Chicken Parmesan: A Classic Comfort Food You’ll Love
Chicken Parmesan is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. With crispy breaded chicken, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese, it’s the kind of meal that’s perfect for everything from a casual weeknight dinner to a special celebration. Best of all, it’s not as tricky to make as you might think!
In this recipe, I’ll guide you through every step to help you create a Chicken Parmesan that’s just as good—if not better—than what you’d get at a restaurant. From getting the chicken perfectly crispy to layering it with sauce and cheese, you’ll learn the tricks to nailing this comforting classic. Ready to get started? Let’s dive in!
What You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Chicken Parmesan:
For the Chicken:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, whisked
1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper
For the Sauce:
2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
For the Topping:
1½ cups shredded mozzarella
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil leaves for garnish
How to Make Chicken Parmesan
Step 1: Prep the Chicken:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Take the chicken breasts and slice them in half horizontally to make thinner cutlets. Use a meat mallet to gently pound them to about ½ inch thick so they cook evenly. Season both sides with a little salt and pepper.
Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station
Here’s how to coat the chicken:
Place flour in one shallow dish.
Beat the eggs and pour them into a second dish.
In a third dish, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and oregano.
Take each piece of chicken and dredge it in the flour first, shaking off the excess. Next, dip it into the egg mixture, making sure it’s fully coated. Finally, press it into the breadcrumb mixture, patting firmly to get a good, even coating. Set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat some olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the chicken cutlets for about 3–4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Don’t worry about cooking them all the way through—they’ll finish in the oven. Transfer the cooked chicken to a baking dish.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed and sauté the minced garlic for about a minute, just until fragrant. Pour in the marinara sauce and stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a bit of spice. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to develop the flavors.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Spoon the marinara sauce over each chicken cutlet. Top each piece with a generous handful of shredded mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Pop the dish into the oven and bake for about 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Once out of the oven, let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes. Garnish with fresh basil for a pop of color and extra flavor. Serve it with spaghetti, garlic bread, or a fresh salad—whatever makes you happiest.
A Few Helpful Tips
Use Quality Ingredients: Good marinara sauce and fresh mozzarella can take this dish to the next level.
Don’t Skip the Breading Steps: Taking the time to coat the chicken properly ensures it stays nice and crispy.
Make It Your Own: Add a splash of wine to the sauce or sprinkle some chili flakes on top for extra flavor.
And there you have it! A Chicken Parmesan recipe that’s crispy, cheesy, and absolutely satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit. Enjoy!
Post a Comment