Easy Chicken Parmesan: A Step-by-Step Guide

Chicken Parmesan, also known as Chicken Parmigiana, is a classic Italian-American dish loved for its crispy breaded chicken smothered in tangy marinara sauce and melted cheese. This dish is a favorite among many households due to its simplicity and delicious flavors. If you're looking to recreate this restaurant-quality meal at home, follow this easy step-by-step guide.

Ingredients required

Before you embark on your culinary journey to make Easy Chicken Parmesan, let's gather the ingredients you'll need:

• Chicken breasts: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe.
• All-purpose flour: Used for coating the chicken and creating a crispy exterior.
• Eggs: To bind the breadcrumb coating to the chicken.
• Breadcrumbs: Opt for plain or seasoned breadcrumbs for added flavor.
• Parmesan cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a rich, nutty flavor to the breadcrumb coating.
• Olive oil: Used for frying the breaded chicken until golden and crispy.
• Marinara sauce: Choose your favorite store-bought marinara sauce or make your own from scratch.
• Mozzarella cheese: Shredded mozzarella is perfect for melting over the chicken.
• Salt and pepper: Season the chicken to taste.
• Italian seasoning: A blend of dried herbs such as basil, oregano, and thyme adds depth of flavor to the dish.

Preparing the chicken

Tenderizing the chicken

Begin by placing the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a meat mallet or the flat side of a heavy skillet to gently pound the chicken to an even thickness. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and results in tender, juicy meat.

Seasoning the chicken

Once the chicken breasts are evenly flattened, season them generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. This step adds flavor to the chicken and enhances the overall taste of the dish.

Breading the chicken

Flour coating

Prepare a shallow dish with all-purpose flour. Dredge each seasoned chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess. The flour helps the egg wash adhere to the chicken and creates a base for the breadcrumb coating.

Egg wash

In a separate shallow dish, beat the eggs until well combined. Dip each floured chicken breast into the beaten eggs, ensuring that it is fully coated. The egg wash acts as a binder, helping the breadcrumb coating stick to the chicken.

Breadcrumb coating

In another shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan cheese. Dip each egg-coated chicken breast into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the crumbs to the chicken. Ensure that the chicken is evenly coated for a crispy exterior when cooked.

Cooking the chicken

Frying the chicken

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully place the breaded chicken breasts into the hot oil, taking care not to overcrowd the pan. Cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Transfer the fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Baking the chicken

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the fried chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spoon marinara sauce over each chicken breast, covering it evenly. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, ensuring that each chicken breast is generously covered. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Preparing the sauce

While the chicken is baking, heat the remaining marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through. Stir occasionally to prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the pan. You can customize the sauce by adding additional seasonings such as garlic, onion, or crushed red pepper flakes for extra flavor.

Assembling the Chicken Parmesan

Layering the sauce and cheese

Once the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly, remove it from the oven. Spoon additional marinara sauce over the baked chicken breasts, if desired, and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra burst of flavor.

Serving suggestions

Easy Chicken Parmesan is best served hot and fresh from the oven. Garnish each chicken breast with chopped fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve alongside cooked pasta, such as spaghetti or fettuccine, to soak up the delicious sauce. A crisp green salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette makes the perfect accompaniment to this hearty dish.

Tips for variations

• Cheese variation: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as provolone or fontina, for a unique twist on this classic dish.
• Sauce variation: Customize the marinara sauce by adding ingredients like roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or Italian sausage for extra flavor.
• Vegetarian option: Replace the chicken with eggplant slices for a vegetarian-friendly version of Chicken Parmesan. Simply bread and fry the eggplant slices as you would the chicken, then proceed with the recipe as written.

Healthier alternatives

If you're looking to lighten up this indulgent dish, consider the following healthier alternatives:

• Baked, not fried: Instead of frying the breaded chicken, bake it in the oven for a healthier, lower-fat option.
• Whole grain breadcrumbs: Use whole wheat breadcrumbs or a mixture of panko and grated Parmesan cheese for added crunch and fiber.
• Lean protein: Substitute boneless, skinless chicken breasts with turkey cutlets or thinly sliced pork loin for a leaner protein option.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Easy Chicken Parmesan is a delicious and satisfying dish that's perfect for any occasion. With its crispy breaded chicken, savory marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese, it's sure to become a favorite in your household. By following this step-by-step guide, you can recreate this classic Italian-American dish right in your own kitchen. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy a taste of Italy with Easy Chicken Parmesan.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Q. How do I store leftover Chicken Parmesan?

Ans: Allow the dish to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Q. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Ans: Yes, you can use any type of cheese you prefer. Mozzarella is traditional, but provolone, asiago, or even cheddar can work well.

Q. Is there a way to make Chicken Parmesan gluten-free?

Ans: Yes, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour instead of traditional breadcrumbs to coat the chicken.

Q. Can I prepare Chicken Parmesan ahead of time?

Ans: Yes, you can bread the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to cook. Just be sure to add the sauce and cheese right before baking.

Q. What side dishes go well with Chicken Parmesan?

Ans: Chicken Parmesan pairs well with pasta, garlic bread, or a simple side salad.