Introduction

Chicken Parmigiana, a classic Italian-American dish, is a comforting staple loved by many. This delicious meal features tender chicken breasts coated in a crispy breadcrumb mixture, smothered in marinara sauce, and topped with melted cheese. It’s perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, offering a delightful combination of flavors and textures that is sure to please everyone at the table.

Detailed Ingredients with measures

Chicken Breasts: 4 pieces (about 150g each)
Salt: 1 teaspoon
Black Pepper: 1 teaspoon
All-Purpose Flour: 1/2 cup
Eggs: 2 large
Breadcrumbs: 1 1/2 cups (preferably panko for extra crunch)
Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup, grated
Mozzarella Cheese: 1 cup, shredded
Marinara Sauce: 2 cups
Olive Oil: 1/4 cup (for frying)
Fresh Basil: optional, for garnish

Prep Time

Prep time for Chicken Parmigiana is approximately 20 minutes. This includes the time needed to prepare the chicken, set up the breading station, and gather all the necessary ingredients.

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Cook time is about 25 minutes, allowing the chicken to get a golden-brown crust and ensuring the cheese melts perfectly. The total time to make Chicken Parmigiana is approximately 45 minutes from start to finish. This recipe yields 4 servings, making it ideal for a family meal or a cozy dinner with friends.

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 200°C (400°F). While the oven is heating, take the chicken breasts and place them between two sheets of plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound them to an even thickness of about 1 cm (0.4 inches). This ensures that they cook evenly.

Dredge the Chicken

Set up a dredging station with three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with grated Parmesan cheese. Season the flour with salt and pepper. Coat each chicken breast first in the flour, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat well with the breadcrumb mixture.

Fry the Chicken

Heat a generous amount of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the coated chicken breasts, frying them for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet; you may need to do this in batches.

Assemble the Chicken Parmigiana

After frying, place the chicken pieces on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Top each piece of chicken with a generous amount of marinara sauce, followed by slices of mozzarella cheese. You can also add more Parmesan on top for added flavor.

Bake the Chicken

Transfer the baking tray to the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Check to ensure that the chicken is cooked through.

Serve the Dish

Once ready, remove the chicken from the oven and let it sit for a couple of minutes before serving. Serve it hot, garnished with chopped fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Notes

Choosing Chicken Breasts

Opt for even-sized chicken breasts to ensure they cook uniformly. You can also use chicken thighs if preferred.

Breadcrumb Options

For a crunchier texture, consider using panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of pasta, a fresh salad, or garlic bread.

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain the crispiness of the chicken.

Cook techniques

Chicken preparation

To achieve a tender and juicy chicken, use boneless chicken thighs or breasts, and pound them to an even thickness before cooking. This ensures even cooking and prevents drying out.

Coating the chicken

For a crispy finish, bread the chicken in a three-step process: dip it in flour, coat it in beaten eggs, and then cover it with breadcrumbs. This layering helps the breadcrumbs adhere better and results in a delightful crunch.

Frying

Fry the chicken in a hot skillet with oil to create a golden-brown crust. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan, which could lead to steaming instead of frying.

Baking

After frying, bake the chicken in the oven to ensure it is fully cooked through. This method helps maintain moisture while allowing the cheese to melt perfectly.

Cheese melting

For the best cheese melt, use a combination of mozzarella and parmesan. Adding cheese during the last few minutes of baking allows it to bubble and brown beautifully.

Finishing touches

Top with fresh basil or parsley after baking for an added burst of flavor and a pop of color before serving.

FAQ

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but ensure they are pounded to an even thickness for best results.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, you can bread the chicken and prepare the sauce ahead of time. Just assemble and bake when ready to serve.

What can I serve with chicken parmigiana?

Chicken parmigiana pairs well with pasta, salad, or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Can I freeze chicken parmigiana?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken parmigiana. Just ensure it is tightly wrapped to prevent freezer burn.

What type of cheese works best?

A combination of mozzarella for meltiness and parmesan for flavor works best, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses.

Conclusion

Chicken Parmigiana is a delightful dish that brings together the comforting flavors of tender chicken, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese. It’s perfect for a family dinner and is sure to impress your guests. Enjoy this classic Italian-American recipe, and don’t hesitate to make it your own with your favorite ingredients.

More recipes suggestions and combination

Eggplant Parmigiana

Try substituting eggplant for chicken for a delicious vegetarian option that still packs an indulgent punch.

Pasta with Chicken Parmigiana

Serve your Chicken Parmigiana over a bed of spaghetti or any pasta of your choice for a complete meal.

Chicken Parmigiana Sandwich

Make a hearty sandwich by placing a piece of Chicken Parmigiana on a crusty roll with some fresh basil and marinara sauce.

Stuffed Chicken Parmigiana

Stuff your chicken breasts with mozzarella and spinach before coating and baking for an exciting twist on this classic dish.

Chicken Parmigiana Salad

Cut your Chicken Parmigiana into strips and serve it on a bed of mixed greens with a light vinaigrette for a healthier option.