Simple Yet Delicious Chicken Parmesan

Chicken Parmesan is a classic Italian-American dish that has become beloved by many for its savory and tangy flavors. It's perfect as a weeknight meal when you're short on time, yet it still feels special enough to impress guests at dinner parties.

This recipe yields 4 servings in about 30 minutes of cooking time. Let’s dive into the ingredients needed:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 jar (28 oz) of your favorite tomato sauce or marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Optional: 1/4 cup freshly chopped basil for garnish

Begin by preparing the coating station. Mix together the flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish. In another shallow bowl or plate, beat the eggs until well combined. Place the grated Parmesan cheese on its own plate.

Lay out your chicken breasts flat on a cutting board. Dip each piece of chicken into the flour mixture to coat both sides thoroughly. Shake off any excess flour and then dip it in the beaten eggs for another layer of coating. Finally, press the breaded chicken into the grated Parmesan cheese until all sides are fully covered.

Heat up 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, carefully place the chicken pieces in the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from the pan when done and set aside to rest while you assemble the rest of your ingredients.

While the chicken is cooking, pour a generous amount of your chosen tomato sauce into a baking dish or oven-safe skillet. Arrange the cooked chicken pieces over the sauce, making sure they are well covered. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly atop the assembled meal.

Bake in an oven preheated at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the chicken is thoroughly heated through. If you wish, garnish with freshly chopped basil before serving to add a burst of freshness.

Chicken Parmesan is versatile enough that it can be served over pasta (penne or rigatoni) or simply alongside a simple side salad for a balanced meal. This recipe pairs wonderfully with a side of garlic bread, making the whole experience truly delightful. The key is to make sure all components are equally flavorful; hence, don't skip steps such as marinating chicken in the egg and cheese mixture.

Once you have plated your dish, it's time for presentation. Serve immediately while it's still hot from the oven. Garnish with a little extra Parmesan or some basil leaves if desired to enhance the appearance of this hearty and comforting meal.

The simplicity of Chicken Parmesan allows you to experiment with different flavors depending on what ingredients you have available. For instance, instead of just garlic powder, try adding red pepper flakes for more heat; replace the mozzarella cheese with provolone or a combination of cheddar and mozzarella. You could even add some spinach leaves into the sauce at the start of cooking to increase the vegetable content.

Chicken Parmesan is not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying, making it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights as well as special occasions. Whether you're craving comfort food or want something impressive for guests, this dish delivers every time. With just these simple ingredients and steps, you can create a delicious Italian classic in no time flat!

Enjoy your homemade Chicken Parmesan! It's sure to become one of those meals that everyone asks for again and again.