How to Make Delicious Chicken Parmesan

Chicken Parmesan is one of those classic Italian-American dishes that never seems to go out of style. Whether you're craving comfort food or looking for a way to impress your family, this dish has something for everyone. This article will guide you through the process of making delicious Chicken Parmesan, complete with cooking times and serving suggestions.

Ingredients needed for 4 servings:

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 3/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

To start, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Begin by preparing the breadcrumbs. You can use whole wheat or white bread; both are good options for this dish. Grind the bread into fine crumbs using a food processor or pulse in batches until you have approximately three-quarters of a cup.

Mix the breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan cheese and season lightly with salt and pepper. Set aside while you crack two large eggs into a shallow bowl. Make sure to break up any egg whites that may be clumped together. Once done, whisk them until they are completely broken down.

The next step is preparing your chicken breasts. Lay each piece flat between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a meat mallet or the bottom of a heavy pan to pound the chicken breasts until they are about 1/4 inch thick. This will help them cook more evenly and quickly, ensuring that you achieve perfectly tender results.

Once your chicken is pounded, dip each piece into the whisked eggs, allowing excess to drip off before coating with the breadcrumb mixture. Press down gently on the breadcrumbs so they adhere well to the chicken breasts. Set aside once done until all pieces have been coated and prepared.

In a large skillet, heat two tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the breaded chicken breasts in batches without overcrowding your pan; this will prevent them from becoming soggy rather than crisp. Cook for three minutes on one side before flipping and cooking another three minutes on the other side or until golden brown.

Transfer the fried chicken to a baking dish that has been coated with marinara sauce. Bake in preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, ensuring you check halfway through and turn them over gently if necessary. While your chicken is cooking, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of each piece to melt.

Allow your Chicken Parmesan to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for an extra burst of flavor and freshness. Serve immediately while the melted cheese remains gooey and deliciously rich in taste!

Cooking Time

Total cooking time: 45-50 minutes, including preparation.

Serving Suggestion

• Pair with garlic bread or a side salad for an extra dimension of flavors and textures.
• You can also serve this dish over spaghetti or linguine if you prefer pasta rather than just eating it as is.

Chef Tip: For the best results, ensure that your ingredients are fresh and high quality whenever possible. Fresh mozzarella will give a better texture compared to pre-shredded cheese; similarly, using whole eggs instead of liquid egg whites gives more flavor depth.