Chicken Parmesan, also known as Chicken Parmigiana, is a beloved Italian-American dish consisting of breaded and fried chicken cutlets topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese. While the classic recipe is undeniably delicious, we’re here to take it up a notch with a mouthwatering twist that will have your taste buds singing. Get ready to elevate your culinary skills and impress your friends and family with our irresistible Chicken Parmesan recipe!
Ingredients
To make our delectable Chicken Parmesan, you’ll need:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably homemade for extra crunch)
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Preparation
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound them to an even thickness of about ½ inch.
Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
Breading Process
Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess.
Dip the chicken into the beaten eggs, ensuring it is fully coated.
Coat the chicken evenly in the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
Cooking Method
Option 1: Fry the chicken breasts in a skillet with oil over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown.
Option 2: Bake the chicken breasts on a lined baking sheet for 25-30 minutes, until cooked through and crispy.
Making the Sauce
In a saucepan, heat the marinara sauce over medium heat until warmed through.
Season with salt, pepper, and any additional herbs to taste, such as basil or oregano.
Layering and Baking
Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in the bottom of a baking dish.
Place the cooked chicken breasts on top of the sauce.
Top each chicken breast with a generous spoonful of marinara sauce and a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese.
Garnish and Presentation
Bake the Chicken Parmesan in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving for a pop of color and flavor.
Side Dish Suggestions
Pair your Chicken Parmesan with:
A crisp Caesar salad
Garlic bread or breadsticks
Roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli
Variations and Customizations
Eggplant Parmesan: Substitute thinly sliced eggplant for the chicken for a vegetarian twist.
Spicy Chicken Parmesan: Add crushed red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños for a kick of heat.
Mushroom Parmesan: Top the chicken with sautéed mushrooms and onions for extra flavor.
Healthier Options
Baked Chicken Parmesan: Opt for baking the chicken instead of frying for a lighter version.
Whole Wheat Breadcrumbs: Use whole wheat breadcrumbs for added fiber and nutrients.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or in the microwave for a quick meal.
Serving Suggestions
Family Dinner: Serve Chicken Parmesan with pasta and a side salad for a comforting meal.
Dinner Party: Impress your guests by plating individual servings with a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
While chicken thighs can be used, they may require longer cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked.
Can I make Chicken Parmesan ahead of time?
Yes! You can bread the chicken ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to cook.
What can I do with leftover marinara sauce?
Use it as a dipping sauce for mozzarella sticks or pizza rolls, or freeze it for future use.
Can I freeze Chicken Parmesan?
Yes, you can freeze assembled but unbaked Chicken Parmesan for up to 3 months.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers without drying out the chicken?
Reheat leftovers in the oven covered with foil to prevent the chicken from drying out.
Conclusion
In conclusion, our Chicken Parmesan recipe offers a delightful twist on the classic dish, perfect for any occasion. With its crispy breaded chicken, savory marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese, this recipe is sure to become a new family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, our Chicken Parmesan will impress even the most discerning palates. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to savor every bite of this delicious Italian-inspired dish!
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Easy Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, (large) about 1 1/2 lbs.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 large eggs beaten until frothy
- 1/2 cup Italian bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese shredded or grated
- 2 tsp Light olive oil to sauté
- 24 oz. marinara sauce
- 4 oz. mozzarella cheese (1 cup shredded)
- 1 tsp fresh basil, or parsley chopped for optional garnish
Instructions
- Trim chicken breasts and slice in half length-wise so you end up with 4 equal-thickness cutlets.* Season with salt and pepper.
- In a shallow bowl, stir together 1/2 cup flour, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. In a second bowl, whisk 2 eggs until frothy. In a third bowl, stir together 1/2 cup Italian bread crumbs with 1/2 cup parmesan cheese.
- Dip both sides of each chicken cutlet into the flour, tapping off the excess, then dip in beaten eggs, letting excess egg drip off and finally dip into the cheesy breadcrumbs, pressing cutlets into breading to ensure a thick, even coating of crumbs.
- Heat a large non-stick pan over medium heat and add enough olive oil to lightly coat the bottom of the pan. Once oil is hot, add chicken in batches (don't crowd the pan), sautéing 3-4 min per side or until golden brown and just cooked through.
- Pour 1 1/2 cups of marinara into a 9×13 casserole baking dish. Arrange chicken over sauce in a single layer. Top each chicken down the center with the remaining 1 1/2 cups marinara, then cover with shredded mozzarella. Bake uncovered at 425˚F for 15 minutes or until cheese is melted and sauce is bubbling. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil if desired.
Notes
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
- Keyword: chicken parmesan
- Skill Level: Easy/Medium
- Cost to Make: $$
- Calories: 499