Chicken Parmesan, also known as Chicken Parmigiana, is a beloved dish that combines crispy breaded chicken cutlets, savory tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese. This hearty, comforting meal has found its way into kitchens and hearts around the world, blending Italian tradition with American flair. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or a cozy family dinner, this Chicken Parmesan recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 1/2 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
For Assembly:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create two thinner cutlets, or pound them to an even 1/2-inch thickness.
- Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper.
- Set up a breading station: Place flour in one shallow bowl, beaten eggs with water in another, and a mixture of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese in a third.
- Dredge each chicken cutlet in flour, dip into the egg mixture, and coat evenly with the breadcrumb mixture. Press the breadcrumbs firmly to adhere well.
2. Fry the Chicken:
- Heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Fry chicken cutlets in batches, 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
3. Make the Sauce:
- In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the onion until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for another minute.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and sugar if using. Simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
4. Assemble and Bake:
- Spoon a layer of sauce into the bottom of a baking dish.
- Place fried chicken cutlets over the sauce.
- Top each cutlet with more sauce, shredded mozzarella, and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the chicken is cooked through.
- For a golden top, broil for an additional 2–3 minutes at the end.
5. Serve:
- Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley if desired.
- Serve hot over spaghetti, alongside a fresh green salad, or with crusty garlic bread.
Tips for the Best Chicken Parmesan
- Use freshly grated cheese for superior flavor and melting.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet when frying—work in batches for even browning.
- For a lighter version, bake the breaded cutlets instead of frying.
Variations
- Eggplant Parmesan: Replace chicken with slices of breaded and fried eggplant.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce for a bit of heat.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour substitutes.
Conclusion
Chicken Parmesan is a timeless comfort food that never goes out of style. With its crispy coating, rich tomato sauce, and melty cheese, it delivers satisfaction in every bite. This recipe offers a perfect balance of texture and flavor, making it an ideal choice for both beginners and seasoned cooks. Try it once, and it just might become a staple in your kitchen!