Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Ingredients for Chicken Parmesan
- Preparation of Chicken Parmesan
- Breading and frying the chicken
- Assembling the dish with marinara sauce and cheese
- Baking the Chicken Parmesan until golden and bubbly
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
Introduction
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Ingredients for Chicken Parmesan
Chicken Parmesan, also known as Chicken Parmigiana, is a delicious Italian-American dish that features breaded and fried chicken cutlets topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese. The key ingredients for making Chicken Parmesan include:
1. Chicken breasts or cutlets – boneless, skinless chicken breasts are commonly used for this dish.
2. Eggs – used to create an egg wash for coating the chicken.
3. Breadcrumbs – seasoned breadcrumbs are typically used to bread the chicken.
4. Parmesan cheese – grated Parmesan cheese is often mixed with the breadcrumbs for added flavor.
5. Marinara sauce – a tomato-based sauce that is used to top the chicken.
6. Mozzarella cheese – shredded mozzarella cheese is sprinkled over the marinara sauce before baking.
7. Olive oil – for frying the breaded chicken cutlets until they are golden brown.
8. Spices and seasonings – such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian herbs, to enhance the flavor of the dish.
Preparation of Chicken Parmesan
To prepare a delicious Chicken Parmesan, start by gathering all the necessary ingredients: chicken breasts, bread crumbs, eggs, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and parmesan cheese.
First, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure they cook evenly. Then, season the chicken with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings.
Next, dip each chicken breast into beaten eggs, coating both sides, and then into the bread crumbs, ensuring an even coating.
In a skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat and cook the breaded chicken breasts until they are golden brown on both sides.
Once the chicken is cooked, place it in a baking dish, cover with marinara sauce, and top with mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
Bake the Chicken Parmesan in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Finally, garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve hot with pasta or a side salad for a satisfying meal.
Breading and frying the chicken
One of the key steps in making delicious Chicken Parmesan is breading and frying the chicken. This process helps to create a crispy and flavorful coating that complements the tender chicken inside.
To bread the chicken, start by dipping each piece in flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip the chicken into beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the chicken in a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and seasonings. Make sure to press the breadcrumb mixture firmly onto the chicken to ensure it adheres well.
When frying the chicken, heat oil in a pan until it reaches the right temperature for frying. Gently place the breaded chicken pieces into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the chicken until it is golden brown on both sides and cooked through. Once fried, place the chicken on paper towels to drain off any excess oil before assembling the Chicken Parmesan.
Assembling the dish with marinara sauce and cheese
Once the chicken cutlets are cooked to perfection, it’s time to assemble the Chicken Parmesan dish. Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking. Take a baking dish and spread a generous amount of marinara sauce at the bottom. The marinara sauce serves as the base and adds flavor to the dish.
Place the cooked chicken cutlets on top of the marinara sauce. Make sure the cutlets are evenly spaced to cover the surface of the dish. Spoon additional marinara sauce over each cutlet, ensuring they are well-covered. This step enhances the saucy goodness of the dish.
Next, it’s time to layer the dish with cheese. Traditionally, Chicken Parmesan uses mozzarella cheese, but you can get creative and add other cheeses like Parmesan or provolone. Sprinkle a generous amount of cheese over each chicken cutlet, making sure to cover them entirely.
Once the chicken cutlets are sauced and cheesed, the dish is ready to be baked in the preheated oven. The cheese should melt and turn golden brown, creating a deliciously gooey topping for the Chicken Parmesan. Bake for about 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly crispy.
Baking the Chicken Parmesan until golden and bubbly
Once the chicken is topped with marinara sauce and cheese, it’s time to bake it until golden and bubbly. Preheat your oven to the temperature specified in your recipe, usually around 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the prepared chicken in the oven and bake for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbling.
Keep an eye on the chicken while it bakes to ensure it doesn’t overcook. If the cheese starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent the dish with foil to prevent burning. The baking time may vary depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts, so it’s always a good idea to use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Once the chicken is golden and bubbly, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and results in a juicier chicken Parmesan. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving for a pop of color and flavor.
Conclusion
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