How to Make Delicious Chicken Parmesan

Chicken Parmesan is a classic Italian-American dish that has captured the hearts of food enthusiasts for generations. The combination of crispy chicken, tangy marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese creates a heavenly experience every time you bite into it. This versatile recipe can be enjoyed as part of a warm meal with sides such as garlic bread or pasta.

This dish is not only delicious but also relatively easy to prepare if you follow the steps carefully. With just 45 minutes needed for cooking, and enough servings for four people, Chicken Parmesan makes it perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers with friends.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 2 large eggs beaten with 1 tablespoon water or milk
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Cooking spray for greasing the baking dish (optional)
• 1 jar marinara sauce, homemade or store-bought
• 4 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
• Fresh basil leaves (for garnishing; optional)

Instructions

1. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or use cooking spray if preferred.

2. In a shallow bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with grated parmesan cheese. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Beat two eggs in another shallow bowl along with 1 tablespoon of water or milk for better binding properties when coating the chicken pieces.

4. Cooking spray your hands with a little cooking spray if you’re using fresh panko bread crumbs, then dip each chicken breast first into the beaten egg mixture, followed by rolling them in the breadcrumb mixture to coat evenly. Pat off any excess crumbs before placing on the baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

5. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken breasts and bake for about 20 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach at least 165°F/74°C). During this time, set aside a separate pan to warm up your marinara sauce.

6. Once done, remove the chicken from oven and place it back into the baking dish. Pour over the warmed marinara sauce liberally, cover with shredded mozzarella cheese, then return back to the oven for another 10 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles slightly.

7. Allow everything to cool down slightly before serving; garnish your plate with fresh basil leaves if desired. Enjoy this delicious Chicken Parmesan as a main course accompanied by some warm garlic bread or spaghetti.

Tips for Perfecting Your Chicken Parmesan

To ensure that your chicken comes out perfectly golden brown, consider baking it in a preheated oven rather than frying it. Additionally, you may want to use fresh panko breadcrumbs instead of store-bought ones as they provide a crisper texture.

Conclusion

Chicken Parmesan is an essential addition to your repertoire if you are looking for a comforting and satisfying meal that the entire family will love. By following these simple steps, you can create this delightful dish at home easily. Remember always to adjust seasoning according to personal taste preferences.