Chicken Parmesan Parmigiana Recipe

Chicken Parmesan Parmigiana is a classic Italian-American dish that combines breaded and fried chicken cutlets with marinara sauce and melted cheese. It’s a comforting and delicious meal that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions. With its crispy chicken and gooey cheese, this recipe is sure to be a hit at your dinner table.

Ingredients

Essential Ingredients for Chicken Parmesan Parmigiana:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (optional)
• 1/4 cup olive oil

Optional Additions and Variations:

• Red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
• Fresh garlic in the breadcrumb mixture
• Provolone cheese in addition to mozzarella

Preparation

Preparing the Chicken:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
3. Dredge each chicken breast in flour, shaking off the excess.
4. Dip the chicken into the beaten eggs, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture mixed with grated Parmesan cheese.

Making the Sauce:

1. Warm the marinara sauce in a saucepan over low heat.
2. Add red pepper flakes or fresh garlic for extra flavor if desired.

Cooking Instructions

Bread and Fry the Chicken:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the breaded chicken breasts and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and drain on paper towels.

Baking the Chicken Parmesan:

1. Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce in the bottom of a baking dish.
2. Place the fried chicken breasts on top of the sauce.
3. Spoon the remaining marinara sauce over the chicken.
4. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the chicken.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serving Suggestions

Pairing with Pasta:

1. Serve the chicken Parmesan over a bed of spaghetti or your favorite pasta.
2. Toss the pasta with extra marinara sauce and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Serving with a Side Salad:

1. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs perfectly with the rich chicken Parmesan.
2. Add some garlic bread on the side for a complete Italian meal.

Tips for Success

Ensuring Crispy Chicken:

1. Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the chicken to ensure a crispy crust.
2. Avoid overcrowding the skillet, which can cause the chicken to become soggy.

Enhancing the Flavor:

1. Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
2. Add fresh basil or parsley on top for a burst of freshness.

Storage Tips

Storing Leftovers:

1. Store any leftover chicken Parmesan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions:

1. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes.
2. Avoid using the microwave, which can make the breading soggy.

Variations

Making It Spicy:

1. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture or extra red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy version.

Using Different Cheeses:

1. Substitute mozzarella with provolone or fontina for a different flavor profile.
2. Sprinkle some extra Parmesan on top before baking for a richer taste.

FAQs

1. Can I Use Pre-made Sauce?
   • Yes, store-bought marinara sauce works perfectly for this recipe.
2. What Type of Cheese is Best?
   • Mozzarella is classic, but provolone and Parmesan are great additions.
3. Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
   • Yes, you can bread the chicken and prepare the sauce ahead of time. Assemble and bake just before serving.
4. Are There Gluten-Free Options?
   • Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour to make this dish gluten-free.
5. Can I Use Other Meats?
   • Absolutely! Try this recipe with veal or pork cutlets for a delicious variation.

Conclusion

Chicken Parmesan Parmigiana is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table. With its crispy breaded chicken, savory marinara sauce, and melted cheese, it’s a meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a delicious taste of Italian-American cuisine!

Yield: 6

Chicken Parmesan Parmigiana Recipe

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Chicken Parmesan Parmigiana is a classic Italian-American dish that combines breaded and fried chicken cutlets with marinara sauce and melted cheese. It's a comforting and delicious meal that's perfect for family dinners or special occasions. With its crispy chicken and gooey cheese, this recipe is sure to be a hit at your dinner table.

Prep Time 30 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 45 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Chicken
• 3 chicken breasts, sliced in half length-wise to create 6 cutlets
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour can also use gluten-free flour blend or white whole wheat
• 3 eggs, whisked
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• Breadcrumbs
• 1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, shredded
• 1/2 tsp (each) salt & pepper
• 2 tsp Italian herb blend (thyme, oregano, basil, rosemary)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• For the Topping
• 6 slices Mozzarella
• 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
• 1/3 cup parmesan cheese, shredded
• 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 425F
• Tenderize chicken: place chicken cutlets/breasts in a large ziplock bag or between two sheets of parchment paper. Firmly pound with a rolling pin or the smooth side of a meat hammer (chicken thickness should be 1/2 inch). Remove cutlets from the bag and pat dry with paper towels.
• Breadcrumbs: In a shallow dish, mix all of breadcrumb ingredients together.
• Assembly line: Set up a line of shallow bowls/dishes with flour, whisked eggs, and breadcrumbs. 
• Bread the chicken: First, coat the chicken in flour on both sides, then shake off the excess flour that isn't sticking. Transfer to whisked eggs, then dip into the breadcrumbs. Use your hands to gently pack the breadcrumbs onto each side of the chicken. Repeat until all the cutlets have been breaded.
• Brown the chicken: Heat 3 tablespoons of oil at a time in a cast iron skillet or pan on LOW to MEDIUM heat. Brown chicken for 2-3 minutes on both sides until the breading is golden.
• Layer and bake: arrange browned chicken in a large baking dish or pan. Layer first with mozzarella slices then tomato sauce over top. Bake uncovered in the oven for 14 minutes – remove from oven then sprinkle with shredded parmesan cheese. Then broil on HIGH for 1 minute until the cheese is melted and browned. Sprinkle with fresh basil and serve!

Instructions for Baked Chicken Parmesan

• If you would like to use less oil, use this baking method instead! I love making chicken parmesan this way and the results are almost identical to pan-frying.Baked method: preheat oven to 450F. Follow steps 2-5 above, then after breading the chicken, lay the cutlets in a generously oiled baking pan. Spray the chicken with olive oil, or brush with 2 Tablespoons of olive oil. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove from oven and layer with mozzarella, sauce, and parmesan and bake for 5 additional minutes. Broil on HIGH for the last minute for the cheese to brown. Serve with fresh basil!