Making the best Chicken Parmesan involves a combination of flavorful ingredients, proper preparation, and the right cooking techniques. Here’s a recipe for what many consider a delicious Chicken Parmesan:
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Olive oil, for frying
For Assembly:
- 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Dredge each chicken breast in flour, then dip into beaten eggs, and finally coat with a mixture of breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. Press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to make sure they adhere well.
- Pan-Fry the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Fry the breaded chicken breasts for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Place the cooked chicken on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.
- Assemble the Chicken Parmesan:
- In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce.
- Place the fried chicken breasts on top of the sauce.
- Spoon more marinara sauce over each chicken breast.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the chicken is heated through.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
- Serve:
- Serve the Chicken Parmesan over cooked pasta, rice, or with a side of crusty bread.
This recipe combines the crispy and flavorful coating on the chicken with the gooey melted cheese and rich marinara sauce, creating a classic and satisfying Chicken Parmesan dish. Feel free to customize it to your liking by adjusting the seasoning or adding additional herbs and spices. Enjoy!