Chicken Parmesan is a beloved dish that combines juicy chicken, crisp breading, and gooey cheese, creating a flavorful experience that’s hard to resist. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through each step, ensuring you can cook a perfect Chicken Parmesan right at home. Whether it’s a family dinner or a special occasion, this dish impresses and satisfies.
Essential Ingredients for Chicken Parmesan
To create your perfect Chicken Parmesan, gather the following ingredients:
- 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs (or more as needed)
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or more if needed)
- 1/2 cup olive oil for frying (or as needed)
- 1/2 cup prepared tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup fresh mozzarella, cut into small cubes
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/2 cup grated provolone cheese
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
Directions to Make Chicken Parmesan
Follow these simple steps to create your Chicken Parmesan:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). This ensures a perfectly cooked Chicken Parmesan with a crisp top.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Pound the chicken breasts to 1/2-inch thickness. This step is essential for ensuring that the chicken cooks evenly.
Step 3: Season the Chicken
Next, season the chicken with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This will add flavor before you coat it.
Step 4: Coat in Flour
After seasoning, coat each chicken breast lightly with all-purpose flour. This prepares the surface for the egg and breadcrumb layers.
Step 5: Beat the Eggs
In a shallow bowl, beat the 2 large eggs. This will serve as a moisture layer for the breadcrumbs.
Step 6: Prepare the Breadcrumb Mixture
In another bowl, mix together 1 cup of panko bread crumbs and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. This combination will create a deliciously crunchy outer layer.
Step 7: Bread the Chicken
Now, here comes the fun part! Dip each flour-coated chicken breast into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, coat with the breadcrumb mixture. Ensure an even covering for the best crunch.
Step 8: Rest the Chicken
Let the breaded chicken rest for about 10-15 minutes. This resting period helps the breading adhere better and improves the final texture.
Step 9: Fry the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Fry the chicken for about 2 minutes on each side until golden brown. You might need to do this in batches, depending on your skillet size.
Step 10: Transfer to Baking Dish
After frying, transfer the chicken to a baking dish. This prepares it for the next flavorful steps.
Step 11: Add Toppings
Top each chicken breast with a layer of prepared tomato sauce, followed by the fresh mozzarella, chopped basil, and grated provolone cheese. The combination of cheeses will melt beautifully during baking.
Step 12: Sprinkle Parmesan and Drizzle Olive Oil
Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese over the top and drizzle with 2 teaspoons of olive oil. This final touch adds flavor and helps to brown the cheese beautifully.
Step 13: Bake the Chicken
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on it; look for bubbly and browned cheese as signs that it’s ready. The chicken should be cooked through.
Tips for Achieving a Crispy Crust
- Pound chicken to even thickness: This ensures uniform cooking and prevents any dry spots.
- Use a good quality tomato sauce: A high-quality sauce makes a significant difference in flavor.
- Don’t overload with sauce: Using minimal sauce helps keep the breading crispy.
- Let the breaded chicken rest: Allowing the chicken to rest before frying helps the breadcrumb coating to adhere better.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Chicken Parmesan
- Skipping the flour coating: Flour helps the egg adhere and creates a better bond between the chicken and breadcrumbs.
- Not preheating the oven: Ensure your oven is fully preheated for consistent baking.
- Overcrowding the pan: Fry the chicken in batches if necessary to achieve an even golden color.
Variations of Chicken Parmesan
- Pesto Chicken Parmesan: Swap tomato sauce with pesto for a unique flavor twist.
- Eggplant Parmesan: Use sliced and breaded eggplant instead of chicken for a vegetarian option.
- Spicy Chicken Parmesan: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for added heat.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Chicken Parmesan pairs beautifully with spaghetti, a fresh green salad, or garlic bread. Consider serving it with a glass of Chianti or a refreshing Italian soda to elevate your meal.
Nutritional Information for Chicken Parmesan
Per serving, your Chicken Parmesan will provide:
- Calories: 471
- Total Fat: 25g (32% DV)
- Saturated Fat: 9g (46% DV)
- Cholesterol: 187mg (62% DV)
- Sodium: 840mg (37% DV)
- Total Carbohydrate: 25g (9% DV)
- Dietary Fiber: 1g (2% DV)
- Total Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 42g (84% DV)
- Calcium: 380mg (29% DV)
- Iron: 2mg (12% DV)
- Potassium: 389mg (8% DV)
By taking the time to follow these steps and tips, you’ll be well on your way to mastering Chicken Parmesan. It’s an approachable dish that’s perfect for beginner cooks and is sure to impress your family and friends alike. Happy cooking!