Traditional Chicken Parmesan

Introduction:
Traditional Chicken Parmesan is a classic dish that combines crispy breaded chicken with rich marinara sauce and gooey melted cheese. Served over pasta or with a side of garlic bread, it’s a comforting meal that never goes out of style.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Crispy and Tender: The chicken is breaded and fried to perfection, ensuring a crispy exterior and juicy interior.
• Cheesy Goodness: Topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
• Classic Comfort Food: A favorite for family dinners and special occasions.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian seasoned)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Sauce:

• 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

For Topping:

• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves (for garnish, optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Chicken:
   • If the chicken breasts are thick, you can pound them to an even thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin. This helps them cook evenly.
3. Bread the Chicken:
   • Set up a breading station: Place the flour in one shallow dish, beat the eggs in another dish, and mix the breadcrumbs with 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese in a third dish.
   • Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Dredge each piece in the flour, shaking off the excess. Dip in the beaten eggs, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Fry the Chicken:
   • Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the breaded chicken breasts for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
5. Prepare the Sauce:
   • In a small saucepan, heat the marinara sauce over medium heat. Stir in the dried basil, oregano, and garlic powder. Simmer for a few minutes to combine the flavors.
6. Assemble the Dish:
   • Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in the bottom of a baking dish (9×13 inches works well). Place the fried chicken breasts on top of the sauce.
   • Spoon additional marinara sauce over each piece of chicken. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
7. Bake:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the chicken is heated through.
8. Garnish and Serve:
   • Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve over cooked pasta or with garlic bread.

Tips for Success:

• Breadcrumbs: Use Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs for added flavor, or make your own by seasoning plain breadcrumbs.
• Chicken Thickness: Ensure the chicken breasts are of even thickness for uniform cooking.

Recipe Variations:

• Chicken Cutlets: For a quicker version, use chicken cutlets instead of whole breasts.
• Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a bit of heat.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with spaghetti, penne, or your favorite pasta.
• Pair with a side salad or steamed vegetables.

Freezing and Storage:

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken Parmesan in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Special Equipment:

• Skillet: For frying the chicken.
• Baking Dish: For baking the assembled Chicken Parmesan.

FAQ:

• Can I use a different type of cheese?
  Yes, you can substitute provolone or fontina cheese for the mozzarella if desired.
• Can I make this dish ahead of time?
  Yes, you can prepare the Chicken Parmesan up to the baking stage, then refrigerate or freeze until ready to bake.

Preparation Time:

• 20 minutes for prepping and breading the chicken.

Cook Time:

• 20 minutes for baking.

Total Time:

• 40 minutes (including prep and cook time).

Nutrition Information (per serving, assuming 4 servings):

• Calories: 500
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Cholesterol: 130mg
• Sodium: 950mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 6g

Print

Closing Notes:
Traditional Chicken Parmesan is a timeless favorite that brings together crispy chicken, savory sauce, and melted cheese. It’s a meal that’s sure to please the whole family!