Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Chicken Parmesan is a classic Italian-American dish that has been cherished by many for its comforting flavors and ease of preparation. The combination of crispy breaded chicken, tangy tomato sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese makes it a favorite among families and food enthusiasts alike. This versatile recipe can be served over pasta or on its own as a delicious meal. Today, we will share the perfect Chicken Parmesan recipe with you.

The cooking time for this dish is approximately 1 hour, and it serves up to six people generously. With some advance preparation, this meal can be easily assembled in half the time.

Ingredients:

• 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 3 cups Italian-style bread crumbs (panko works great)
• 1 jar (about 24 ounces) of your favorite marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided into portions for serving
• Olive oil for frying
• Fresh basil leaves, optional garnish

Instructions:

1. Bread the chicken breasts: Place flour in a shallow dish. In another shallow dish, mix Parmesan cheese and bread crumbs. Salt and pepper to taste. Dip each chicken breast into the flour mixture, then into beaten eggs, and finally into the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently but firmly to adhere. Set aside on a plate or tray.
2. Fry the chicken: Heat 1/2 inch of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it reaches about 350 degrees F (hot enough for tiny bubbles around a cube of bread). Carefully place 3-4 pieces of breaded chicken into the hot oil. Fry on each side until golden brown and crispy, approximately 6-8 minutes total cooking time.
3. Assemble the dish: Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the skillet and keep warm in a low oven while you assemble your sauce. Pour marinara sauce over the bottom of a baking dish or casserole dish large enough to hold all your breaded chicken pieces.
4. Cooking the chicken: Place half of your fried chicken breasts into the sauce, covering them with the remaining sauce. Sprinkle each piece of chicken with about 2 tablespoons of shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
5. Bake and finish: Place baking dish in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Bake for 15 minutes, then turn the chicken to ensure even browning. After another 15 minutes, check if the cheese has melted and is bubbling. If not, continue cooking until it reaches the desired consistency.
6. Garnish: Optionally garnish each serving with fresh basil leaves for a touch of green color and freshness. Serve with a side of pasta or simply enjoy over a bed of greens.

Tips & Variations:

• For extra crispy chicken, place the coated chicken breasts in the freezer for 15 minutes before frying. The cold temperature helps create an even crispier coating.
• To make this dish healthier, consider using whole wheat flour and less bread crumbs or substituting them with crushed nuts like almonds.
• For a spicy kick, sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the chicken before baking it in the oven. Adjust according to your taste preference!

Conclusion:

Chicken Parmesan is not only easy but also incredibly delicious! Whether you're cooking it for a family dinner or impressing guests with your culinary skills, this recipe offers simplicity and versatility. It pairs wonderfully well with various sides like pasta, rice, or even vegetables. This dish has been a staple in many households because of its comforting taste and satisfying texture.

Remember, the beauty of cooking lies in experimenting and adapting to personal preferences. Feel free to modify ingredients or techniques based on what you have available or simply what suits your taste buds best. Happy cooking!