Irresistibly Crispy Chicken Parmesan: A Homemade Delight

Irresistibly Crispy Chicken Parmesan: A Homemade Delight

Welcome to a delightful culinary experience with our savory Chicken Parmesan! This classic Italian dish is a comforting favorite, perfect for family dinners or impressing guests. Featuring tender, breaded chicken breasts topped with rich marinara sauce and melted cheese, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between crispy and cheesy. Whether you serve it over a bed of pasta, on a crusty sub roll, or with a side salad, each bite promises a burst of flavor that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Let’s dive into the delicious world of Chicken Parmesan and discover how to make this beloved dish from scratch!

Savory Chicken Parmesan

Ingredients

• For the Chicken:
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-style)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • Olive oil, for frying
• For the Tomato Sauce:
  • 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
• For the Topping:
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Flatten the Chicken: Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound the chicken to an even thickness of about ½ inch. This ensures even cooking.
3. Season the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Bread the Chicken

1. Set Up the Breading Station: In three separate shallow dishes, place the flour in the first dish, beaten eggs in the second, and a mixture of breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, oregano, garlic powder, and paprika in the third.
2. Coat the Chicken: Dredge each chicken breast in flour, shaking off excess, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat with the breadcrumb mixture. Press down gently to adhere the breadcrumbs.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

1. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat a generous amount of olive oil over medium heat. You’ll need enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan.
2. Cook the Chicken: Once the oil is hot, carefully add the breaded chicken breasts. Fry for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. You may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
3. Drain the Chicken: Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

1. Prepare the Sauce: In a saucepan, heat the marinara sauce over medium heat with olive oil, Italian seasoning, and minced garlic. Stir occasionally until warmed through.
2. Layer the Chicken: In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Place the fried chicken breasts on top and cover each with the remaining marinara sauce.
3. Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the sauce.

Step 5: Bake

1. Bake in the Oven: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
2. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired, and serve hot over a bed of pasta, on a sub roll, or alongside a fresh salad.

Enjoy Your Chicken Parmesan!

This classic dish is perfect for family dinners and will surely impress your guests. The crispy chicken, savory sauce, and melted cheese come together for a comforting meal everyone will love!