Delicious Chicken Parmesan: A Classic Italian Favorite

Chicken Parmesan is a beloved Italian-American dish that has become popular around the world. This classic recipe combines tender chicken strips with a rich tomato sauce and melted mozzarella cheese, all baked to perfection until golden brown on top.

Today, we will guide you through making your own delicious Chicken Parmesan at home. With minimal effort and time, you can enjoy this comforting meal right from the comfort of your kitchen!

Cooking Time: 1 hour

Servings: 4

Ingredients You Will Need:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 3/4 cup Italian breadcrumbs
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 jar (24 oz) of your favorite marinara sauce
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
• Cooked spaghetti or linguine pasta (optional)

Steps to Make Chicken Parmesan:

Step 1: Prepare the Breading Station.

On a plate, mix breadcrumbs with salt and pepper. In another shallow bowl, beat eggs well until combined. On a third plate or tray, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese evenly.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken Breasts.

Dip each chicken breast into beaten egg, letting excess drip off, then coat both sides with breadcrumbs. Press gently to adhere the crumbs firmly onto the chicken.

Step 3: Fry the Breaded Chicken.

In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and allow it to warm up until shimmering. Carefully place breaded chicken breasts into the hot oil. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Transfer cooked chicken onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 4: Assemble the Chicken Parmesan.

In a baking dish, spread a layer of marinara sauce evenly over the bottom. Arrange fried chicken pieces on top and pour remaining sauce all around them. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the chicken, followed by Italian seasoning for extra flavor.

Step 5: Bake the Dish.

Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25 minutes. Uncover and bake another 10-15 minutes or until cheese has melted completely and chicken is fully cooked through.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve.

Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. Optionally, serve the Chicken Parmesan alongside cooked spaghetti or linguine pasta for a hearty meal.

Tips for Perfect Results:

1. Breading should be even to ensure all parts of the chicken are well-coated and crispy when fried.
2. Make sure the oil in your skillet is hot enough before frying; otherwise, the breaded coating may not brown properly.
3. The sauce used will affect the taste significantly. Feel free to adjust seasoning according to personal preference or use a store-bought option that best suits you.

Enjoying Chicken Parmesan doesn't have to be limited to restaurants. With this simple recipe, you can bring this classic Italian-American dish right into your home. It's versatile enough to serve as a main course with pasta, or even as a topping for pizza or as part of a sandwich. The possibilities are endless!

Chicken Parmesan is not only delicious but also satisfying and comforting—a perfect choice whether you're cooking for yourself, family members, or friends! Try it out today and impress everyone at your next dinner gathering with this timeless favorite.