Introduction
Chicken Parmesan is a famous Italian-American dish. Its layers of flavor make it super delicious. The dish is usually breaded chicken breasts with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. Then, it’s baked until it’s golden and yummy! This dish is great as a weeknight family meal or as a fancy dinner party entree.
It’s key to pick good ingredients. From the chickens to the tomato sauce and even the mozzarella cheese, quality matters! But, the most important part is prepping the ingredients correctly and following the instructions carefully while cooking. If you do it right, you’ll get a meal full of flavor!
Ingredients
Four boneless, skinless chicken breasts? Check. Two eggs? Got ’em. Italian-style breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, all-purpose flour and olive oil? Check, check, check and check. Plus, a jar of your favorite marinara sauce, 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese, and some salt, pepper and parsley.
Delicious classic chicken parmesan awaits you!
Chicken
Chicken Parm is a classic Italian-American dish. To make it, you’ll need:
- 2 large, skinless and boneless chicken breasts
- Flour
- Salt, pepper
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
- Garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese (for coating)
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the sauce:
- 1 tbsp. olive oil or butter
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes with juice
- 1 tsp. dried oregano
For the topping:
- 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish.
Parmesan cheese
Parmesan cheese is a must-have for chicken Parmesan! It’s an aged, hard Italian cheese, usually grated. Its flavor is nutty and well-rounded, making it the perfect addition to the dish. It adds intense saltiness without overpowering other flavors.
When purchasing Parmesan, seek one aged 24 months or more. Aged Parmesan will have crinkled edges and a darker yellow color, which indicates excellent quality and flavor. If preferred or unavailable, Asiago or Romano can be used as substitutes in chicken Parmesan.
Breadcrumbs
Breadcrumbs are essential for chicken parmigiana. White bread is ideal for traditional breadcrumbs. Though, whole wheat or Italian-style breads offer more flavor. Toast the bread first to get a crumbly texture. Parsley, oregano, basil and garlic powder can be added to the breadcrumbs for extra flavor.
You can buy
- plain
- or seasoned breadcrumbs
at the grocery store.
Olive oil
Olive oil is essential for making Chicken Parmesan. Go for cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil with no added preservatives. Heat it to a medium temperature, between 300°F and 350°F (149°C and 177°C). Use a pan that’s large enough to fit all the chicken.
When sautéing veg or making a butter-based sauce, use cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil. Avoid regular vegetable oil – it lacks flavor. Be careful not to add too much olive oil – it’ll make the dish greasy and oily.
Garlic
Garlic is a must-have in any classic Chicken Parmesan recipe. During preparation, it’s best to use minced garlic in the breading or sauce. Or, if you want a more intense flavor, roasted garlic cloves work well too. For a lighter seasoning, cook minced garlic quickly in olive oil.
To finish off the dish, freshly chopped or pressed garlic can be sprinkled on top before or after melting cheese. Garlic adds boldness to the classic dish, giving it its memorable taste. From start to finish, adding garlic makes this traditional meal stand out.
Tomato sauce
For the tomato sauce in a chicken Parmesan recipe, you can choose either store-bought or homemade. If store-bought, select one with natural ingredients and without artificial colors, flavorings or preservatives. Opt for certified organic and BPA-free brands if possible.
To make your own, dice 2 cloves of garlic. Heat a skillet or saucepan over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Cook the garlic until fragrant and lightly browned. Reduce heat to low and add a 28 ounce can of crushed tomatoes. Add 1 teaspoon of sea salt and 1 teaspoon of freshly ground pepper. Simmer uncovered for 25 minutes without stirring. Finally, stir in ½ cup of freshly chopped basil leaves and remove from heat when wilted. Use this fresh tomato sauce as your base for perfect chicken Parmesan!
Spices
To give the chicken some flavor, spices are important. Oregano, parsley and garlic powder are often used together in a balanced combination. A pinch of salt, ground black pepper and sometimes red pepper flakes complete the seasoning blend. This creates an aromatic flavor to go with the pan-fried chicken cutlets.
For an extra layer of flavor, add a tablespoon of Italian seasoning. This blend usually has oregano, thyme, marjoram, basil, rosemary and sage. This will bring more depth to the dish.
Preparation
Gathering ingredients is key to making chicken parmesan. Collect boneless chicken breasts, eggs, Parmesan cheese, Italian-style bread crumbs and a marinara sauce.
- To start, pound the chicken thin.
- Then, get the egg and cheese ready to coat.
- Once you’ve done this, you’re ready to cook!
Preheat oven
Before you begin your chicken parmesan journey, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is essential for even cooking and a golden, delicious crust. The yummy breadcrumbs will add the perfect crunch to the cheese topping.
Prepare the chicken
Start preparing your Chicken Parmesan. Take 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts and pound them into thin cutlets – around ¼-inch thick. Put each piece between 2 sheets of parchment or plastic wrap, and use a mallet to make them flat. Salt and pepper the cutlets.
In a shallow bowl, mix together 1 cup Panko bread crumbs, 1 tsp garlic powder, and ¼ tsp dried oregano. Beat 2 eggs with 2 tbsp milk in another bowl. First dip the cutlets in the eggs mixture, then the bread crumb mixture, to coat them completely.
Heat up ½ cup of olive oil in a wide skillet over medium heat. Cook 2 chicken cutlets at a time for 6 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer them to a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. Once all four pieces are done, set aside and make the cheese sauce.
Coat the chicken
Grab a shallow dish. Pour 1/3 cup of all-purpose flour. In a bowl, mix 2 beaten eggs and 1/4 cup of milk. Heat 2 tbsp. olive oil in a non-stick pan on medium heat.
- Coat each chicken breast with flour.
- Dip into the egg mix. Shake off extra liquid.
- Place in heated pan. Cook 3 minutes per side. Internal temp should be 165°F.
- Cook each piece separately.
- Remove to plate when done.
Bake the chicken
Oven time! Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking sheet or roasting pan. Place chicken breasts on it, and season with salt and pepper. Bake for 15 minutes, until the internal temperature is 165°F/74°C. Let cool completely. Now it’s ready to enjoy with added ingredients and sauce!
Make the sauce
Ready to make that tasty chicken parmesan sauce? Start by heating a large pan over medium heat and adding some olive oil.
Then, add diced onions, garlic, oregano and chili flakes. Sauté until the onions are softened, about 5 minutes.
Pour in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste. Stir until everything is combined. Then, add crushed tomatoes or tomato puree for a thicker, richer flavor. Add a teaspoon of sugar for balance. Bring to a simmer and reduce heat. Simmer gently for 20 minutes or until reduced (aim for 8-9 cups of liquid). Add salt near the end. Remove from heat and set aside when done!
Assemble the dish
Preheat oven to 350°F! Grease an 11x 9 casserole dish with cooking spray. Spread 1/4 cup marinara sauce. Arrange chicken breasts over sauce. Top with 1-2 tbsp marinara and 1 tbsp Parmesan cheese. Place 2 slices mozzarella cheese on top.
In a bowl, mix bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese and Italian herbs. Spread crumb mixture over mozzarella slices. Drizzle lightly with olive oil. Bake for 30-35 minutes. Allow to cool before serving. Serve it with fresh pasta tossed in garlic butter, Romano cheese, oregano, basil, and pepper – delicious!
Serving
Creating Chicken Parmesan is an art! The breading must be crunchy, cheese melted and bubbly, and the tomato sauce nicely spiced.
When you’ve become a master chef, you can serve your work of art in many ways. Usually, it’s with spaghetti or angel hair pasta. But, you can also serve it with roasted veggies, wilted greens, couscous, quinoa, or mashed potatoes.
For a unique take, top the chicken with focaccia bread. This is popular in some Italian restaurants! Or, add some chopped fresh parsley for a burst of flavor and color.
A simple option is to forget the sides and serve the dish family-style on a platter!
Conclusion
Chicken Parmesan is a tasty Italian dish that’s easy to make. Choose whether you want it fried, baked, or over noodles. All you need are some basic ingredients and a bit of practice. Then you’ll be able to whip up an Italian-style meal that your family will love!
Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What ingredients are needed to make chicken parmesan?
A: To make a classic chicken parmesan dish, you will need 4 boneless and skinless chicken breasts, 2 eggs, 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 2 cups of Italian-style breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tablespoons of Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper, 1/4 cup of olive oil, 1 jar of your favorite marinara sauce, and 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
Q: How do you prepare the chicken for the dish?
A: To prepare the chicken, start by seasoning it with the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and ground black pepper. Then, beat the eggs in a shallow dish and place the flour and breadcrumbs each in their own shallow dish. Dip each chicken breast in the egg, then coat it with the flour and finally the breadcrumbs. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for 5 minutes on each side, or until it is golden brown and cooked through.
Q: How do you assemble the chicken parmesan?
A: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spread a layer of the marinara sauce in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Place the chicken breasts in the dish and top them with the remaining marinara sauce, then sprinkle the Parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
