Chicken Parmesan
A classic Italian-American dish featuring tender chicken breasts encased in a crispy crust and smothered in marinara sauce with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners.
Ingredients
Chicken Preparation
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, halved horizontally For tenderness
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste For seasoning
Breading Ingredients
- ½ cup all-purpose flour To create a light and crispy coating
- 2 large eggs, beaten To help the breadcrumbs adhere
- 1 cup panko or Italian breadcrumbs For crunch
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided) Adds rich, salty flavor
Cooking Ingredients
- ¼ cup olive oil For frying
- 1½ cups marinara sauce Provides robust and tangy contrast
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese For creamy melt
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped For freshness
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice each chicken breast in half horizontally to create thinner pieces. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
Set Up Breading Station
- In one shallow dish, place the all-purpose flour. In another dish, beat the eggs. In a third dish, mix together the panko breadcrumbs and ¼ cup of the grated Parmesan cheese.
Bread the Chicken
- Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour, shaking off any excess. Dip the chicken into the beaten eggs, then press it into the breadcrumb mixture until well coated.
Fry the Chicken
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the breaded chicken pieces and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Assemble the Dish
- Spread some marinara sauce in the bottom of a baking dish. Place the fried chicken on top and cover each piece with the remaining marinara sauce. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and the rest of the Parmesan cheese.
Bake
- Transfer the baking dish to your preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Garnish and Serve
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes, then sprinkle fresh basil over the top before serving.
Notes
For variations, consider baking the chicken instead of frying, using zucchini noodles, or making a vegan version with eggplant.