Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Keyword: Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Chicken Parmesan is a classic Italian-American dish that combines juicy chicken breasts with a tangy tomato sauce, creamy mozzarella cheese, and crispy breadcrumbs. This versatile recipe can be enjoyed as part of a meal or as a quick, tasty snack. Whether you're looking to impress your guests at dinner time or serve it up for lunch on a busy weekday, Chicken Parmesan is always a hit! In this article, we will walk you through how to prepare delicious Chicken Parmesan and share some tips to ensure the best results every time.

Ingredients required:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 eggs
• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Olive oil, for frying
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Cooking time: Approximately 40 minutes. Serves 4.

Steps to Make Chicken Parmesan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Start by preparing the breadcrumbs, eggs, and cheese mixture for coating the chicken breasts. In a shallow bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.

In another shallow dish or pie plate, beat the two eggs until well combined. Place this egg mixture next to your breadcrumb mixture. This setup will help you coat each piece of chicken evenly with the right texture before cooking.

Coating and Frying the Chicken

Place a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat, add about 1/2 inch (1 cm) of olive oil to the pan. Once the oil is hot, dip one piece of chicken into the egg mixture first, making sure it’s fully coated, then press it gently against the breadcrumbs mixture until well-coated on all sides.

Repeat this process with remaining pieces of chicken. Once all four pieces are ready, place them in the pan, and fry until golden brown on both sides. You should aim for a total cooking time of about 8-10 minutes per side. As each piece is done, transfer it to an oven-safe dish. Continue cooking until all chicken breasts have been fried.

Assembling the Chicken Parmesan

In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the crushed tomatoes, garlic, and any other seasonings you prefer. Let this simmer for about 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld together. Once your tomato mixture reaches your desired consistency, pour it over the fried chicken pieces in the oven-safe dish.

Evenly distribute the shredded mozzarella cheese over each piece of chicken. Cover with aluminum foil if you want to keep them warm while you prepare the final steps.

Baking and Serving

Place your assembled Chicken Parmesan in the preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from the oven carefully using oven mitts to avoid burns.

To serve, garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired, and let your Chicken Parmesan rest for a couple of minutes before serving. Serve immediately while still warm for the best texture and flavor experience.

Tips for Perfecting Your Chicken Parmesan

• Cut the chicken breasts into even portions: This ensures that all pieces cook uniformly.
• Use fresh breadcrumbs: Freshly prepared breadcrumbs will provide a crispier coating than pre-packaged ones. You can make them by finely grinding dry bread in your food processor or blender.
• Allow the chicken to rest: Letting your Chicken Parmesan sit for a few minutes after baking allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicier meat when you slice into it.
• Taste and season the tomato sauce: Adding salt, pepper, or other spices before serving can enhance overall flavor. Taste as you go!

Conclusion

Chicken Parmesan is an iconic dish that combines flavors from Italy with American cooking techniques. By following this simple recipe and some expert tips provided here, anyone can create a delicious meal right at home! From its rich sauce to the crispy coating around each piece of chicken, every bite promises a memorable taste experience. Not only does it appeal visually due to its golden hue and bright red tomato sauce, but it also delivers excellent flavor with a balance of savory and sweet elements.

Try this Chicken Parmesan recipe as soon as possible! It’s perfect for entertaining friends or family, making for an easy yet impressive dish that everyone will love. Enjoy your cooking and happy eating!