Fry the Chicken:
- Heat ½ inch of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
- Cook the chicken for about 2 minutes per side, until golden brown. The chicken will finish cooking in the oven.
Assemble the Dish:
- Transfer the fried chicken to a baking dish.
- Top each chicken breast with 2 tablespoons of tomato sauce, then layer with equal amounts of mozzarella cheese, fresh basil, and provolone cheese.
- Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese over the top and drizzle each with ½ teaspoon of olive oil.
Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, until the cheese is browned and bubbly and the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
Serve:
- Remove from the oven and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Notes
- Tomato Sauce: For the best flavor, use high-quality prepared tomato sauce.
- Herb Substitutes: If you prefer, you can substitute pesto or dried Italian herbs for fresh basil, or omit the herbs entirely.
