Delicious Chicken Parmesan Recipe: A Classic Italian Favorite

Chicken Parmesan, a beloved dish in the world of Italian cuisine, combines tender pieces of chicken with a rich tomato sauce and melted mozzarella cheese, all topped with crunchy breadcrumbs. This classic recipe is perfect for family gatherings or casual weeknight dinners when you're looking to satisfy your craving for something comforting yet flavorful.

Prepared properly, Chicken Parmesan not only tastes amazing but can also be enjoyed by everyone at the table, regardless of dietary restrictions. By using whole wheat pasta and substituting a lighter sauce made with lower-fat ingredients, this recipe becomes healthier without sacrificing its traditional taste.

Cooking Time: 1 Hour

Prep time: 30 minutes

Total cooking time: 1 hour

Servings: 4-6 people

Ingredients:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to 1/2-inch thickness
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs (store-bought or homemade)
3 large eggs beaten with water (or milk) until well blended
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 15-ounce can tomato sauce (preferably fresh or low-sodium)
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional but highly recommended)
Paprika for garnishing
Fresh basil or parsley for serving (optional)

Instructions:

Preheat the oven. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. You'll also want to grease a baking dish large enough to hold all of your chicken pieces in one layer, allowing them room to brown on both sides during cooking.
Prepare the breadcrumb coating mixture. In a shallow bowl or plate, combine flour and Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs. Set this aside for dusting the chicken before dipping into egg wash. Make sure the crumbs are evenly distributed over the surface of the dish as you'll be using them to coat the chicken pieces later in your preparation process.
While working on the breadcrumb coating, mix the remaining ingredients except for cheese and oil into a saucepan; bring this mixture to a boil. Reduce heat after boiling so that it simmers gently until ready to use.
Dip each chicken breast into the egg wash first then coat them generously with bread crumbs. Shake off excess crumbs if necessary by shaking the coated breasts over the plate.
Heat half of the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. Add two pieces of chicken at once and cook for about 3 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Repeat this step with the remaining chicken, reducing the number of pieces based upon how many you are cooking at one time.
Transfer the cooked chicken breasts to your preheated baking dish. Spoon some of the simmering sauce over the top of them before covering loosely with foil or parchment paper and placing in the oven for 20 minutes. Let rest about five minutes before serving hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves if desired.
At this point, you can choose to serve your Chicken Parmesan immediately alongside a side salad or steamed vegetables. Alternatively, let it cool down completely so that it can be sliced and stored in an air-tight container for up to four days. Serve warm when needed, either on its own as a main course or as part of another dish.

Tips:

To ensure even cooking, do not overcrowd your skillet when frying the chicken breasts; instead, cook them in batches if necessary.
For added flavor and texture, consider sautéing a small amount of garlic or onions with some fresh parsley before adding the tomato sauce. This can enhance both taste and aroma without significantly increasing prep time.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Calories: Approximately 400-500 per serving
Total Fat: ~30g
Saturated Fat: ~10g
Potassium: ~800mg
Protein: ~40g
Carbohydrates: ~45g
Fiber: ~6g

This Chicken Parmesan recipe is not only simple to prepare but also offers numerous customization options. Whether you prefer your sauce on the side or want to experiment with different types of cheeses, there's always room for personal touch.