Homemade Chicken Parmesan

Homemade Chicken Parmesan is a classic Italian-American dish that combines the flavors of Parmesan cheese and tomato sauce, typically served with pasta or rice. This comforting meal has become popular for its hearty, satisfying taste. If you're looking to impress your friends at dinner time or simply enjoy a delicious family meal, this recipe will be a great choice.

This dish is easy enough for beginners but still impressive enough for casual dining occasions. The preparation process takes about 30 minutes and requires only a few ingredients that can easily be found in most households. It makes four servings, which should be ample for an evening meal or leftovers the next day.

Ingredients

For the chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 3 large eggs
• 1½ cups Italian-seasoned bread crumbs
• Olive oil for frying

For the sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 (28-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
• 1 tablespoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper

To assemble:

• Rice or pasta for serving
• Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Preparation of the Chicken

Start by preparing your chicken breasts. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a shallow bowl, mix flour with garlic powder and oregano.

In another shallow bowl, beat three large eggs until well combined. In yet another shallow bowl or plate, combine Italian-seasoned bread crumbs.

Frying the Chicken

Heat some olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Dip one chicken breast into the seasoned flour mixture to coat both sides evenly. Shake off excess flour and dip it into the beaten eggs for another coating. Finally, press the coated chicken firmly into the bread crumbs until well covered.

Fry the chicken in batches so as not to overcrowd the pan. Fry each side of the chicken for about 3-4 minutes or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels and transfer to a baking dish lined with parchment paper. Once all chicken has been fried, place them into the preheated oven and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes.

Preparing the Tomato Sauce

While your chicken is cooking, start preparing the tomato sauce. Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and minced garlic to sauté until translucent. Add crushed tomatoes and sugar (if using) along with dried basil, salt, and pepper.

Cook the mixture for about 20 minutes until it thickens slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary by adding more salt or pepper as preferred.

Assembly

To serve, place some rice or pasta in each serving dish. Top with a fried chicken breast followed by a generous portion of homemade tomato sauce. Garnish with fresh basil for added freshness and aroma.

Tips & Variations

If you prefer to bake the chicken instead of frying it, you can omit the frying step and simply place the coated chicken directly into the oven after baking at 350°F (175°C) for about 40 minutes. This method is healthier since it reduces the amount of fat from frying.

For a more authentic Italian flavor, consider adding mozzarella cheese on top before putting the dish under the broiler until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly.

Conclusion

Homemade Chicken Parmesan offers an opportunity to enjoy delicious meals made with love right at home. Whether you're hosting a small gathering or just having dinner for yourself, this meal is sure to bring smiles and satisfaction. Its versatility allows it to be customized according to your taste preferences while maintaining its signature comfort food appeal.

Give this recipe a try; you'll likely find it to be one of the most cherished dishes in your culinary repertoire!