Chicken Parmesan stands as a beloved dish, treasured by families across the globe. Its humble beginnings come from Italy, merging the simplicity of chicken with the rich flavors of cheese and marinara.
Why We Love This Chicken Parmesan Recipe
This Chicken Parmesan recipe brings together tender chicken, zesty marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese to create the perfect balance of flavors. You’ll find that making it at home allows you to customize the ingredients to fit your tastes. Whether enjoyed as a weekend meal or a cozy weeknight dinner, this dish satisfies cravings while also evoking a sense of warmth and comfort. Plus, the combination of crispy chicken and rich sauce creates a texture that tantalizes the taste buds. It’s a meal everyone can appreciate, and it’s sure to impress your family and friends!
Ingredients about Chicken Parmesan Recipe
To craft this tantalizing Chicken Parmesan, you’ll need a selection of simple yet impactful ingredients:
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan
- 3 tablespoons chopped parsley
- 1 cup olive oil
- 2 cups low-moisture mozzarella, shredded or thinly sliced
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- Fresh basil and parsley leaves for garnish
How to Make Chicken Parmesan Recipe Directions
Making Chicken Parmesan is a fulfilling process that combines both technique and creativity. Let’s break down the steps to ensure a delicious outcome.
Preheat your oven to 425°F. This sets the stage for a perfectly cooked chicken with a golden finish.
Begin by butterflying the chicken breasts. Use a sharp knife to cut each breast lengthwise down the middle, creating six cutlets in total. This helps the chicken cook evenly and quickly.
Pound each piece of chicken until it flattens out evenly. This step not only makes the chicken tender but also ensures a uniform cooking time.
In one bowl, combine the beaten eggs with a pinch of salt and black pepper. In another bowl, mix the flour with salt and pepper. Finally, in a third bowl, blend the Panko and Italian breadcrumbs with the grated Parmesan and chopped parsley. This assembly line will make the breading process smooth.
Dredge each chicken cutlet in the flour mixture first, shaking off any excess before dipping it into the egg wash. Afterward, coat it generously with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure it sticks well.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. It should shimmer when it’s hot enough. Cook the chicken cutlets in batches until they turn a lovely golden brown, around 4 minutes per side. Be careful not to crowd the pan; this allows the chicken to crisp up better.
Once browned, remove the chicken and place it on a paper towel-lined plate. This step absorbs any excess grease, leaving you with crispiness instead of sogginess.
Now, prepare a baking sheet and top each chicken cutlet with a generous dollop of marinara sauce, followed by a melty layer of low-moisture mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
After baking, take the Chicken Parmesan out and immediately garnish with fresh basil and parsley. Serve it hot and enjoy the wonderful aroma that fills your kitchen!
How to Serve Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Serving Chicken Parmesan can be just as fun as preparing it! This dish pairs beautifully with various sides. A classic option is to serve it over a bed of spaghetti, making the meal hearty and satisfying. The combination of tomato sauce and pasta complements the chicken flavors perfectly.
If you want something lighter, consider a fresh side salad dressed with Italian vinaigrette. The crispness of the vegetables balances the richness of the chicken. For bread lovers, garlic bread or warm Italian rolls make excellent accompaniments. Drizzle a bit of olive oil and sprinkle some herbs on them before serving for an extra flavor boost.
When plating, ensure the chicken is atop the pasta, adorned with a sprinkle of fresh herbs that brings vibrancy and color to the dish. It’s sure to impress anyone at your dining table!
Expert Tips: Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Chicken Breasts: Opt for chicken breasts of similar size for even cooking. If they are too thick, consider pounding them to an even thickness.
Breadcrumbs: Experiment with different kinds of breadcrumbs. Panko gives a light and crunchy texture while Italian breadcrumbs offer distinct flavor profiles.
Browning: Don’t rush the browning process. Make sure your oil is hot enough before adding the chicken; if not, the breading will absorb too much oil and become soggy.
Cheese: For a gooey and stretchy cheese experience, you can mix mozzarella with provolone or fontina, adding depth to the flavor.
Marinara Sauce: Homemade marinara can elevate the dish even more. Using fresh tomatoes, garlic, and herbs can add a personal touch.
How to Store Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Should you have any leftovers, storing Chicken Parmesan properly will keep it fresh. Allow the chicken to cool completely and then transfer it to an airtight container. You can refrigerate it for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe container. It will stay good for 2-3 months in the freezer.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat it in the oven to maintain the crispiness. If the chicken has been frozen, allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Variation of Chicken Parmesan Recipe
While the classic Chicken Parmesan is a hit, there are many delightful variations that can spark creativity in your kitchen:
Eggplant Parmesan: Swap out chicken for thinly sliced eggplant that you can bread and fry. Similarly, layer with sauce and cheese for a vegetarian version.
Zucchini Parmesan: For a healthier twist, use zucchini slices instead. Lightly bread and fry them for a delicious alternative that’s lower in calories but still rich in flavor.
Stuffed Chicken Parmesan: Create a stuffed version by filling the chicken breasts with spinach and ricotta cheese before breading and baking.
Spicy Chicken Parmesan: Add some heat by mixing red pepper flakes into the breadcrumb mixture or layering spicy marinara sauce.
Chicken Parmesan Sandwich: Serve your Chicken Parmesan between two slices of Italian bread for a delightful sandwich experience, topped with additional marinara and cheese.
FAQ about Chicken Parmesan Recipe
What ingredients are in the Chicken Parmesan recipe?
In this Chicken Parmesan recipe, you will use boneless chicken breasts, Italian breadcrumbs, panko breadcrumbs, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan, among others.
How can I make Chicken Parmesan healthier?
For a healthier option, consider using whole wheat breadcrumbs, less oil for frying, and baking instead of frying the chicken.
Can Chicken Parmesan be made in advance?
Definitely! You can prepare Chicken Parmesan in advance, refrigerate, or freeze it, and then bake it just before serving to enjoy its deliciousness.
How long does it take to cook Chicken Parmesan?
The total time for making Chicken Parmesan, including preparation and cooking, is approximately 40-50 minutes.
What is the best way to reheat leftover Chicken Parmesan?
The best way to reheat leftover Chicken Parmesan is to use the oven to maintain the crispy texture, but you can use a microwave if you’re short on time.
Chicken Parmesan
Equipment
- Skillet
- Oven
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Knife
Ingredients
- 3 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds)
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
- 6 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan
- 3 Tbsp. chopped parsley
- 1 cup olive oil
- 2 cups low-moisture mozzarella shredded or thinly sliced
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- Fresh basil and parsley leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Butterfly the chicken breasts by slicing them lengthwise to create six cutlets. Pound each piece to an even thickness.
- In one bowl, combine beaten eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper. In another bowl, mix flour with salt and pepper. In a third bowl, combine Panko and Italian breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan and chopped parsley.
- Dredge each chicken cutlet in flour, dip in the egg wash, and coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken cutlets until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Prepare a baking sheet and top each cutlet with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with fresh basil and parsley before serving.
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