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Deliciously Simple Chicken Parmesan: A Classic Italian Favorite

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Deliciously Simple Chicken Parmesan: A Classic Italian Favorite

Chicken Parmesan is a beloved classic in the world of Italian cuisine. This dish combines tender chicken breast with savory tomato sauce, melted mozzarella cheese, and crispy breadcrumbs. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. This recipe serves four and can be prepared in about 45 minutes.

To start off, gather your ingredients: boneless, skinless chicken breasts (four), two cans of crushed tomatoes or one jar of pasta sauce, four slices of mozzarella cheese, half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese, flour, eggs, bread crumbs, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Ensure you have all these items before beginning the recipe.

Begin by preparing your chicken. Pat the breasts dry with paper towels to ensure they cook evenly. Then, season them generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides of each breast. This seasoning is crucial for enhancing the flavor of your dish without relying too heavily on added flavors from other ingredients.

Cut four pieces of parchment paper into squares large enough to cover each chicken breast. Place a piece of parchment over two or three chicken breasts and spread about 1-2 tablespoons of flour evenly across the top. Press it gently but firmly so that the coating adheres well, then flip the chicken back onto its original side. Repeat this process with another two chicken pieces.

In a shallow dish, crack four eggs into a bowl and whisk until they are frothy. In another shallow container, mix together one cup of panko breadcrumbs or regular bread crumbs with half a teaspoon each of garlic powder and dried oregano. When ready to coat the chicken, dip both sides of each piece in the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off before placing them into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently until fully coated.

Heat about two tablespoons of olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Once hot enough to shimmer without smoking, add the coated chicken and cook for approximately three minutes per side or until golden brown. If you prefer a crispier crust than what comes from simply sautéing, you may transfer the pan to the preheated oven (350°F) for another five minutes.

While your chicken is cooking, prepare the tomato sauce by stirring together crushed tomatoes and mozzarella into a single container. This mixture will serve as an excellent base for layering over the top of the chicken once it’s out of the pan.

Once the chicken has finished browning on all sides and is nicely cooked through, remove from heat but leave the oven still preheated at 350°F. Drain any excess fat from the skillet if needed; then arrange your four pieces of chicken in the center of an oven-safe baking dish. Spoon equal portions of tomato sauce over each piece, ensuring that no part remains uncovered.

Top the top layer of cheese with another sprinkle of grated Parmesan for extra flavor and richness. Return the dish to the oven where it can bake for about twenty minutes or until the breaded coating is golden brown and crispy.

To serve, slice each piece of chicken across the middle so that when opened, it forms a sandwich-like structure with the sauce inside. Garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired before presenting alongside some steamed vegetables and a side salad for a complete meal.

Conclusion

This homemade Chicken Parmesan recipe not only provides you with deliciously simple yet impressive results but also offers an opportunity to experiment further by adding other flavors or ingredients according to personal preference. Whether enjoyed as part of a larger feast or served solo, this classic Italian dish remains a favorite among many families across different cultures and generations.