How to Make Delicious Chicken Parmesan

Chicken Parmesan is a classic Italian-American dish that combines breaded chicken cutlets with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese on top of spaghetti or pasta. This beloved comfort food has been popular in households for years, making it the perfect recipe to explore if you're looking to elevate your cooking skills while enjoying a meal that satisfies both your taste buds and stomach.

The dish is easy to prepare with just a few ingredients, but achieving the right balance of flavors can sometimes be challenging. Here’s a simple yet effective guide on how to make this delicious dish at home:

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into thin cutlets)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 3 tablespoons olive oil or butter (for frying)
• 1 jar marinara sauce (about 2 cups)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Breaded Coating Mix

In a shallow bowl, combine flour, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper. Whisk to mix well. In another shallow bowl or pie dish, beat the eggs until frothy.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

Dip each chicken cutlet first into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Then press it onto the breadcrumb mixture, making sure all sides are well coated with breadcrumbs. Place the coated chicken on a plate until ready to fry.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the breaded chicken pieces and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to paper towels lined with a plate to drain excess oil.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

In a large bowl, mix marinara sauce well with shredded mozzarella cheese. Add the fried chicken pieces to the mixture, ensuring they are fully coated in both the sauce and cheese. Pour this into an oven-safe dish or casserole.

Step 5: Bake the Chicken Parmesan

Bake at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. During baking, occasionally check if the chicken needs more time to cook by probing with a fork.

Step 6: Garnish

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p>Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving hot. Serve immediately with additional marinara sauce on the side for those who enjoy extra sauce or need a little extra moisture in their dish.

Cooking Time & Servings

The total cooking time is approximately 45-60 minutes, including preparation and baking. This recipe yields about 4 servings, which makes it an ideal meal for four people to share or enjoy individually as a hearty lunch or dinner.

Tips and Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with thinly sliced eggplant or portobello mushrooms. These can be marinated in olive oil, garlic, and herbs before grilling or sautéing to add extra flavor.
• Vegan Alternative: Replace mozzarella cheese with a dairy-free alternative like vegan Parmesan. Ensure the marinara sauce used is also suitable for vegetarians/vegans if needed.
• Braising Option: For deeper flavors, brown the breaded chicken cutlets in olive oil before adding them to the marinara sauce for braising instead of frying. This will infuse more flavor into your dish.

Chicken Parmesan is not just about its taste; it also serves as a delightful way to bring together family and friends for a meal that everyone loves. Whether you're making this dish for the first time or have become an expert at it, remember that every bite is packed with flavor and warmth.

To enhance your cooking experience further, consider experimenting with different sauces, herbs, or even incorporating other proteins like shrimp or beef into your dish. Happy cooking!