Chicken Parmesan, or Chicken Parmigiana, is a classic Italian-American dish that features breaded and fried chicken cutlets topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese. The dish combines the crispy, savory elements of the chicken with the rich flavors of tomato sauce and gooey cheese, making it a comforting and satisfying meal. Often served over pasta or with a side of garlic bread, Chicken Parmesan is a beloved favorite in many households, known for its delicious and hearty appeal.
Chicken Parmesan ,Try it .. you will not regret it!
Ingredients:
4 chicken breast fillets
1 cup of regular flour
2 beaten eggs
1 cup of breadcrumbs
1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp of dried basil leaves
1 tsp of dried oregano
1/2 tsp of garlic powder
Salt and pepper as required
1/2 cup of olive oil
1 cup of tomato-based marinara sauce
1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Use a meat mallet to even out the thickness of the chicken breasts.
Prepare a breading station by placing three shallow dishes side by side. Fill the first dish with flour, the second with beaten eggs, and the third with a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, basil, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Coat each chicken breast in flour, shaking off any excess. Dip it into the beaten eggs, then coat it with the breadcrumb mixture.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook the breaded chicken breasts until they are golden brown on both sides, approximately 2-3 minutes per side.
Transfer the chicken to a baking dish and top each one with some marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve the chicken parmesan with more marinara sauce on the side.
Variations:
- Baked Chicken Parmesan: For a lighter version, bake the breaded chicken instead of frying it. Place the chicken on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes, then add the sauce and cheese and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
- Chicken Parmesan Sandwich: Use the breaded chicken cutlets in a sub roll with marinara sauce and melted cheese for a tasty sandwich version.
- Different Cheeses: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella, provolone, or a mix of cheeses like Parmesan and fontina, for varied flavor profiles.
- Spicy Chicken Parmesan: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinara sauce for a spicy kick.
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute the chicken with eggplant or zucchini slices for a vegetarian take on Chicken Parmesan.
Tips:
- Pound the Chicken: Ensure even cooking by pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness before breading and frying.
- Double-Bread for Extra Crispiness: For an extra-crispy coating, dip the chicken in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs, and repeat the process for a double layer.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Enhance the flavor by adding fresh basil or oregano to the marinara sauce or as a garnish.
- Rest After Frying: Let the fried chicken rest on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil before adding the sauce and cheese.
- Make Ahead: Prepare and freeze the breaded chicken cutlets in advance. When ready to serve, bake from frozen with the sauce and cheese.
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