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Chicken Parmesan Recipe
As the sun sets, the smell of tomato sauce fills the air. There’s nothing like the comfort of a classic chicken parmesan dish. It’s a favorite in Italian-American cuisine, taking you to a cozy trattoria.
Here, crispy breaded chicken, tangy marinara, and melted cheese come together. This offers a gastronomic experience that is both familiar and unique.
Whether you’re an experienced home cook or a foodie, this chicken parmesan dish is a must-try. With the right ingredients and a few simple steps, you can bring Italy’s flavors to your kitchen. Your family and friends will love it.
Key Takeaways
- Chicken parmesan is a beloved Italian-American comfort food dish
- The key elements are crispy breaded chicken, savory marinara sauce, and melted cheese
- This dish has a great taste and mouth feel.
- It’s an adaptable dish that may be served as a main course or as part of a bigger meal.
- With the correct supplies and preparation, you can produce excellent, restaurant-quality chicken parmesan at home.
Introduction to Classic Chicken Parmesan
Chicken parmigiana, or parmesan chicken, is a favorite dish in Italian-American cuisine. It comes from Italy’s rich culinary history. But the version Americans love is a special twist that has grown over time.
Origins of Chicken Parmigiana
The story of chicken parmigiana starts with Melanzane alla Parmigiana, or eggplant Parmesan. This Italian dish has breaded and fried eggplant, topped with tomato sauce and cheese. Italian immigrants brought this idea to the U.S., changing it to use chicken instead of eggplant.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
The chicken parmigiana recipe is loved for its mix of flavors and textures. The crispy chicken breading adds a nice crunch. The melted cheese and tomato sauce blend together perfectly, making it a favorite dish.
Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed
Making the perfect Chicken Parmesan needs the right tools and equipment. From basic cookware to extra gadgets, the right tools can greatly improve your dish.
Essential Cookware
You’ll need a few key pieces to start. A strong meat mallet is key for tender chicken. A big skillet or frying pan is needed for searing the chicken. And, a baking dish is required for baking the Chicken Parmesan.
Optional Kitchen Gadgets
Some extra tools can make cooking easier and better. A food processor or blender helps make smooth marinara sauce. A breading station with bowls for flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs makes breading quicker.
Preparation Surfaces
For preparing ingredients, a clean cutting board is crucial. Also, a strong work surface, like a countertop or kitchen table, gives you space to assemble the Chicken Parmesan before baking.
| Essential Cookware | Optional Kitchen Gadgets | Preparation Surfaces |
|---|---|---|
| Meat mallet Skillet or frying pan Baking dish | Food processor or blender Breading station | Cutting board Work surface (countertop or kitchen table) |
Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Chicken Parmesan
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup All-purpose flour
- 2 cups large eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 cup Breadcrumbs (Panko or regular)
- 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 cups Marinera sauce
- 2 cups Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil, oregano, and parsley for garnish
- Olive oil for frying
- 1/2 cup Prepared tomato sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450 °F (230 °C).
- Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of thick plastic (resealable freezer bags work best) on a sturdy, flat surface. Pound the chicken firmly with the smooth side of a meat mallet until it is 1/2-inch thick.
- Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper. Using a sifter or sieve, sprinkle flour over chicken breasts to evenly cover both sides.
- In a small dish, beat the eggs. Set aside. In a separate dish, combine bread crumbs and 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese. Set aside. Dip a floured chicken breast in beaten eggs. Transfer the breast to the bread crumb mixture, pressing it into both sides. Repeat with each breast. Allow chicken to rest for 10-15 minutes.
- Heat 1/2 inch olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Cook the chicken in the heated oil until golden, about 2 minutes per side. The chicken will finish cooking in the oven.
- Transfer the chicken to a baking dish. Cover each breast with 2 tablespoons tomato sauce. Fill each chicken breast with equal parts mozzarella cheese, fresh basil, and provolone cheese. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan on top and sprinkle each with 1/2 teaspoon olive oil.
- Bake 15 to 20 minutes in a preheated oven until the cheese is browned and bubbling and the chicken breasts are no longer pink in the center. An instant-read thermometer put in the middle should register at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).
FAQ On Chicken Parmesan Recipe
What is Chicken Parmesan?
Chicken Parmesan is a dish loved by many. Crispy breaded chicken is covered with tomato sauce and melted cheese. The cheese is usually parmesan and mozzarella. It combines savory, cheesy, and pleasant flavors.
What chicken cut is best for Chicken Parmesan?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts make the best Chicken Parmesan. They’re sturdy for breading and baking. This keeps the chicken juicy and tender.
Can I make Chicken Parmesan ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep Chicken Parmesan early. Bread and refrigerate the chicken a day or two in advance. You may also make the tomato sauce ahead of time and reheat when needed.
How do I get the breading to be crispy on Chicken Parmesan?
For crispy breading, bread the chicken well and press the mixture on. Briefly frying the chicken before baking helps too. Panko breadcrumbs can also make it crunchier.
Can I use a different type of cheese besides parmesan and mozzarella?
You can try other cheeses for Chicken Parmesan. Options like provolone, fontina, or Italian cheese blends are good alternatives. It’s all about what you like best.
How long does Chicken Parmesan take to bake?
Chicken Parmesan usually bakes for 20-25 minutes at 400°F (200°C). The cooking time varies according to the thickness of the chicken and the temperature of the oven. Always check the chicken’s internal temperature, which should be 165°F (75°C).
Can I freeze Chicken Parmesan?
Yes, you can freeze Chicken Parmesan. Assemble it but don’t bake. Wrap it securely in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and freeze for up to three months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking.
Did You Try Our Recipe?
I Love it
I tried this dish last night, and it was amazing! The chicken was crispy, the marinara sauce tasty, and the melted cheese on top completed the dish. The instructions were simple to follow, and the dish turned out exactly as it should have. My family couldn’t quit gushing about it, this is a keeper!
