Perfectly Balanced Italian Chicken Parmesan

Parmesan lovers rejoice! This homemade Chicken Parmesan is a classic that's sure to become your go-to dish. A true Italian-American favorite, this recipe combines the flavors of mozzarella, marinara sauce, and tender chicken all topped with a generous amount of grated Parmesan cheese. The perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy, it’s a comforting meal that will leave you craving for more!

Cooking Time: 45 minutes

Number of Servings: 4

Ingredients You'll Need:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1½ pounds)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes with garlic and onion
• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Steps to Prepare Chicken Parmesan:

Step 1: Preparing the Breading Station.

1. Line a plate with paper towels. Place another plate next to it, and pour in half of the flour onto this second plate. Break the eggs into a shallow dish (like a pie dish) and whisk them until well beaten. Next, pour the breadcrumbs into a third plate.
2. Season both sides of each chicken breast generously with salt and pepper before coating the pieces first in the flour on one side, then dip it into egg wash, ensuring that all parts are covered, and finally press into the breadcrumb mixture to coat completely.

Step 2: Cooking the Chicken Parmesan.

3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot but not smoking, add three or four pieces of coated chicken at once and cook for about two minutes per side until golden brown on each side.
4. Remove cooked chicken from pan and place onto another plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. Reduce the heat under the remaining chicken when necessary if there isn’t enough room to accommodate all pieces simultaneously without overcrowding.

Step 3: Preparing the Marinara Sauce.

5. In a separate large saucepan, combine crushed tomatoes with garlic and onion. Stir in finely chopped onions. Cook over medium heat for about 15 minutes stirring occasionally until the mixture thickens slightly while adding salt and pepper to taste if needed. You may also add fresh basil leaves towards the end of cooking time.

Step 4: Assembling and Baking Chicken Parmesan.

6. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175°C).
7. Spoon some of the marinara sauce into a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread it around evenly, then layer two pieces of chicken onto this base. Cover each piece with more marinara sauce and sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese.
8. Repeat until all four portions are assembled in the same manner. Place the baking dish into preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes or until thoroughly heated through. Let sit for about 5-10 minutes before serving so that the chicken has time to rest.

Serving Suggestions:

For an extra treat, pair this delicious Chicken Parmesan with some cooked pasta like spaghetti or linguine. Alternatively, a side of garlic bread provides another wonderful accompaniment. Don't forget to garnish your plate with fresh basil leaves for that final touch!

This dish is not only delightful but also incredibly satisfying! With its comforting flavors and satisfying texture, Chicken Parmesan makes an excellent main course any day of the week. Whether you're a family gathering or just looking for something special to impress dinner guests, this recipe won't disappoint.

Tips & Tricks:

For best results when making homemade Chicken Parmesan, make sure your chicken breasts are relatively thin so they cook evenly. Additionally, ensure that the marinara sauce reaches a proper consistency before topping it with the chicken pieces; otherwise, the sauce might run out during baking.