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Chicken Parmesan

Chicken Parmesan
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Chicken Parmesan is a classic Italian-American comfort food featuring tender, breaded chicken breasts topped with rich marinara sauce and melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. This quick and easy recipe uses simple pantry ingredients to deliver a crispy, cheesy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a satisfying family dinner or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 3/4 cup breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for topping
  • 1/4 cup olive oil, for frying

Sauce and Toppings

  • 1 cup marinara or tomato sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1–2 teaspoons Italian herbs (optional: oregano, basil)
  • 1–2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)

Optional Garnishes and Sides

  • Fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley
  • Red pepper flakes, for a spicy kick
  • Spaghetti, garlic bread, or Caesar salad for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch to ensure they cook evenly. Season both sides lightly with salt and pepper for enhanced flavor.
  2. Bread the chicken: Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. Dredge each chicken piece first in flour, then dip into the egg, and finally coat with the breadcrumb-Parmesan mix, pressing gently to adhere.
  3. Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the breaded chicken for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate or wire rack to drain excess oil and keep crust crispy.
  4. Assemble and bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the cooked chicken breasts in a baking dish, spoon marinara sauce generously over each, then top with shredded mozzarella and a sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  5. Rest and serve: Let the chicken Parmesan rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the flavors to meld. Serve hot with your choice of sides such as spaghetti, garlic bread, or salad.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for better melting and flavor compared to pre-grated.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan while frying to maintain oil temperature and achieve a crispy crust.
  • Choose a high-quality marinara sauce with fresh herbs for authentic tang and taste.
  • Let the chicken rest a few minutes before slicing to retain juices and tenderness.
  • Drain fried chicken on a wire rack instead of paper towels to avoid sogginess.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken parmesan, chicken parm, breaded chicken, Italian comfort food, easy dinner, family meal, gluten-free chicken parmesan

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/chicken-parmesan/