Classic Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 680g/1.5 lbs)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 120g (1 cup) all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
- 300g (3 cups) breadcrumbs
- 100g (1 cup) grated Parmesan cheese
- 250ml (1 cup) marinara sauce
- 250g (9 oz) fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- 60ml (1/4 cup) olive oil
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Whole wheat or pasta of choice, to serve
Cooking Time:
Total estimated time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet, pound the chicken to an even thickness, about 1.25 cm (1/2 inch). Season both sides with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Breading Process
Set up a breading station with three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan. Dredge each chicken breast first in flour, then dip in eggs, and finally coat in the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture, pressing slightly to adhere.
Step 3: Frying
Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the breaded chicken breasts and fry until golden brown and crisp, about 3-4 minutes per side. You may need to work in batches. Transfer the chicken to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 4: Baking
In the same skillet or a baking dish, spread 125ml (1/2 cup) of marinara sauce on the bottom. Place the fried chicken breasts on top of the sauce. Spoon remaining marinara sauce over the chicken, then layer each piece with slices of mozzarella cheese.
Step 5: Finishing Touch
Cover the skillet or baking dish loosely with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil, and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
Step 6: Serving
Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. Pair your Chicken Parmesan with a serving of pasta for a complete meal.
Conclusion
There you have it, a flavorful Chicken Parmesan that’s sure to impress. This dish embodies comfort with every bite, uniting crispy chicken with creamy cheese and savory sauce. We hope you enjoy making it as much as you enjoy eating it. Feel free to experiment with spices or make it your own by adding extra layers of flavor. Bon appétit!
