Classic Chicken Parmesan

Introduction

Ah, Chicken Parmesan! Just saying the name brings to mind a delicious, comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. This Italian-American classic has won hearts all over the world with its crispy chicken, tangy marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese. Let’s dive into the wonderful world of Chicken Parmesan and learn how to make it from scratch.

History of Chicken Parmesan

Chicken Parmesan, or Chicken Parmigiana, has its roots in Italian cuisine but has evolved significantly in America. The original Italian version, Melanzane alla Parmigiana, used eggplant instead of chicken. Italian immigrants adapted the recipe in the United States, using chicken to create the hearty dish we love today.

Preparing the Chicken

Start by selecting high-quality chicken breasts. To ensure even cooking, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness using a meat mallet. This also helps tenderize the meat, making it juicier.

Breading the Chicken

Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs. Season each bowl with a bit of salt and pepper. Dip each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off excess, then into the egg, and finally coat it thoroughly with breadcrumbs.

Cooking the Chicken

Frying vs. Baking

You can either fry or bake the breaded chicken. Frying gives a crispier texture, while baking is a healthier option.

Frying

1. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Fry the chicken until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
3. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Baking

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place the breaded chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the breading is golden.

Making the Marinara Sauce

A good marinara sauce is key to excellent Chicken Parmesan. Here’s a simple recipe:

• Ingredients: Canned tomatoes, garlic, onion, olive oil, basil, salt, and pepper.
• Steps:
  1. Sauté chopped garlic and onion in olive oil until translucent.
  2. Add canned tomatoes and basil, then simmer for 20-30 minutes.
  3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Assembling Chicken Parmesan

Once your chicken and sauce are ready, it’s time to assemble:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
3. Place the fried or baked chicken on top of the sauce.
4. Spoon more marinara sauce over the chicken.
5. Sprinkle generously with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Baking to Perfection

Bake the assembled Chicken Parmesan in the oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For an extra golden top, you can broil it for the last 2-3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken Parmesan pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas:

• Pasta: Classic spaghetti or fettuccine
• Salad: A fresh Caesar salad or mixed greens
• Bread: Garlic bread or a crusty baguette

For wine pairings, consider a Chianti or a Sangiovese to complement the dish’s rich flavors.

Variations of Chicken Parmesan

Eggplant Parmesan

For a vegetarian twist, substitute chicken with slices of breaded and fried eggplant.

Vegan Alternatives

Use plant-based chicken substitutes and dairy-free cheese for a vegan version.

Gluten-Free Options

Opt for gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour to make this dish suitable for gluten-intolerant diners.

Tips for the Best Chicken Parmesan

• Keep the Chicken Crispy: Serve immediately after baking to enjoy the best texture.
• Enhance Flavors: Add fresh herbs like basil and parsley to the marinara sauce for extra freshness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking Chicken: Ensure chicken is cooked just until done to avoid dryness.
• Soggy Breading: Fry or bake breaded chicken until crispy before adding sauce and cheese.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought marinara sauce? Yes, a high-quality store-bought marinara sauce can save time and still taste delicious.

What’s the best type of cheese to use? Mozzarella for meltiness and Parmesan for flavor are the best choices.

How do I reheat leftovers without drying them out? Reheat in the oven at a low temperature, covered with foil, to retain moisture.

Can I freeze Chicken Parmesan? Yes, freeze individual portions before baking. Thaw and bake when ready to eat.

How can I make this dish healthier? Bake the chicken instead of frying and use part-skim cheese to reduce fat content.

Conclusion

Chicken Parmesan is a delightful dish that combines crispy chicken, flavorful marinara sauce, and melted cheese into a comforting meal. With these tips and steps, you can make a restaurant-quality Chicken Parmesan at home. So, gather your ingredients and get cooking—you won’t regret it!

Yield: 6 Servings

Classic Chicken Parmesan

Print

Ah, Chicken Parmesan! Just saying the name brings to mind a delicious, comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. This Italian-American classic has won hearts all over the world with its crispy chicken, tangy marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese. Let’s dive into the wonderful world of Chicken Parmesan and learn how to make it from scratch.

Prep Time 30 minutes

Cook Time 15 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!

Nutrition Information:

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 454