Chicken Parmigiana Recipe is a beloved classic that combines tender chicken breasts, crispy breadcrumbs, tangy marinara sauce, and melted cheese into a mouthwatering masterpiece.
Originating from Italian-American cuisine, this dish has become a staple on dinner tables worldwide for its comforting flavors.
What Is The Chicken Parmigiana Recipe?
Chicken Parmigiana Recipe is a culinary delight that embodies the essence of Italian-American comfort food.
With its tender chicken cutlets coated in a golden breadcrumb crust, smothered in tangy marinara sauce, and adorned with melted cheese, this dish is a symphony of flavors and textures.
How Long Will It Take To Prepare?
The preparation time for Chicken Parmigiana can vary depending on factors such as your cooking experience, organization, and whether you’ve prepared the ingredients in advance. Here’s a rough estimate:
- Preparation Time: 15-20 minutes (includes pounding chicken, breading, and assembling)
- Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes (includes frying chicken and baking)
- Total Time: Approximately 35-45 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
How Do You Make Chicken Parmigiana Recipe?
Chicken Parmigiana, also known as Chicken Parmesan, is a classic Italian-American dish consisting of breaded and fried chicken cutlets topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese. Here’s how you can make it:
Essential Ingredients For Chicken Parmigiana Recipe:
- Four boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- Two large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (Italian seasoned breadcrumbs work well)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Olive oil for frying
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Essential Instructions For The Chicken Parmigiana Recipe:
Step 1
Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2
Prepare the chicken: Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper.
Step 3
Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound them to an even thickness, about 1/2 inch thick-season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
Step 4
Breading the chicken
Set up three shallow bowls. Place the flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and breadcrumbs mixed with grated Parmesan cheese in the third bowl.
Step 5
Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it evenly with the breadcrumb mixture.
Step 6
Fry the chicken
Heat a few tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the breaded chicken breasts in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the skillet.
Step 7
Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Step 8
Assemble the Chicken Parmigiana
Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
Step 9
Arrange the cooked chicken breasts in the dish, slightly overlapping if necessary. Spoon the remaining marinara sauce over the chicken, covering each piece evenly. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of each chicken breast.
Step 10
Bake
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 11
Serve
Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, remove the dish from the oven. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve hot with pasta, salad, or crusty bread.
Additional Tips For Chicken Parmigiana Recipe:
- Use Thin Chicken Cutlets: Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness ensures they cook evenly and remain tender. Aim for about 1/2 inch thickness.
- Seasoning: Don’t forget to season each component of the dish—chicken, flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs—with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Fresh Breadcrumbs: For extra crunch and flavor, consider using freshly made breadcrumbs instead of store-bought ones. You can make them by pulsing day-old bread in a food processor until coarse.
- Quality Ingredients: For the best flavor, use high-quality marinara sauce and cheeses. For added richness, sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top before baking.
- Baking: To prevent the chicken from becoming soggy, place it on a wire rack set inside the baking dish. This allows air to circulate the chicken while it bakes, keeping the bottom crispy.
- Broiling: For a golden brown and bubbly cheese topping, broil the Chicken Parmigiana for a couple of minutes at the end of baking. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
Precautions For Chicken Parmigiana Recipe:
- Hot Oil Safety: Exercise caution when frying the breaded chicken in hot oil to avoid splatters and burns. Use long-handled tongs to turn the chicken pieces carefully.
- Food Safety: To ensure safety, cook the chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
- Cross-Contamination: To prevent the spread of bacteria, keep raw chicken separate from other ingredients and wash your hands, utensils, and work surfaces thoroughly after handling it.
- Handling Hot Dishes: To avoid burns, be careful when removing the hot baking dish from the oven and when serving the Chicken Parmigiana.
- Storage: Store any leftover Chicken Parmigiana in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Nutrition Facts Of Chicken Parmigiana Recipe
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 500 kcal |
| Protein | 40 grams |
| Fat | 30 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 30 grams |
| Fiber | 4 grams |
| Sodium | 1200 mg |
Please keep in mind that these values are estimates and may vary based on factors such as the specific ingredients used, portion sizes, and cooking methods.
Additionally, the nutrition content may change if you make any modifications to the recipe, such as using different types of cheese or breading.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Chicken Parmigiana is a classic Italian-American dish that’s both comforting and flavorful.
With its crispy breaded chicken, savory marinara sauce, and melted cheese, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions.
By following the provided recipe and tips, you can create a delicious Chicken Parmigiana that’s sure to impress your family and friends.
Remember to handle the ingredients safely, cook the chicken to the proper temperature, and enjoy the dish hot out of the oven with your favorite side dishes.
