Introduction
Chicken Parmesan is a beloved dish that combines tender chicken cutlets with a crispy coating, rich marinara sauce, and a delightful blend of cheeses. This recipe provides an easy-to-follow method for creating this classic Italian-American favorite that is sure to please your family and friends. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Chicken:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
½ cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
⅓ cup olive oil
Toppings:
1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1¼ cups freshly grated low-moisture mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Preparation
– Preheat the oven to 450°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray.
Prepare Chicken
– Slice each chicken breast in half horizontally to create 4 thin cutlets.
– Place the cutlets between two layers of plastic wrap and pound them to an even thickness of about ¼ inch.
Breading Station
– Set up three shallow bowls:
– First bowl: Add the flour.
– Second bowl: Whisk the eggs until well mixed.
– Third bowl: Combine the breadcrumbs, ½ cup Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Bread the Chicken
– Dredge each chicken cutlet in the flour, shaking off any excess.
– Dip into the beaten eggs.
– Coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure adherence.
Cook the Chicken
– Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
– Once hot, add two chicken cutlets and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
– Transfer the cooked cutlets to the prepared baking dish. Repeat with the remaining cutlets, adding more oil if necessary.
Assemble and Bake
– Spoon marinara sauce over each cutlet.
– Top with mozzarella cheese and the remaining Parmesan cheese.
– Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the chicken is cooked through.
Garnish and Serve
– Sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the top before serving.
– Enjoy your crispy chicken parmesan!
Notes
Chicken Preparation
– Ensure that the chicken is pounded evenly to avoid uneven cooking.
Breading Tips
– Press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken firmly to achieve a better crust.
Oil for Cooking
– Adjust the amount of olive oil as needed to prevent sticking and to achieve golden coloring on the cutlets.
Serving Suggestions
– Pair with a side salad or pasta to create a complete meal.
Cook techniques
Chicken Preparation
Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness for uniform cooking and tenderness.
Breading Station Setup
Create a systematic breading station with three shallow bowls to streamline the breading process.
Dredging Process
Properly dredge chicken in flour, then egg, and finally in the breadcrumb mixture for an even coating.
Cooking Technique
Pan-fry the chicken cutlets in olive oil over medium heat until golden brown, ensuring even cooking.
Assembling Layers
Layer marinara sauce and cheeses carefully to ensure a balanced flavor profile and good melting.
Baking
Bake at high heat to achieve a bubbly cheese topping while keeping the chicken moist and cooked through.
Garnishing
Finish with fresh basil for added freshness and flavor before serving.
FAQ
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used as a substitute for breasts; they may require slightly longer cooking time.
What can I use as a gluten-free alternative for breadcrumbs?
You can use gluten-free breadcrumbs, crushed gluten-free crackers, or almond flour as alternatives.
How can I make this dish lower in fat?
Bake the chicken cutlets without frying them in oil, or use an air fryer for a lighter option.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can bread the chicken a few hours before cooking or assemble the dish entirely and refrigerate it before baking.
What type of marinara sauce works best?
A store-bought sauce works well; however, a homemade sauce with fresh herbs and tomatoes can enhance the flavor.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Conclusion
This crispy chicken parmesan dish is not only simple to make but also bursting with flavor. The combination of seasoned breadcrumbs, tangy marinara, and gooey mozzarella creates a delicious meal that is sure to please everyone. Serve it hot with your favorite sides for a satisfying dinner.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Chicken Piccata
Marinate the chicken cutlets in lemon juice and capers before frying, and serve with a buttery white wine sauce.
Chicken Marsala
Use the same breading method, then sauté the chicken in a rich mushroom and marsala wine sauce for a delicious twist.
Stuffed Chicken Parmesan
Stuff the chicken cutlets with spinach, ricotta, and herbs before breading for added flavor and texture.
Buffalo Chicken Parmesan
After baking, drizzle with buffalo sauce and serve with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing for a spicy kick.
Zucchini Noodles as a Base
Serve your chicken parmesan over spiralized zucchini noodles for a healthy, low-carb alternative to pasta.
Italian Chicken Sandwiches
Slice the breaded chicken and serve it on a toasted bun with marinara, mozzarella, and fresh basil for a delicious sandwich option.
