Perfectly Baked Chicken Parmesan: A Classic Italian Favorite

In this article, we will share a detailed recipe for chicken parmesan, a beloved dish among food enthusiasts who appreciate rich flavors and creamy textures. This versatile meal can be enjoyed with various sides such as garlic bread or salad. Let’s dive into the preparation process to make your very own delectable chicken parmesan at home!

Cooking Time: 1 hour
Servings: 4 people

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup of all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Salt to taste (optional)
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1/2 cup of Italian breadcrumbs
• 3 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 jar of your favorite marinara sauce (about 24 oz.)
• 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the Chicken. Begin by patting each chicken breast dry with paper towels. Next, combine flour, garlic powder, oregano, pepper, and salt in a shallow dish. Set aside. Then mix beaten egg and Italian breadcrumbs into another shallow dish.

Step 2: Breading the Chicken. Dip one piece of the chicken breast into the seasoned flour mixture until coated completely. Shake off any excess. Next, dip it into the egg mixture to ensure full coverage. Finally, roll the coated chicken in Italian breadcrumbs until it is evenly covered. Place each breaded chicken on a plate and repeat with remaining breasts.

Step 3: Sautéing the Chicken Breast. Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Once heated, add all four pieces of breading chicken to the pan. Allow them to cook until golden brown on both sides, which should take about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove cooked chicken from the pan and keep it warm while you prepare the pasta layer.

Step 4: Layering the Chicken Parmesan. Spread marinara sauce generously over four pieces of pasta (fettuccine or any preferred noodle type). Place one piece of browned chicken on top of each. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly across all four layers to form a creamy, gooey layer above the chicken and pasta.

Step 5: Baking. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once heated up, transfer the layered dish into an oven-safe skillet. Bake for approximately 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling hot throughout. Remove from oven when done.

Step 6: Serving. Garnish with extra Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately with garlic bread or a crisp green salad to complete your meal.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Parmesan

• Make sure the chicken breasts are pounded thin before coating them; this ensures even cooking and tenderness during baking.
• The sauce is key to making it extra delicious. You can opt for a store-bought jar or make your own from scratch using fresh ingredients like tomatoes, onions, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
• Baking helps to ensure the chicken remains tender while locking in all flavors without overcooking it. Be patient with baking time so that each component melds together beautifully.

Conclusion

Chicken Parmesan is a simple yet mouth-watering Italian dish that can be prepared at home easily using basic ingredients and straightforward steps. By following this guide closely, you will create a meal rich in flavor with gooey melted cheese atop perfectly cooked chicken. Serve it alongside your favorite side dishes for a complete family dinner. Enjoy your homemade Chicken Parmesan!

Bonus: Tips to Customize Your Chicken Parmesan

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