Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Looking for a classic Italian-American dish that everyone will love? Chicken Parmesan is the perfect choice! This savory and comforting meal has become a favorite in many households due to its versatility and delicious flavor profile. In this article, we'll walk you through how to make Chicken Parmesan from scratch, ensuring you have all the essential ingredients and cooking steps.

The key ingredient for this dish is Chicken Parmesan, which combines tender chicken with a rich tomato sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. The process involves breading the chicken, sautéing it, layering it in a baking dish with pasta and sauce, and then topping it all with cheese before baking until golden and bubbling hot.

Cooking Time: 45 minutes (30 minutes for preparation and 15 minutes for baking)

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

• 6 chicken breasts, pounded thin
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon paprika (optional)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• 1 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 3 eggs, beaten
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 8 ounces spaghetti
• Olive oil for frying
• Fresh basil or parsley (optional)

Instructions

1. Breading the Chicken: Begin by pounding six chicken breasts until they are about 1/4 inch thick. In a shallow bowl, mix together flour with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper to taste. In another bowl, beat three eggs. Toss the breaded crumbs onto a plate.
2. Coating the Chicken: Dip each piece of chicken first into the flour mixture, then into the egg, and finally into the breadcrumbs. Make sure they are well coated. Set aside while you prepare the sauce and pasta.
3. Cooking the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, fry each chicken breast for about two minutes on one side until golden brown, then flip and cook for another minute or so until fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove from the pan, place on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess fat, and set aside.
4. Pasta: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add salt and pasta. Cook until al dente according to package instructions (about 8 minutes for spaghetti). Drain well when done. Toss cooked spaghetti with marinara sauce; this will be the base for your Chicken Parmesan.
5. Assembling: Preheat oven to 400°F. In a large baking dish, layer half of the cooked chicken on bottom followed by a generous amount of pasta and sauce. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used up. Top with mozzarella cheese.
6. Baking: Place in preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbling hot. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired before serving.

Tips & Variations

To make this dish more flavorful, consider adding some red pepper flakes along with cayenne for extra heat. You can also substitute the mozzarella cheese with provolone or fontina for a richer taste. Another option is to add mushrooms and/or spinach during the assembly process to increase the nutritional value.

Health & Nutrition Information

This Chicken Parmesan recipe provides a balance of protein from the chicken, complex carbohydrates in the form of pasta, and healthy fats in olive oil and cheese. However, it does contain relatively high amounts of sodium due to the marinara sauce. For those watching their salt intake, consider using lower-sodium products or seasoning your dish with fresh herbs instead.

Chicken Parmesan is not only a delightful treat but also a comforting meal that brings family and friends together. Try this recipe at home to enjoy its rich flavors and satisfying texture. Whether you're having dinner guests over or simply preparing it for yourself, everyone will appreciate the delicious taste of homemade Chicken Parmesan.

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