Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Are you searching for a comforting and delectable meal that will tantalize your taste buds and transport you straight to Italy? Look no further than this indulgent Chicken Parmesan recipe. A beloved Italian-American dish, Chicken Parmesan, combines tender, breaded chicken cutlets with a rich tomato sauce and a luscious blanket of melted cheese. Whether you’re preparing a family dinner or hosting a special gathering, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy everyone’s cravings.

In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through each step of creating this mouthwatering Chicken Parmesan, providing detailed instructions from assembling the ingredients to serving it piping hot. So, don your apron, fire up the stove, and embark on a culinary adventure.

Chicken Parmesan Recipe Ingredients

Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s gather all the essential ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups breadcrumbs
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Tomato Sauce:

• 2 cups tomato sauce (you can use homemade or store-bought)
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for some heat)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the Topping:

• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s proceed to the step-by-step directions.

Chicken Parmesan Recipe Directions

Preparing the Chicken Cutlets

1. Start by placing the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a meat mallet or a rolling pin to gently pound them to an even thickness, approximately 1/2 inch. Season both sides with a pinch of salt and a generous grinding of black pepper.
2. Next, set up your breading station. You’ll need three shallow bowls. In the first, place the all-purpose flour. In the second, beat the eggs until well mixed. In the third, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, and garlic powder.
3. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, ensuring an even coating, and shake off any excess.
4. Dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
5. Finally, coat the chicken with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing the crumbs onto the chicken to make sure they adhere well.
6. In a large skillet, heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the breaded chicken and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side or until they achieve a beautiful golden brown color and are cooked through. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to remove any excess oil.

With our perfectly cooked chicken cutlets, let’s now turn our attention to creating the flavorful tomato sauce.

Preparing the Tomato Sauce

7. In a saucepan, warm the tomato sauce over medium heat. Add the dried basil, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if you desire some heat). Season the sauce with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Allow it to simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce is heated through and its aroma fills your kitchen.

How to Prepare Chicken Parmesan Recipe?

Now that we have our chicken cutlets and tomato sauce ready, it’s time to assemble and bake our Chicken Parmesan:

8. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s nice and hot for the final cooking step.
9. Begin by spooning a small amount of the tomato sauce onto the bottom of a baking dish. This helps prevent the chicken from sticking to the dish.
10. Carefully place the cooked chicken breasts on top of the sauce in the baking dish.
11. Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
12. It’s time to create the hallmark of Chicken Parmesan – the cheesy topping. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese generously over the chicken.
13. For an optional touch of freshness and visual appeal, consider garnishing with fresh basil leaves.
14. Now, place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is beautifully bubbly and has achieved a glorious golden-brown hue.

Preparation Time

Let’s break down the time it takes to prepare this delightful dish:

• Preparation: 25 minutes
• Cooking: 30 minutes
• Total: 55 minutes

Nutrition Facts

For those who like to keep an eye on the nutritional details, here’s the breakdown per serving:

• Calories: 485
• Total Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Cholesterol: 151mg
• Sodium: 1121mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 32g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 5g
• Protein: 40g

Storage Conditions

Wondering how to handle leftovers or make-ahead options? Here’s what you need to know:

• Leftover Chicken Parmesan can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Chicken Parmesan Recipe FAQs

To address common questions that may arise while preparing this delightful dish, here are some frequently asked questions and their answers:

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
   • Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. Adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure they are thoroughly cooked.
2. Can I prepare Chicken Parmesan ahead of time?
   • Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and tomato sauce in advance, and then assemble and bake the dish when you’re ready to serve.
3. What are some good side dishes to serve with Chicken Parmesan Recipe?
   • It pairs excellently with pasta, spaghetti, or a crisp side salad. Garlic bread is also a popular choice for soaking up the delicious sauce.
4. Can I freeze Chicken Parmesan Recipe?
   • Yes, you can freeze Chicken Parmesan for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator before warming it in the oven.
5. Which cheese is best for Chicken Parmesan Recipe?
   • While mozzarella and Parmesan are traditional choices, don’t hesitate to experiment with other melty cheeses like provolone or fontina for a unique twist.

In conclusion, this Chicken Parmesan recipe offers a sumptuous journey through the flavors of Italy, with its crispy breaded chicken, savory tomato sauce, and the irresistible allure of melted cheese. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special celebration, Chicken Parmesan always takes center stage as a crowd-pleaser. So, roll up your sleeves, embrace the kitchen adventure, and