Chicken Parmesan is a beloved Italian-American dish that combines crispy, breaded chicken with a rich marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. This recipe is a foolproof way to make Chicken Parmesan at home, perfect for a comforting family dinner or a special occasion. Here’s how to make this classic dish:
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Pounded to an even thickness. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and stays juicy.
- Salt and black pepper – To taste; for seasoning the chicken.
- 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour – For dredging the chicken to help the egg and breadcrumbs adhere.
- 2 large eggs – Beaten; helps bind the breadcrumbs to the chicken.
- 1 1/2 cups (150 g) Italian-style breadcrumbs – For coating the chicken; gives it a crispy, flavorful crust.
- 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese – Mixed with the breadcrumbs for added flavor.
- 1 cup (240 ml) vegetable oil – For frying the chicken; use enough to coat the bottom of the pan.
- 2 cups (480 ml) marinara sauce – Store-bought or homemade; used to top the chicken.
- 2 cups (200 g) shredded mozzarella cheese – Melts beautifully over the marinara sauce.
- Fresh basil – For garnish; adds a touch of freshness and color.
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Gently pound the chicken with a meat mallet or rolling pin until it is an even thickness, about 1/2 inch thick. This ensures even cooking and a nice, tender texture.
- Season both sides of each chicken breast with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Dredge and Coat:
- Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes. In the first dish, place the all-purpose flour. In the second dish, beat the eggs. In the third dish, combine the Italian-style breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess. Dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the chicken with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure an even coating.
- Fry the Chicken:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You want enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan by about 1/4 inch.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully add the breaded chicken breasts. Fry for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. You may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Transfer the fried chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Assemble the Dish:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in the bottom of a baking dish. Place the fried chicken breasts on top of the sauce.
- Spoon additional marinara sauce over each chicken breast, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake:
- Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- For a golden, bubbly top, you can place the dish under the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the Chicken Parmesan from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and freshness.
- Serve hot, ideally with a side of pasta, a green salad, or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Tips for Success
- Uniform Thickness: Make sure the chicken breasts are pounded to an even thickness to ensure they cook uniformly and remain tender.
- Oil Temperature: Ensure the oil is hot before adding the chicken to get a crispy crust. If the oil is not hot enough, the breadcrumbs will absorb too much oil and become soggy.
- Cheese Variation: For a twist, try using a blend of cheeses, such as provolone or fontina, along with the mozzarella.
Variations
- Spicy Chicken Parmesan: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a bit of heat.
- Eggplant Parmesan: Substitute eggplant slices for the chicken breasts for a delicious vegetarian option.
- Chicken Parmesan Bake: Layer cooked pasta in the baking dish before adding the chicken for a hearty, all-in-one meal.
This Classic Chicken Parmesan recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. The combination of crispy, breaded chicken, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese makes for a meal that is both comforting and satisfying. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a special occasion, this Chicken Parmesan is sure to impress. Enjoy every bite of this timeless dish!
