Easy and Delicious Chicken Parmesan

Chicken Parmesan is a favorite among many who love Italian cuisine. This beloved dish combines savory chicken breasts with a tangy tomato sauce, melted mozzarella cheese, and crispy breaded coating for a melt-in-your-mouth experience. In this article, we will provide you with an easy recipe that ensures a delicious meal every time.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup of Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
• 2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 3 large eggs beaten
• 3 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 can (28 oz) of crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnishing

Cooking Time: Approximately 45 minutes

Servings: 4

Steps to Prepare Chicken Parmesan:

1. Bread the chicken breasts: Start by cutting each chicken breast in half horizontally. This ensures even cooking. Lay out a piece of plastic wrap on your work surface and place one chicken half, smooth side up. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound it until it is about 1/4 inch thick. Repeat with the remaining pieces.
2. Mix breadcrumbs: In a shallow dish, mix together Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, all-purpose flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Set this mixture aside for later use.
3. Batter the chicken: Take another shallow bowl and beat two eggs with water until well combined in a separate bowl. Dredge each chicken breast first in beaten egg wash, then press into the breadcrumb mixture to coat thoroughly. You can let them sit on a plate while you prepare the sauce.
4. Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook each breaded chicken breast until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per side. Transfer cooked pieces to a baking dish lined with aluminum foil. This ensures that the drippings do not burn while baking later.
5. Cook sauce: In the same skillet used for frying, add crushed tomatoes along with oregano and basil. Bring it to boil then reduce heat and simmer until thickened slightly, about 10 minutes.
6. Bake chicken: Preheat your oven at 350°F (175°C). Place each piece of fried chicken breast back into the baking dish you used earlier. Pour over the tomato sauce and top with grated Parmesan cheese. Bake in preheated oven for approximately 20-25 minutes or until heated through.
7. Serve: Once done, garnish your Chicken Parmesan with fresh basil leaves before serving hot. Enjoy it with pasta of your choice!

Tips and Variations:

For extra flavor, you could add some crushed red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture or sprinkle some grated Parmesan on top just before baking for added richness.

• Breading Alternatives: You can also experiment by using panko breadcrumbs instead of regular Italian breadcrumbs. Panko gives a crisper texture which adds an extra layer of enjoyment.
• Sauce Options: For a healthier option, you could opt for low-fat or fat-free crushed tomatoes and reduce the amount of olive oil used when frying the chicken breasts slightly.

Chicken Parmesan is not only comforting but also very versatile. It pairs wonderfully well with various sides such as garlic bread, potato wedges, or a simple green salad. This dish can be tailored to suit any dietary preferences including vegetarian alternatives by substituting the chicken with portobello mushrooms or eggplant.

With its rich flavors and satisfying texture, Chicken Parmesan continues to remain popular among food enthusiasts who appreciate both simplicity and depth in their meals. Whether it’s for a casual family dinner or an elegant dinner party, this dish is sure to impress everyone at the table with its delicious taste and appealing presentation.

Remember that practice makes perfect; so keep experimenting until you find your ideal balance of flavors and textures.