Chicken Parmesan, or Chicken Parmigiana, is a classic Italian-American dish featuring breaded and fried chicken cutlets topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese. Here’s a simple recipe for making Chicken Parm:Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (Italian-style breadcrumbs work well)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Olive oil, for frying
For the Assembly:
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Dredge each chicken breast in flour, shaking off the excess.
- Dip the chicken into the beaten eggs.
- Coat the chicken with a mixture of breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan, pressing the crumbs onto the chicken to adhere.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Fry the breaded chicken for about 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Assemble the Chicken Parmesan:
- Spoon a thin layer of marinara sauce into the bottom of the skillet.
- Place the fried chicken breasts on top of the sauce.
- Spoon additional sauce over each chicken breast.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan over each piece of chicken.
- Bake:
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley.
- Enjoy:
- Serve the Chicken Parmesan over pasta, rice, or with a side of crusty bread. It’s a hearty and comforting dish that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Feel free to adjust the seasonings and cheese quantities to suit your taste preferences. You can also experiment with different types of cheese for added flavor.