Making Chicken Parmesan is a delightful culinary experience that combines crispy breaded chicken with rich marinara sauce and gooey melted cheese. This Italian-American classic is perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Below is a comprehensive guide to preparing this mouth-watering dish, complete with ingredients, step-by-step instructions, nutritional information, and cooking tips.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 3 large chicken breasts (sliced in half lengthwise to create 6 cutlets)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs, whisked
- 1/3 cup olive oil (or vegetable oil)
For the Breading
- 1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 2 tsp Italian herb blend (thyme, oregano, basil, rosemary)
For the Topping
- 6 slices Mozzarella cheese
- 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded (for topping)
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Tenderize the Chicken: Place chicken cutlets in a large ziplock bag or between two sheets of parchment paper. Firmly pound with a rolling pin or meat mallet until they are about 1/2 inch thick. Pat dry with a paper towel.
- Set Up an Assembly Line: Prepare three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with whisked eggs, and one with a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.
Breading the Chicken
- Dredge in Flour: Dip each chicken cutlet in flour, shaking off the excess.
- Dip into Eggs: Next, dip the floured chicken into the egg mixture, ensuring both sides are coated.
- Coat in Breadcrumbs: Finally, coat both sides of the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.
Cooking the Chicken
- Pan-Fry the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add the breaded chicken cutlets and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Transfer to a baking dish.
Layering and Baking
- Layer with Cheese and Sauce: Place a slice of mozzarella on each cutlet and spoon marinara sauce over them.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and bake uncovered for about 14 minutes. In the last minute of baking, sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top and broil until bubbly and golden.
Serve
- Garnish and Enjoy: Remove from oven, sprinkle with fresh basil, and serve hot.
Cooking Tips
- For extra crispiness, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
- Ensure not to overcrowd the pan while frying; this helps maintain an even cooking temperature.
- If you prefer a healthier version, consider baking the breaded chicken instead of frying it. Simply preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) and bake for about 25 minutes after breading.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: Approximately 450 kcal
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
This calorie count can vary based on portion sizes and specific ingredients used.
Conclusion
Chicken Parmesan is not only delicious but also versatile; it pairs well with pasta, salad, or garlic bread for a complete meal.For more mouth-watering recipes like this one, be sure to purchase our eBook filled with delicious dishes that will impress your family and friends! Additionally, pre-order our new cookbook “Deliciously Fit,” which focuses on weight loss and healthy meal options without sacrificing flavor.Enjoy your cooking adventure!
