Chicken Parmesan is a classic Italian-American dish that consists of breaded and fried chicken cutlets topped with tomato sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. The dish is typically served with a side of pasta, but it can also be paired with a variety of other sides, such as roasted vegetables or garlic bread. This dish is easy to make and is a crowd-pleaser, making it a great option for a family dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients: β’ 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts β’ 1 cup all-purpose flour β’ 2 large eggs β’ 1 cup breadcrumbs β’ 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese β’ 2 teaspoons dried basil β’ 2 teaspoons dried oregano β’ 1 teaspoon garlic powder β’ Salt and pepper to taste β’ 1 cup marinara sauce β’ 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese β’ Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375Β°F (190Β°C).
- Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them to an even thickness using a meat mallet. This will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and quickly.
- Set up a breading station by placing the flour in one shallow dish, the eggs in another, and the breadcrumbs mixed with parmesan cheese, dried basil, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a third.
- Dip each chicken breast in the flour, then the eggs, and finally the breadcrumb mixture. Press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to ensure they adhere well.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add enough oil to cover the bottom. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown.
- Transfer the chicken to a baking dish and spoon marinara sauce over each breast. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce.
- Bake the chicken in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve the chicken parmesan hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Chicken parmesan is a versatile dish that can be adjusted to suit different tastes and preferences. For a lighter version, you can skip the breading and frying step and simply bake the chicken in the oven. If you prefer a spicier dish, you can add red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture.
This dish is a great way to get creative with leftovers as well. You can use leftover cooked chicken, or even leftover cooked pasta, to create a delicious new dish. Simply layer the chicken, sauce, and cheese in a baking dish and bake until heated through.
In conclusion, chicken parmesan is a classic dish that is easy to make and sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a quick weeknight dinner, this dish is always a crowd-pleaser. So why not give it a try tonight?