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Chicken Parmesan

Chicken Parmesan
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Chicken Parmesan is a beloved Italian-American dish featuring crispy breaded chicken breasts topped with rich marinara sauce and melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. This comforting meal balances crunchy textures and gooey, cheesy richness, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying family meal. With simple pantry staples and fresh ingredients, it’s easy to prepare, kid-friendly, and versatile to suit any taste or dietary preference.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Coating

  • 4 boneless chicken breasts (about 1/2 inch thick, evenly sized)
  • 1 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs (or plain bread crumbs)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Olive oil, for frying (about 1/4 cup)

Sauce and Cheese

  • 2 cups marinara sauce (smooth and flavorful)
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Additional grated Parmesan cheese, for topping

Garnishes and Extras

  • Fresh basil or Italian seasoning (such as dried oregano or parsley), to garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pound the boneless chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch to ensure uniform cooking. Season both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper to build a flavorful base before breading.
  2. Bread the Chicken: Set up a breading station with beaten eggs in one bowl and a mixture of bread crumbs and grated Parmesan cheese in another. Dip each chicken breast first into the eggs, allowing excess to drip off, then coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture.
  3. Fry the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry each breaded chicken breast for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil, keeping the crust crisp.
  4. Assemble with Sauce and Cheese: Place the fried chicken breasts in a baking dish. Spoon marinara sauce generously over each piece. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese for a melty, cheesy finish.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden. Remove from oven and garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Notes

  • Pound chicken breasts evenly so they cook quickly and uniformly.
  • Let fried chicken rest on paper towels to maintain crispiness.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for richer flavor and better melting.
  • Choose thicker marinara sauce or drain excess liquid to avoid soggy breading.
  • Combine mozzarella with provolone or fontina cheese for added creaminess.
  • Preheat the oven to ensure the cheese melts perfectly without drying out the chicken.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chicken Parmesan, Chicken Parmigiana, Italian comfort food, breaded chicken, baked chicken, mozzarella, Parmesan, marinara sauce

Find it online: https://marygourmet.com/chicken-parmesan/