How to Make a Delicious Homemade Chicken Parmesan

Chicken Parmesan is a beloved classic Italian-American dish that has been cherished by families for generations. This versatile recipe can be enjoyed as an appetizer or a main course, making it perfect for any occasion. Here's how you can prepare this tasty treat at home in your kitchen.

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
4 tbsp olive oil, divided
2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
4 slices mozzarella cheese
Chopped fresh basil for garnish

Preparation Time: 30 minutes

The preparation time is around 30 minutes. Here's a detailed breakdown:

Cooking the chicken: 15 minutes
Preparing the breadcrumbs mixture: 10 minutes
Baking and assembling the dish: 5 minutes

Servings: 4 generous servings

Instructions

Before you begin, make sure to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Cook the chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and let it rest while preparing the breadcrumbs mixture.
Mix the breadcrumbs: In a shallow bowl or plate, combine the Italian breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan cheese, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Bread the chicken: Dip each cooked chicken breast into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the crumbs. Place them back in the skillet and cook for another 2 minutes on each side until the breadcrumbs turn golden brown. Remove from heat and set aside.
Serve with sauce: In a baking dish large enough to hold all four pieces of chicken in one layer, spread out about half a cup of marinara sauce across the bottom. Arrange the breaded chicken on top of this layer of sauce. Pour another half a cup of marinara sauce over the chicken and add 1 slice of mozzarella cheese per piece of chicken.
Bake: Place in your preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for approximately 20 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden. Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil.

Tips & Tricks

For best results, make sure your chicken breasts are not overly thick as this could lead to uneven cooking. Baking at 375°F ensures the chicken stays juicy while the cheese melts perfectly. If you're looking for an extra layer of flavor, consider adding some sautéed vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini alongside the dish.

Healthier Variations

If you're aiming to make this recipe healthier without sacrificing taste, try using whole wheat breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. You can also reduce the amount of cheese slightly and replace it with a low-fat alternative like light mozzarella. Additionally, for an extra nutritional boost, consider adding some spinach leaves on top during baking.

Conclusion

Chef's note: Chicken Parmesan is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or simply looking to treat yourself at home, this dish will surely satisfy everyone's appetite. Enjoy your cooking and the wonderful flavors of classic Italian cuisine.

Garnish with

Chopped fresh basil for garnish