Chicken Parmesan

 

Chicken Parmesan: A Delicious Italian Classic

Introduction

Chicken Parmesan, also known as Chicken Parmigiana, is a beloved Italian dish that combines tender breaded chicken cutlets, rich tomato sauce, and melted cheese. It is a comforting and satisfying meal that has become popular worldwide. In this article, we will provide you with a full list of ingredients and a step-by-step recipe to help you recreate this delicious dish in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Parmesan:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 2 cups breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-style)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Tomato Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Assembling:

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Recipe

1. Preparing the Chicken:

   • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Place the flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs in separate shallow bowls.
   • In a mixing bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
   • Dip each chicken breast into the flour, shaking off any excess.
   • Then dip the chicken into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
   • Coat the chicken with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure even coverage.

2. Frying the Chicken:

   • Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
   • Working in batches, add the breaded chicken to the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
   • Transfer the cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to remove any excess oil.

3. Preparing the Tomato Sauce:

   • In a separate saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they become soft and fragrant.
   • Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, dried oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper.
   • Simmer the sauce for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

4. Assembling and Baking:

   • Spread a thin layer of the tomato sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
   • Place the cooked chicken breasts on top of the sauce.
   • Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the chicken, covering them completely.
   • Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the sauce.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
   • Garnish with fresh basil leaves.

5. Serving:

   • Chicken Parmesan pairs well with cooked pasta, such as spaghetti or fettuccine.
   • Serve the chicken over the pasta, spooning extra tomato sauce on top.
   • Sprinkle with additional grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Conclusion

Chicken Parmesan is a classic Italian dish that brings together the flavors of crispy breaded chicken, tangy tomato sauce, and melted cheese. With this recipe, you can recreate this beloved comfort food in your own kitchen. Enjoy the delicious combination of textures and flavors as you savor every bite of this hearty and satisfying meal.