Simple Chicken Parmesan: A Classic Italian Favorite

Chicken Parmesan is a beloved classic in the world of Italian cuisine, cherished for its rich flavors and comforting texture. It’s the perfect go-to meal when you’re craving something familiar yet deliciously indulgent. This dish can be made with minimal fuss and comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights.

Preparation time: Approximately 25 minutes
Cooking time: Approximately 15 minutes
Servings: 4 generous portions

Ingredients Needed:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 600 grams)
• All-purpose flour for dredging the chicken
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 large eggs beaten with 1/2 cup milk
• 3 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided use
• 1 jar (about 500 grams) of your favorite marinara sauce
• 1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Step-by-Step Guide:

Dredging the Chicken: Begin by preparing your breading station. Dredge each chicken breast in flour, shaking off any excess, then dip it into the egg mixture. Finally, coat the chicken thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs, pressing them down gently to adhere.

Frying the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the breaded chicken until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and set aside on paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Serving with Marinara Sauce: While your chicken is frying, pour the remaining marinara sauce into a large pan, heating it gently until you’re ready to serve. Spoon this over your fried chicken breasts when they are done.

Making it More Than Just Chicken Parmesan: To elevate this dish, you can add some sliced onions and mushrooms for additional flavor. These will soften while the sauce simmers in the pan. When the chicken is out of the skillet and onto a plate, set aside a few tablespoons of the marinara to drizzle over your chicken just before serving.

Garnishing with Cheese: Sprinkle each serving generously with shredded mozzarella cheese. Place under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until the cheese has melted and turned golden brown.

Tips and Tricks:

1. Breading: For a crisper crust, use a combination of panko breadcrumbs and finely ground cornflakes to coat your chicken before frying. This will give it that extra crunch you love in this dish.
2. Sauce Choice: If you prefer something richer or creamier than traditional marinara sauce, consider adding a can of crushed tomatoes along with a splash of heavy cream. Mix well and let the flavors meld together as the sauce simmers for a more decadent taste experience.
3. Cooking Time Adjustment: For those who want to skip frying in oil or need to reduce cooking time, consider baking your chicken instead. Simply place your breaded chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 400°F for about 15 minutes until the coating is golden brown.

Why Make Chicken Parmesan?

Chicken Parmesan stands out as more than just an ordinary meal; it’s a celebration of flavors. It marries the simplicity of chicken with the robust sweetness and acidity of marinara sauce, complemented by the tangy richness of melted mozzarella cheese. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying weekday dinner or want to impress your family and friends, Chicken Parmesan delivers a memorable culinary experience.

The versatility of this dish also makes it adaptable to various dietary preferences. For those watching their cholesterol levels, use whole wheat breadcrumbs instead of panko, and replace the cheese with a small amount of fresh ricotta mixed into the marinara sauce for a lighter version without sacrificing taste.

Final Thoughts:

Chicken Parmesan is not just about putting together a meal. It’s about creating a moment where the simplicity of ingredients comes together to create something extraordinary. Whether you're making it for a quick weeknight dinner or planning an elaborate Italian feast, this classic dish remains timeless and cherished by many.

If you enjoy this recipe as much as we hope you do, feel free to explore other Italian favorites in our blog. We have plenty more culinary adventures waiting just for you!