Chicken Parmesan

Indulge in the comforting flavors of homemade Chicken Parmesan with this delightful recipe that promises to tantalize your taste buds. With tender, succulent chicken breasts coated in a crispy breadcrumb and Parmesan cheese crust, topped with gooey melted mozzarella and smothered in rich Marinara sauce, each bite is a symphony of textures and flavors.

This recipe takes the classic Italian-American dish to new heights of deliciousness by providing step-by-step instructions that ensure your chicken Parmesan turns out perfectly every time. From pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness for uniform cooking to the meticulous breading process that creates that coveted crispy exterior, every detail is accounted for.

Whether you’re hosting a cozy family dinner or impressing guests at a dinner party, this Chicken Parmesan recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So fire up your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to savor the irresistible combination of juicy chicken, tangy Marinara sauce, and gooey cheese in this comforting and hearty dish.

Ingredients:

• 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 eggs
• 3 tablespoons cream (you can substitute with milk or water, or thinned down sour cream)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• ¼ cup minced flat-leaf parsley
• 1 ½ cups breadcrumbs
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup olive oil
• 1 quart Marinara sauce (see recipe below)
• 2 cups grated or shredded whole milk mozzarella cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Place one chicken breast inside a gallon-size ziplock bag. Using the smooth side of a kitchen mallet, pound the chicken breast to an even thickness of approximately ½ inch. Repeat this process with the remaining chicken breasts.
3. Prepare three trays for the breading process. In tray number 1, place the flour and season it with salt and pepper to taste. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with the cream. Pour the egg mixture into tray number 2 and season with salt, pepper, and half of the minced parsley. In tray number 3, combine the breadcrumbs and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
4. To bread the chicken, dredge each breast in the flour, ensuring both sides are coated evenly. Next, dip the chicken into the egg wash, followed by coating it thoroughly with the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture. Set the breaded chicken breasts aside and continue breading the remaining cutlets.
5. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until very hot. Cook two cutlets at a time, turning them over once they start to develop a golden color on one side. Cook until both sides are golden brown, then transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Repeat this process with the remaining cutlets.
6. Spread 4 large spoonfuls of Marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of a large lasagna pan or baking dish. Arrange the breaded chicken cutlets in a single layer or slightly overlapping in the pan. Spoon additional Marinara sauce over each cutlet and around the sides.
7. Sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese over the top of the chicken cutlets, and then sprinkle the remaining minced parsley over the cheese.
8. Bake the chicken Parmesan in the preheated oven for 25-35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and starting to turn golden brown on top. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken cutlets.
9. Once done, remove the chicken Parmesan from the oven and serve immediately.

Marinara Sauce Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cans (28 ounces each) crushed tomatoes
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic to the saucepan and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
3. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine. Add the dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper, stirring well to incorporate.
4. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and the flavors meld together.
5. Once the sauce is ready, remove it from the heat and it’s now ready to use for the chicken Parmesan recipe.

Enjoy your delicious homemade chicken Parmesan with this flavorful Marinara sauce!