Classic Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Introduction

Prepare to embark on a culinary journey as we guide you through the creation of a classic Italian-American dish - Chicken Parmesan. This flavorful and comforting meal combines crispy breaded chicken with rich tomato sauce and melted cheese for a satisfying dining experience. Let's dive right into crafting this mouthwatering dish.

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Ingredients You'll Need

Gather the following ingredients for your Chicken Parmesan:

For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 cup of all-purpose flour

2 large eggs

2 cups of breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-style)

1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and black pepper to taste

Vegetable oil for frying

For the Tomato Sauce:

2 cups of crushed tomatoes (canned or homemade)

2 cloves of garlic, minced

1 teaspoon of dried oregano

1 teaspoon of dried basil

Salt and black pepper to taste

For Assembling:

1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Cooked spaghetti or pasta of your choice (optional, for serving)

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Start by pounding the chicken breasts between sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper until they are about 1/2 inch thick. This helps the chicken cook evenly.

Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper.

Step 2: Bread the Chicken

Create a breading station by setting up three shallow dishes: one with flour, another with beaten eggs, and the third with a mixture of breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.

Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess.

Dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.

Coat the chicken with the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to adhere.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You want enough oil to come about halfway up the sides of the chicken breasts.

Carefully place the breaded chicken breasts into the hot oil. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Step 4: Make the Tomato Sauce

In a separate saucepan, heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and add dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.

Place the cooked chicken breasts on top of the sauce.

Spoon more tomato sauce over each chicken breast.

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over each piece of chicken.

Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Garnish your Chicken Parmesan with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and flavor.

Serve it hot over cooked spaghetti or your favorite pasta, accompanied by extra tomato sauce on the side.

Why Our Chicken Parmesan Shines

Our Classic Chicken Parmesan recipe stands out for several reasons:

Perfectly Breaded Chicken

The chicken breasts are tender and flavorful, with a crispy and golden-brown exterior that's achieved through careful breading and frying.

Flavorful Tomato Sauce

Our homemade tomato sauce is seasoned with garlic, oregano, and basil, creating a rich and savory complement to the chicken.

Irresistible Cheesy Topping

The melted mozzarella cheese on top adds a gooey and indulgent layer that ties all the flavors together.

Conclusion

Indulge in the classic Italian-American comfort food that is Chicken Parmesan. With its crispy chicken, savory tomato sauce, and gooey cheese, this dish is sure to be a hit at your dining table. Whether served with pasta or on its own, it's a culinary delight that brings comfort to any meal.