Chicken Parmesan Recipe: A Classic Italian Dish

Chicken Parmesan is a beloved classic in Italian-American cuisine that has been cherished by many for its rich flavors and comforting simplicity. It's a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or even turned into a meal-in-one with the addition of pasta and a side salad.

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings, and it takes around 1 hour to prepare from start to finish, including cooking time. Let’s get started on this delicious creation!

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each)
• 3 cups breadcrumbs
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cups marinara sauce (such as store-bought or homemade)
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

Instructions

1. Preparation: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Have all ingredients ready at hand. Place the breadcrumbs in a shallow bowl, and mix in half of the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
2. Cut each chicken breast into two pieces if they are large enough. In another shallow dish, whisk together the flour with the remaining grated Parmesan cheese. This will serve as your coating for the chicken breasts.
3. Dip both sides of a chicken piece in the flour mixture to coat thoroughly. Then, press it into the breadcrumb mixture until well coated on all sides. Repeat this process for each piece of chicken.
4. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully place three pieces of chicken in the pan at a time (not overcrowding), and cook until golden brown on one side, about 3 minutes. Flip them over and continue cooking for another couple of minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
5. Transfer the cooked chicken to an oven-safe baking dish. Spoon marinara sauce evenly over each piece of chicken. Sprinkle a bit of shredded mozzarella cheese on top before placing it back into the preheated oven for about 20 minutes until the cheese melts and is bubbling hot.
6. Once done, remove from the oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes. Serve immediately with additional marinara sauce if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Cooking Time Adjustment: For a quicker version of Chicken Parmesan, you could use pre-cooked chicken and omit the breadcrumb coating step. Just dip in flour first before adding to the breadcrumbs.
• Pasta Option: Add cooked pasta such as spaghetti or linguine alongside for a full meal experience!
• Vegetarian Version: Substitute the chicken with slices of zucchini, eggplant, or portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian twist.

Nutritional Information (approximate values per serving)

Calories: 450 kcal; Protein: 36g; Fat: 18g; Carbohydrates: 42g

Chicken Parmesan is not only a satisfying meal but also an excellent way to enjoy Italian flavors. The combination of savory chicken, tangy tomato sauce, crispy breadcrumbs, and melty mozzarella makes it hard to resist. Serve this dish with your favorite side vegetables or a salad for a complete, comforting meal.

To make this recipe even more memorable, consider garnishing the chicken with fresh basil leaves when serving, which adds an extra burst of freshness and color to the plate. Share your creation on social media using #ChickenParmesan or tag friends who love Italian cuisine!