Deliciously Simple Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Chicken Parmesan is a classic Italian-American dish that has won the hearts of many with its rich and savory flavors. This versatile recipe can be enjoyed in numerous ways – as an entrée, over pasta or even as a sandwich. Today, we will walk you through how to make this delicious dish at home with simple ingredients and straightforward cooking steps.

Ingredients needed for making Chicken Parmesan:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs beaten
• 3 cups panko breadcrumbs (also called dry bread crumbs)
• Salt to taste
• 4 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for frying
• ½ cup Italian seasoned marinara sauce or your favorite pasta sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 cups of fresh basil leaves (optional)

Preparation Steps:

Frying the Chicken:

1. Cut each chicken breast into 3-4 pieces. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides.
2. Place the flour in a wide shallow bowl, and set aside. Beat the eggs in another dish until well combined. In a third dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs and mix them thoroughly to ensure even distribution of seasoning.
3. Dip each piece of chicken first into the seasoned flour, then into egg wash, and finally into the breadcrumbs. Make sure that all pieces are fully coated with the crumbs for better texture and flavor.
4. Heat 4 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot (about 350°F), gently place the chicken pieces into the oil and cook until golden brown on each side, approximately 7-8 minutes per side.

Packing the Pasta:

Creating the Chicken Parmesan:

6. Lay out your cooked chicken over a large plate or baking sheet. If desired, top with fresh basil leaves for an added touch of green color.
7. Spread a generous amount of marinara sauce onto each piece of chicken to cover the entire surface.
8. Grate some mozzarella cheese over the chicken and sauce to make it look more appealing and taste extra delicious. For a creamier texture, you may want to use shredded low-fat mozzarella if you are watching your calorie intake.

Baking:

The Baking Process:

9. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Carefully transfer the chicken pieces onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper, ensuring that they are not touching each other.
10. Carefully bake for approximately 12-15 minutes or until the cheese has melted completely and the chicken is fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach at least 165°F).

Ready to Serve:

Your Chicken Parmesan will be ready to serve in about 40 minutes. Serve hot with a side of garlic bread or your favorite pasta for an authentic Italian dining experience right at home.

Note: To make this dish even more impressive, consider adding a side of creamy spinach or roasted vegetables. A fresh salad and some warm crusty bread can also complement the flavors beautifully.

Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving):

• Total Calories: 450 kcal
• Protein: 32g
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 6g

This Chicken Parmesan recipe is not only a delightful meal but also a great way to enjoy the rich flavors of Italian cuisine. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or simply looking for an easy yet impressive family meal, this dish fits perfectly into your schedule.