Quick & Easy Chicken Parmesan

Chicken Parmesan is a beloved classic that has been on restaurant menus for decades. It’s the perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors with its tangy marinara sauce, crispy breadcrumbs, and gooey mozzarella cheese. This dish can be enjoyed as an entrée or even turned into a delicious chicken parmesan pizza. Let's dive into how you can make this beloved meal at home.

The cooking time for this recipe is approximately 45 minutes, and it serves four people generously. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup Italian bread crumbs
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Olive oil for frying
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1/2 pound mozzarella cheese, sliced or shredded
• Fresh basil leaves (optional)

To start, preheat your oven to 350°F. It's important to have the oven ready so that once you fry and bake the chicken, it can immediately go into the oven for optimal results.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Breading Station

1. Mix Italian bread crumbs with grated Parmesan cheese in a shallow bowl. Set aside.
2. In another shallow bowl, whisk the eggs until well combined and set aside. You’re ready to assemble your breading station!

2. Coat the Chicken

3. Working with one chicken breast at a time, dip it first into the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently so that all sides are well coated.
4. Rinse your hands and repeat this process until all the chicken breasts are fully breaded.

3. Frying the Chicken

5. Gently heat about 1/2 inch of olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. When the oil reaches a temperature where you can see small bubbles around a cube of bread, it's ready for frying.
6. Once the oil is hot enough, carefully place two chicken breasts into the pan. Avoid overcrowding to ensure that they cook evenly and don’t stick together.
7. Fry each side until golden brown (about 4-5 minutes per side). Remove from the heat and set aside on a plate lined with paper towels for blotting any excess oil.

4. Assembling the Chicken Parmesan

8. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the fried chicken breasts in an oven-safe baking dish large enough to accommodate them comfortably.
9. Spoon marinara sauce generously over each of the chicken breasts, making sure it covers all sides equally.
10. Lay slices or shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the sauce for added richness and a gooey texture. A sprinkle of fresh basil leaves adds an extra layer of freshness if desired.

5. Baking in the Oven

12. Bake the chicken parmesan in your preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until the cheese is completely melted and golden brown on top, ensuring it’s thoroughly heated through.
13. Once done, remove from the oven. Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving to make slicing easier and let the flavors meld together.

Serving Suggestions:

• This dish pairs perfectly with a side of pasta or garlic bread.
• For something lighter, consider pairing it with a salad tossed in balsamic dressing.
• If you want to make it even more indulgent, serve it over some polenta for a heartier meal.

Tips for Perfect Results:

• Ensure the oil is hot before frying. The chicken should take on a nice golden brown color and be cooked through without being too dry or soggy inside.
• The mixture of breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese creates a crispier coating. If you prefer a crisper exterior, consider adding some panko bread crumbs to the mix.
• For extra flavor, sauté garlic and onions in the olive oil before frying the chicken for added depth of flavor.

Cooking Time Summary:

• Frying time: 4-5 minutes per side
• Baking time: 30 minutes at 350°F
• Resting time: 5 minutes after baking

Conclusion:

The combination of crispy breadcrumb coating, savory marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese makes Chicken Parmesan a truly delightful dish. By following these simple steps, you can easily prepare this classic recipe right in your own kitchen. Whether enjoyed as part of a romantic dinner for two or shared among friends at a casual gathering, Chicken Parmesan is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it.