Chicken Parmigiana

A cherished Italian-American favorite, chicken Parmigiana is a comforting combination of melted mozzarella cheese, marinara sauce, and crispy breaded chicken. Serve this cozy meal over al dente pasta to represent the ideal synthesis of Italian cooking heritage with American passion.

Tasting Notes

The Chicken Parmigiana boasts a perfect combination of crispy breaded chicken, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese. The savory flavors are complemented by the aromatic herbs, creating a dish that is both satisfying and delicious.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups breadcrumbs
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for frying

Kitchen Equipment

• Large skillet
• Baking dish
• Meat thermometer
• Three shallow bowls for breading
• Cooking utensils

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Chicken:
   • Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
   • In three separate shallow bowls, place flour in one, beaten eggs in another, and a mixture of breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan in the third.
3. Bread the Chicken:
   • Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off excess.
   • Dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs.
   • Coat the chicken with the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture, pressing the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to adhere.
4. Fry the Chicken:
   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Fry the breaded chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through.
5. Assemble the Chicken Parmigiana:
   • Place the fried chicken in a baking dish.
   • Spoon marinara sauce over each chicken breast.
   • Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
6. Bake:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Garnish and Serve:
   • Remove from the oven and sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the Chicken Parmigiana.
   • Serve over cooked pasta or with a side salad.

Pro Tips

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of garlic powder and dried oregano to the breadcrumb mixture.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Variations

• Substitute chicken with eggplant slices for a vegetarian version.
• Experiment with different types of cheese, such as provolone or fontina.

FAQs