How to Make Delicious Chicken Parmesan

Chicken Parmesan is a classic Italian-American dish that has been beloved by many for its rich flavors and comforting texture. This popular recipe combines tender breaded chicken with tangy marinara sauce, melted mozzarella cheese, and crispy parmesan crust on top.

To prepare this delicious meal, you will need the following ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
• 2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 large eggs
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 jar (26 ounces) marinara sauce, warmed
• Cheese for topping (optional)

Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Steps to Prepare Chicken Parmesan

The first step in making this dish is preparing the breading station. In one shallow bowl, combine breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese; in a separate small bowl, whisk together flour and eggs.

Start by coating each chicken breast with seasoned flour on both sides. Shake off any excess flour before dipping into egg wash. Then press the coated chicken firmly against the breadcrumb mixture until well covered all over. Repeat with remaining pieces of chicken. Set them aside to allow a bit of time for the breading to set, about 15 minutes.

Heat your oven to broil on high and place a baking sheet inside. While waiting, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. Add coated chicken breasts carefully into the pan ensuring they do not crowd; brown them for approximately 4-5 minutes per side or until golden brown.

Transfer chicken to the prepared baking sheet and spoon some marinara sauce over each piece, covering all exposed meat with a generous amount of sauce. Bake in preheated oven until fully cooked through—approximately 10-12 minutes depending on thickness.

Remove from oven when done; top each serving generously with additional mozzarella cheese if desired and let it melt under the broiler for about 5 minutes or so before serving hot.

Tips & Variations

• Breading: For extra flavor, you can mix garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and dried herbs into your breadcrumb mixture.
• Cooking Method: You could also use a broiler pan instead of an oven. Just make sure to place the chicken directly under the heat source for best results.
• Sauce: If you prefer not using store-bought marinara sauce, feel free to prepare your own from scratch by mixing canned crushed tomatoes with onions, garlic, oregano, basil, and other desired seasonings. Boil until thickened before serving over chicken.

Enjoying Your Chicken Parmesan:

This dish pairs wonderfully well with a side of pasta or simply served as it is for a light meal. For added excitement, drizzle some extra virgin olive oil and fresh basil leaves on top just before serving.

Conclusion

Chicken Parmesan remains one of the most delicious comfort foods you can prepare at home. With proper preparation, you're guaranteed to impress both family members and guests alike. Whether enjoying it as a main course or alongside other Italian dishes, this versatile recipe is sure to become a favorite part of your regular meal rotation.

Remember that cooking time varies slightly based on the type of oven used; always check internal temperatures of chicken breasts with an instant-read thermometer inserted into thickest portion ensuring they reach 165°F (74°C). Enjoy your homemade Chicken Parmesan!