Chicken Parmesan is a classic Italian-American dish featuring breaded and fried chicken breasts topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese. Here’s a recipe to make this delicious meal at home:
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (Italian seasoned breadcrumbs work well)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil, for frying
For Assembly:
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or wax paper. Pound them to an even thickness, about 1/2 inch thick, using a meat mallet or the bottom of a heavy skillet.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Set Up Breading Station:
- Set up three shallow dishes. Place the flour in one dish, beat the eggs in another dish, and combine the breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese in the third dish.
- Bread the Chicken:
- Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess.
- Dip the floured chicken breasts into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Coat the chicken breasts evenly with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Fry the Chicken:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the breaded chicken breasts to the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. You may need to cook the chicken in batches.
- Fry the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). Transfer the cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Assemble the Chicken Parmesan:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Place the fried chicken breasts on top of the sauce.
- Spoon additional marinara sauce over each chicken breast, covering them generously.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken breasts, followed by grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake:
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Remove the Chicken Parmesan from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley, if desired, before serving.
Enjoy your homemade Chicken Parmesan with pasta, garlic bread, or a fresh salad for a delicious and satisfying meal!