Quick and Easy Chicken Parmesan

Chicken Parmesan is a delightful Italian-American dish that has captured hearts with its savory layers of flavors. This classic recipe is perfect for those busy weeknight dinners where you need something quick, delicious, and satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups Italian breadcrumbs
• 2 eggs beaten with 1 tbsp water
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cans (14.5 oz each) whole peeled tomatoes in juice, drained and crushed
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Red pepper flakes for garnish

Cooking time: 30 minutes; Servings: 4-6 people.

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly coat the baking dish with olive oil and set it aside for later use.

2. Mix flour, Italian breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes in a wide shallow bowl or plate. Set this aside as well.

3. Place the beaten eggs in another bowl. Ensure that the egg mixture is not too thick; it should be able to coat the chicken easily but not form clumps when spooned out.

4. Dip each piece of chicken first into the flour mixture, then into the beaten eggs, and finally coat well with the breadcrumbs. Press down gently on the crumbs so that they adhere better to the chicken breasts.

5. Heat up the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When it is hot enough (you should see slight smoke), carefully place four pieces of breaded chicken into the pan, ensuring not to overcrowd them. Fry on both sides until golden brown and crispy—about 4-5 minutes per side.

6. While your chicken is cooking, mix crushed tomatoes with shredded mozzarella cheese in a microwave-safe dish or small baking dish. Season according to taste.

7. Once the chicken pieces are done, remove them from the skillet and place them on top of the mozzarella-tomato mixture in the baking dish. Bake at 350°F until the sauce bubbles around the chicken (about 20-25 minutes).

8. Serve hot with your favorite side dishes like garlic bread or a fresh salad. Garnish with extra shredded Parmesan cheese if desired.

Chicken Parmesan is more than just a dish; it’s an experience of classic flavors coming together. The interplay between crispy, golden chicken and smooth, tangy tomato sauce creates a delightful balance that makes every bite irresistible. This recipe allows for customization based on individual preferences—whether you prefer extra cheese, fewer spices, or even adding some spinach leaves for additional nutrients.

This dish is particularly versatile as it can be prepared ahead of time. You can bake the chicken and assemble the sauce in the morning, then just pop them into the oven later during the evening when everyone arrives home from work or school. Pre-cooked components also mean less prep work on busy nights.

Health Tips:

Besides being delicious, Chicken Parmesan can be made healthier depending on your dietary requirements. Using whole wheat breadcrumbs instead of regular ones increases fiber intake without compromising taste too much. Adding more vegetables like sautéed zucchini or bell peppers further boosts the nutritional value while enhancing flavors.

Conclusion:

Chicken Parmesan is not only a go-to meal for busy nights but also an excellent choice when entertaining guests due to its crowd-pleasing qualities and impressive visual presentation. With this simple yet sophisticated recipe, you can enjoy authentic Italian-American cuisine right in your kitchen!