Chicken Parmesan, or Chicken Parmigiana, is a classic Italian-American dish loved for its crispy, juicy chicken, rich tomato sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese. This guide will walk you through making this comforting meal from scratch, ensuring a restaurant-quality result in your own kitchen.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe makes enough for 4 servings. Adjust ingredient quantities as needed for more or fewer portions.
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for frying
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Assembly:
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
- Spaghetti or other pasta (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Chicken:
- Pound the chicken: Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound them to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This ensures even cooking.
- Bread the chicken: Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs. Season the flour with salt and pepper. Dredge each chicken breast in flour, then dip in the egg, and finally coat thoroughly in breadcrumbs. Press gently to ensure the breading adheres well.
2. Cooking the Chicken:
- Fry or bake: You can either fry or bake the chicken. For frying, heat about 1/2 inch of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the breaded chicken breasts in the hot oil and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. For baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the breaded chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
3. Making the Sauce:
- Sauté garlic: While the chicken is cooking, heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Simmer the sauce: Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper to the saucepan. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for at least 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will be.
4. Assembling and Baking the Chicken Parmesan:
- Preheat oven (if baking): If you baked the chicken, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Layer and bake: Pour a thin layer of the tomato sauce into a baking dish. Top with the cooked chicken breasts. Spoon the remaining sauce over the chicken. Arrange the mozzarella slices over the sauce. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Bake (if applicable): If baking, bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
5. Serving:
Serve your Chicken Parmesan hot, optionally over a bed of spaghetti or other pasta. Garnish with fresh basil leaves.
Tips for the Best Chicken Parmesan:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: When frying, ensure you don't overcrowd the pan, as this will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Use good quality mozzarella: The quality of your mozzarella will significantly impact the taste of your dish. Fresh mozzarella is ideal.
- Let the sauce simmer: Allow the sauce to simmer for at least 15 minutes to develop a rich and flavorful taste.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of herbs, spices, and salt to your preference.
Enjoy your homemade Chicken Parmesan! It's a delicious and satisfying meal that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Remember to share your culinary creation and tag us!
