Simple yet Flavorful Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Chicken Parmesan is a classic Italian-American dish that has captivated the hearts and taste buds of many food enthusiasts. This beloved recipe combines tender chicken, tangy marinara sauce, melted mozzarella cheese, and crispy breadcrumbs for an unforgettable meal. Whether you're serving it as part of a family dinner or sharing it with friends over a casual lunch, Chicken Parmesan is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Ingredients required for this dish are straightforward; all the items should be available at any local grocery store. You will need 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 1 cup of bread crumbs, and 2 cups of marinara sauce. Additionally, you'll want to have a half cup of grated Parmesan cheese and two tablespoons of olive oil on hand.

Cooking Time: Approximately 35 minutesServings: 4

Preparation Process:

1. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring that the chicken is properly baked.
2. In a shallow bowl, mix half of the cup of bread crumbs with grated Parmesan. Set this mixture aside for later use.
3. Cut each chicken breast into two halves, resulting in eight pieces per batch. Pat dry using paper towels to absorb any excess moisture before coating them evenly with the combined breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture from the previous step.
4. Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it is hot, add three-four chicken pieces at a time ensuring not to overcrowd your pan as this could lead to soggy results due to lack of proper browning on each side.
5. Cook until golden brown on both sides; approximately 5 minutes per side. Remove cooked chicken from the skillet and place it into an oven-safe baking dish lined with aluminum foil for easy cleanup after serving.
6. Add another tablespoon of olive oil to the same pan if needed, then pour in 1 cup (half) of your marinara sauce, spreading it evenly across all prepared chicken pieces. Sprinkle remaining breadcrumbs on top before adding a generous amount of grated Parmesan over each piece.
7. Transfer baking dish into preheated oven and bake until internal temperature reaches at least 165°F or when the cheese has melted completely; about another 10-12 minutes.
8. Once done, take out from the oven carefully using oven mitts to avoid burns. Let sit for two-three minutes before serving hot.

Tips & Variations:

• To make sure your chicken stays juicy, keep it covered with foil while baking and let it rest briefly after cooking before slicing.
• If you prefer a lower-calorie option, consider using whole wheat bread crumbs instead of plain ones. You might also try substituting the full-fat mozzarella for skimmed ricotta cheese blended with part-skim mozzarella to reduce fat content without sacrificing flavor too much.
• For those who love some extra kick, sprinkle red pepper flakes over your chicken just before adding the final layer of breadcrumbs and Parmesan. Adding a dash of freshly chopped basil or parsley right at serving time can give it an added freshness boost as well.

Conclusion:

Cooking Chicken Parmesan isn’t rocket science; however, following these detailed steps ensures that every bite tastes perfect. The combination of crispy exterior and juicy interior combined with rich flavors from the marinara sauce makes this dish truly delicious. It’s versatile enough to pair well with various sides like garlic bread or steamed vegetables but also stands alone as a hearty main course.