Delicious Italian Style Chicken Parmesan

Chicken Parmesan is a beloved dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a rich and savory tomato sauce, cheese, and breadcrumbs. This Italian-style classic can be a delightful main course for dinner parties or family nights. If you're looking to add some flavor into your weeknight meals, this recipe is perfect for you.

The cooking time required to prepare this dish is approximately 30 minutes. It serves four people generously with the ingredients readily available in most grocery stores. Let's dive right into making this scrumptious Chicken Parmesan!

Ingredients

• 4 chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch strips
• 1 cup of Italian breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup of grated mozzarella cheese
• 3/4 cup of spaghetti sauce (your favorite type)
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

To start the process, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Start by seasoning both sides of the chicken strips with salt and pepper. Next, mix together the breadcrumbs and garlic powder in a shallow dish or bowl.

One by one, coat each piece of chicken evenly in the breadcrumb mixture. Set aside on a plate once done coating. In another medium-sized saucepan over low heat, pour olive oil and add your spaghetti sauce along with oregano. Stir occasionally until it reaches your desired consistency.

Cooking Process

Once all the ingredients are prepared, set up a baking dish suitable for oven use on a rack inside an ovenproof pan filled halfway with water. This ensures that you won’t have any splashes or mess when cooking.

Lay each coated chicken strip carefully onto the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Spoon over some sauce generously to cover all parts of the chicken pieces; you want them thoroughly enveloped in the tomato-based mixture.

Next, sprinkle freshly grated mozzarella cheese evenly across the top layer of the baked chicken. Place this dish into preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes or until internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C).

While your Chicken Parmesan is in the oven, slice fresh basil leaves finely if you plan to garnish it. Once done baking, take out of the oven immediately and let rest for a few moments before serving. Garnishing with additional chopped parsley adds color and freshness.

Tips & Variations

1. For extra crunch, consider breading each piece twice - first lightly dusting them in flour before dipping into the egg wash then finally coating again in breadcrumbs.
2. If you prefer less heat, use less or omit the garlic powder completely; alternatively add more spices like paprika for a smoky flavor.
3. Feel free to substitute whole wheat bread crumbs if you're looking for healthier alternatives or want a bit more texture variation.

This dish makes an excellent meal on its own but could also complement other side dishes such as garlic bread, mixed green salad, and perhaps some crusty Italian rolls. Serve hot with your favorite pasta like fusilli or penne to soak up all the delicious sauce!

Conclusion

Chicken Parmesan is not just about comfort food; it’s also a celebration of flavors coming together beautifully in every bite. By following these simple steps, you'll have a homemade version that tastes just as good—if not better—than what you'd find at your local restaurant.