Simple and Delicious Chicken Parmesan

Chicken Parmesan is a classic Italian-American dish that combines tender chicken with sweet and savory tomato sauce, melted mozzarella cheese, and crispy breadcrumbs. This beloved recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special family dinners. In this article, we will walk you through how to prepare a quick and easy Chicken Parmesan that will leave your taste buds dancing in delight.

For those who are familiar with the dish but are looking to experiment, here's a simple version of Chicken Parmesan without any of the usual complications. You can make this meal using basic pantry items; if you have fresh ingredients, it becomes even tastier!

Cooking Time: 40 minutes

Number of Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts (boneless and skinless)
• 1/2 cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup marinara sauce, divided into two parts
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste (optional)
• Cooked spaghetti or other pasta for serving (optional)

Instructions:

Step 1: Preparing the Breadcrumbs

In a small bowl, combine the Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs with some salt and pepper to taste. This seasoning can be adjusted according to your preference or left out if desired.

Step 2: Mixing the Eggs

In another small bowl, crack two eggs and mix them well. Make sure they're frothy before you dip each piece of chicken into it.

Step 3: Dipping and Coating the Chicken

Dip the chicken breasts in the egg mixture to coat both sides evenly. Then transfer the chicken pieces to the bowl with breadcrumbs, ensuring that they are well coated. Make sure every piece of chicken is thoroughly covered so it will be crispy when baked.

Cooking:

Step 4: Baking

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the chicken breasts are coated with breadcrumbs, heat up one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Pan-fry each piece until it turns golden brown on both sides. This should take about three minutes per side.

Once fried, transfer the chicken pieces to an oven-safe dish. Pour 1/2 cup of marinara sauce evenly over them and sprinkle half of your shredded mozzarella cheese atop that layer. Then, place another fried piece on top of this mixture.

Baking:

Step 5: Baking

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes. After baking, uncover your Chicken Parmesan, add another cupful of marinara sauce, sprinkle a second helping of mozzarella cheese, and place back under the broiler until the top turns golden brown.

Step 6: Serving

Serve hot with cooked spaghetti or other pasta. For an added kick, garnish each plate with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves.

Tips for Success:

1. The key to achieving a crispy crust is ensuring that the chicken pieces are well coated in breadcrumbs before cooking.
2. Use freshly made marinara sauce if possible; it will make your dish more flavorful than store-bought versions.
3. Make sure you adjust the seasoning of both the marinara and breadcrumb mixture to suit your taste preferences. Adding garlic or other herbs might enhance its flavor.

Conclusion:

Chicken Parmesan is not only delightful but also simple enough for even first-time cooks. By following these straightforward steps, you can create an impressive dish that will impress everyone at the dinner table. Enjoy your meal and welcome to try this recipe as often as it suits you.

Note: Make sure that all ingredients are fresh before starting the process to ensure optimal flavor and texture.