Hey there food lovers! Are you ready to learn how to make an absolutely delicious Chicken Parmesan dish? Whether you’re a novice cook or a seasoned pro, this ultimate guide will take you through the steps to creating the perfect Chicken Parmesan recipe.
Chicken Parmesan is a classic Italian dish that has become a favorite in households all around the world. It’s a hearty, filling meal that’s perfect for any occasion – from a casual dinner night with friends to a romantic date night. With its crispy breadcrumb coating and melted cheese, this delicious dish is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
A Mouth-Watering Chicken Parm Recipe
Introduction
If you’re craving for the ultimate comfort food, there’s nothing quite like a delicious chicken parmigiana. It’s the perfect blend of crispy breaded chicken, tangy tomato sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese that will satisfy everyone’s cravings. In this article, we’ll teach you how to make a scrumptious chicken parmigiana that’s easy to follow and perfect for your family and friends.
Ingredients
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need to make an unforgettable chicken parmigiana:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups of Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1 cup of grated parmesan cheese
- 1 and ½ cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 jar of pasta sauce
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup of flour
- Salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Step by Step Instructions
1. Prep the Chicken
Begin by pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This not only helps the chicken to cook evenly but also ensures that every bite has an equal amount of breading, sauce, and cheese.
2. Season and Bread the Chicken
Season the chicken with salt and pepper on both sides. Prepare three shallow bowls – one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with grated parmesan cheese.
First, coat the chicken in flour, shaking off any excess, then dip it into the beaten eggs and coat evenly with the breadcrumbs mixture, ensuring the chicken is thoroughly coated with the breadcrumbs.
3. Fry the Chicken
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the breaded chicken and fry each side until golden brown for about 4 to 5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Add Sauce and Cheese
Spoon the pasta sauce on top of each chicken breast and spread it evenly. Add a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of each breast. Sprinkle a touch of parmesan cheese over each chicken breast.
5. Bake the Chicken
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake it for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remember to place the baking sheet on the center rack to ensure the chicken cooks evenly.
6. Serve Hot
Once it’s finished baking, remove the chicken from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. For a touch of freshness, add chopped basil leaves on top of the chicken before serving!
Celebrate Your Love for Chicken Parmigiana!
Chicken parm is an easy and delicious dish that’s sure to please. Now that you know how to make it, try experimenting with different ingredients, including changing up the sauce or cheese. Whatever your preference, remember that this dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for a cozy night in with your loved ones.
Tips for Cooking Chicken Parm
Choosing the Right Chicken Cut
Choosing the right chicken cut is essential in making a perfect chicken parmigiana dish. The most common chicken cut used for this recipe is chicken breast. It is lean and has little fat, making it the ideal choice for a healthy version of chicken parmigiana. Other chicken cuts that you can use are chicken thighs and drumsticks. However, these cuts are fattier, which can make your dish greasier and less healthy.
When buying chicken, make sure to get high-quality chicken from a reliable source. Look for chicken that is fresh and not frozen. You can also buy organic and free-range chicken for a healthier option.
Breading and Frying Techniques
The breading and frying process is crucial to achieving a crispy and juicy chicken parmigiana. The first step is to season your chicken with salt and pepper for enhanced flavor. Next, dip your chicken in beaten eggs and then coat it with a mixture of breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and Italian herbs. Make sure to press the breading firmly onto the chicken to ensure it sticks well.
There are two methods for frying the chicken, pan-frying or deep-frying. Pan-frying involves heating oil in a pan on medium heat and cooking the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until it’s golden brown and crispy. Deep-frying involves heating oil in a deep fryer or a deep pot. The chicken is then cooked for 5-7 minutes or until it’s golden brown and crispy. Whichever method you choose, make sure not to overcrowd the pan or fryer to avoid sticking and uneven cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken parmigiana is a versatile dish that can be served with a wide range of sides and condiments. Classic Italian sides such as spaghetti, garlic bread, or Caesar salad are perfect accompaniments to this dish. You can also serve it with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad.
If you want to add a twist to your chicken parmigiana, try topping it with melted mozzarella cheese and sliced tomatoes before baking it in the oven. You can also add bacon, avocado, or jalapenos for a more savory and spicy flavor.
In conclusion, cooking chicken parmigiana requires careful selection of high-quality chicken cuts, mastering the breading and frying techniques, and experimenting with different sides and toppings to bring your dish to the next level. Follow these tips, and you’ll surely be making the best chicken parmigiana in no time!
Now Go Cook Up A Storm!
We hope you enjoyed reading our ultimate guide to a delicious chicken parm recipe. We’re confident that if you follow our steps, you will end up with a mouthwatering meal that you and your loved ones will enjoy. So, what are you waiting for? Head to the kitchen and get cooking!
Thank you for reading our article, and we hope you visit our website again for more delicious recipes and helpful guides. Feel free to share your thoughts and feedback with us in the comments section below. Happy cooking!
FAQ
1. Can I use a different type of cheese for this recipe?
Absolutely! While we recommend using freshly grated parmesan cheese, you can experiment with other cheeses such as mozzarella or cheddar.
While panko breadcrumbs provide a crispier texture, you can use regular breadcrumbs if you prefer.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the chicken parm ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it until you’re ready to bake it.
4. Can I substitute chicken with veal or eggplant?
Definitely! Chicken parm is traditionally made with chicken, but you can use veal, eggplant, or even tofu to create a similar dish.
5. How long should I bake the chicken for?
We recommend baking the chicken parm for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Can I serve this dish with pasta?
Yes! Chicken parm goes well with pasta, and you can serve it with your favorite type of pasta such as spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine.
7. What sides go well with chicken parm?
We suggest serving chicken parm with a side salad, garlic bread, or sautéed vegetables such as broccoli or string beans.
8. How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes four servings.
9. Can I use store-bought tomato sauce?
Yes, you can use store-bought tomato sauce, but homemade sauce will provide better flavor.
10. Can I make this recipe without frying the chicken?
Yes! You can bake the chicken parm instead of frying it for a healthier option. Simply coat the chicken in breadcrumbs and bake it in the oven until crisp.