Parmesan chicken, often referred to as Chicken Parmesan or Chicken Parmigiana, is a popular Italian-American dish consisting of breaded and fried chicken cutlets topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese. Here’s a recipe to make Parmesan chicken:
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (you can use plain or Italian-seasoned)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Vegetable oil for frying
For Assembling:
- 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- If the chicken breasts are thick, you can slice them in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets. This will help them cook evenly.
- Season the chicken cutlets with salt and black pepper on both sides.
2. Set Up a Breading Station:
- In one shallow dish, place the flour.
- In another shallow dish, beat the eggs.
- In a third shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
3. Bread the Chicken:
- Dredge each chicken cutlet in the flour, shaking off any excess.
- Dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Finally, coat the chicken with the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture, pressing the mixture onto the chicken to adhere.
4. Fry the Chicken:
- In a large skillet or frying pan, heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot (around 350°F or 175°C), carefully add the breaded chicken cutlets.
- Fry the chicken for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Place the cooked chicken on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
5. Assemble and Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom.
- Place the fried chicken cutlets on top of the sauce.
- Spoon the remaining marinara sauce over the chicken.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
6. Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Garnish and Serve:
- Optionally, garnish the Parmesan chicken with chopped fresh basil or parsley before serving.
- Serve hot with pasta, a side salad, or crusty bread.
Enjoy your homemade Parmesan chicken! It’s a comforting and satisfying dish that’s sure to please your taste buds.