What is comfort food? I’m talking about that dish that just makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside, like a big hug from someone. For me, that’s always Chicken Parmesan. Forget boring old spaghetti and meatballs, this is where it’s at!Chicken Parmesan Recipe – EasyWhat is a game changer? I’ve spent years tweaking and perfecting it and making it foolproof (even for me, and I have had my fair share of failures). Kitchen Mishaps! What is Chicken Parmesan? It’s the kind that makes you close your eyes and savor every single bite. What are the best things about this chicken dish? I’m hungry just thinking about it! Is it easier to make than lasagna?
What is chicken parmesan?
Chicken Parmesan, or “Chicken Parm” as we affectionately call it in my family, is essentially a chicken parm. What are some breaded chicken cutlets with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese? Think of it as a pizza, but with chicken as the base! It’s an Italian-American classic, born from the merging of Italian immigrant cuisine with American cuisine. The dish is incredibly satisfying, a delightful combination of textures and flavors. What is a symphony of crispy, savory, and cheesiness all in one plate? Is it comfort food for a special occasion?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I begin? The crispy, golden-brown chicken, the rich, tangy tomato sauce, and the ooey-gooy melted cheese… Is it a match made in heaven? What are some of the easiest recipes to make? I know, it might seem intimidating, but trust me, I’ve broken it down into easy-to-follow steps. Even a beginner cook could nail this. Another big win? It’s budget-friendly. Chicken breasts are generally pretty affordable, and you probably already have most of the other meats as well. What are the ingredients in your pantry? Can you use canned crushed tomatoes to save a little money? Serve it with pasta, on a sandwich, or even on its own with salad. What do you love about this book?Chicken Parmesan Recipe.Is that it brings everyone to the table? My kids devour it, my husband raves about it and even my picky Aunt Carol asks for seconds! Is it better to order takeout than ordering food? For a similar taste experience, try my easy baked ziti, but honestly, this Chicken Parm is king in India.
How do I make chicken parmesan?
Quick Overview
What is the best way to make chicken parmesan? How do you start prepping chicken? What’s the best way to brown tomatoes in a pan before nestling them in baking dish with tomato sauce? Mountains of cheese. If you bake in the oven, you have a golden masterpiece ready to be devoured. I promise, it’s easier than it sounds! When browning chicken, take your time with the breading and not overcrowd the pan.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each) – Look for chicken that is cooked to perfection. Similar in size for even cooking.
- Is it safe to use gluten-free flour?
- 2 large eggs, beaten – Use pasture raised eggs for the best flavor.
- I like to use seasoned breadcrumbs for extra flavor, but plain works well. 2 cups Italian breadcrumb – I love to make a batch of these.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated is always best, but the pre-Grated stuff will work as well.
- What is garlic powder? 1 teaspoon per teaspoon.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder per 1 cup.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano powder. 1 teaspoon
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil.
- Salt and pepper to taste.
- 1/2 cup olive oil, for frying. 1/4 cup salt.
For the Sauce:
- 1 can crushed tomatoes – I prefer using San Marzano tomatoes for the best flavor. Good quality crushed tomatoes will do.
- How much tomato sauce can I make?
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Freshly chopped garlic is a must!
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano per person.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil.
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar – Just a pinch to balance the acidity of tomatoes.
- Salt and pepper to taste.
For the Cheese:
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, sliced – Use fresh mozzarella, not the pre-shredded kind. It melts much better.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Again, freshly grized is always best!
How do I follow
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. How do I clean a chicken? I always line it with foil for super easy cleaning! Get everything prepped and ready to go; It makes the whole process smoother.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a shallow dish, combine the Italian breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder and salt. Add the remaining ingredients. What are some good substitutes for oregano, basil, How do you mix spices for chicken? I always give it a good whisk to make sure there aren’t any clumps.
Step 3: Prepare Chicken
Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound it to about 1/4 inch. What is the best way to cook chicken? What is the best way to season chicken with salt and pepper? What is your chance to season a chicken?
Step 4: Bread the Chicken
Place flour in another shallow dish and the beaten eggs in a third dish. Dredge each chicken breast in flour, shaking off any excess. If you have beaten eggs, dip it in the egg mixture and let it drip off. After coating, coat it thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help it stick to the crumbs. Make sure every inch is coated in breadcrumbs. This is what gives it that delicious crust.
Step 5: Brown the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add salt and pepper to taste. Add the breaded chicken breasts and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. You want to get a nice crispy crust, but the chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this point in time. As it will continue to cook in the oven. If it is not done immediately, it should be removed from the heat. I always do this in batches so they come out perfect!
Step 6: Make the Sauce
While the chicken is browning, prepare the sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and pepper. Set aside. Sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. How do you create a rich sauce? I sometimes add a pinch of red pepper flakes to my salad for some kick!
Step 7: Assemble the Chicken Parmesan
Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Arrange the browned chicken breasts over the sauce. Top each chicken breast with mozzarella cheese and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. Don’t be shy with cheese! The more the better, in my opinion.
Step 8: Bake
Is it safe to bake cheese in the preheated oven for 15 minutes? Chicken is cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). I like to broil cheese for the last minute or two to get extra golden brown.
Step 9: Rest and Serve
Let the Chicken Parmesan rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the cheese to set slightly and makes it easier to cut. Garnish with fresh basil, if desired. This always adds a touch of freshness and makes it look extra fancy.
What to Serve It With
Okay, now for the fun part – what to serve with this amazing Chicken Parmesan Recipe! Honestly, it’s delicious on its own, but here are a few of my favorite pairings:
For a Classic Italian Meal: Serve it with spaghetti or linguine, tossed in the remaining tomato sauce. A side of garlic bread is a must! It’s a traditional favorite at my house!
For a Lighter Option: Pair it with a fresh green salad with a simple vinaigrette. This adds a nice contrast to the richness of the Chicken Parmesan.
For a Hearty Meal: Serve it with roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, asparagus, or zucchini. It’s a balanced and satisfying meal!
For a Sandwich: Slice the Chicken Parmesan and serve it on a toasted hoagie roll with extra sauce and cheese. It’s the ultimate comfort food sandwich! Perfect for game day or just a casual dinner.
My family also loves serving it with creamy polenta or even a simple risotto. The possibilities are endless! Don’t be afraid to get creative and try different combinations.
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Chicken Parmesan
Alright, listen up! I’ve made this Chicken Parmesan Recipe *countless* times, and I’ve learned a few tricks along the way. Here are my top tips for achieving Chicken Parmesan perfection:
Pounding the Chicken: Don’t skip this step! Pounding the chicken to an even thickness ensures that it cooks evenly and stays tender. Plus, it helps the breading adhere better. Use a meat mallet and don’t go too hard!
Breading Like a Pro: Make sure to coat the chicken thoroughly in each step of the breading process. The flour helps the egg adhere, the egg helps the breadcrumbs adhere, and the breadcrumbs create that crispy crust we all crave. Use one hand for the wet ingredients and one hand for the dry ingredients to avoid clumpy fingers.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When browning the chicken, don’t overcrowd the pan. This will lower the temperature of the oil and result in soggy, unevenly browned chicken. Work in batches and be patient!
Use Good Quality Ingredients: This makes a *huge* difference, especially when it comes to the tomatoes and cheese. Opt for San Marzano tomatoes for the sauce and fresh mozzarella for the topping. You’ll taste the difference, I promise!
Taste as You Go: Don’t be afraid to taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings to your liking. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, a splash of balsamic vinegar for tanginess, or a little more sugar to balance the acidity. This is your chance to make it your own!
Broil for Extra Crispy Cheese: For the last minute or two of baking, broil the Chicken Parmesan to get the cheese extra golden brown and bubbly. Just keep a close eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
I once forgot to add the sugar to the sauce, and it was way too acidic! Now, I always double-check my ingredients before I start cooking. Another time, I overcrowded the pan when browning the chicken, and it turned out soggy and pale. Learn from my mistakes, friends!
Storing and Reheating Tips
So, you’ve made a big batch of this incredible Chicken Parmesan Recipe (because who can resist?), and now you have leftovers. Here’s how to store and reheat it to maintain its deliciousness:
Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover Chicken Parmesan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it’s cooled completely before storing it. I use these glass containers that seal super tight!
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze Chicken Parmesan for up to 2-3 months. Wrap each chicken breast individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating in the Oven: This is my preferred method for reheating Chicken Parmesan. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the Chicken Parmesan in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil during the last few minutes to crisp up the cheese.
Reheating in the Microwave: This is the quickest method, but it can make the chicken a little soggy. Place the Chicken Parmesan on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a paper towel. Microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. I usually avoid this but it works when you’re in a rush!
Reheating on the Stovetop: You can also reheat Chicken Parmesan in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil or water to prevent sticking. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through, flipping occasionally. It keeps a good bit of the crisp this way.
I always find that reheating it in the oven is the best way to maintain the crispy texture of the breading. Microwaving it tends to make it a bit soggy, so I avoid that if possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, my friend – the ultimate Chicken Parmesan Recipe that’s guaranteed to become a family favorite! It’s incredibly delicious, surprisingly easy to make, and always a crowd-pleaser. I really hope you give this recipe a try and experience the joy of homemade Chicken Parmesan. The crispy chicken, the tangy sauce, the melty cheese… it’s pure comfort food heaven! And trust me, once you taste this, you’ll never want to order it from a restaurant again! If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my other Italian-inspired dishes, like my Creamy Tomato Pasta. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how your Chicken Parmesan turns out! Leave a comment below and let me know your tips and tricks!
Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Chicken breasts
- 1 cup All-purpose flour
- 2 large Eggs
- 1.5 cups Breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- 2 cups Tomato sauce
- 2 cups Mozzarella cheese
- 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut chicken breasts into 1-inch thick pieces.
- Bread the chicken: flour, egg, breadcrumbs.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
- Top with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese. Bake for another 5 minutes.
