Delicious Chicken Parmesan is a classic Italian-American dish that never fails to impress. Its combination of crispy chicken, tangy marinara sauce, and gooey cheese is a symphony of flavors and textures. I recently had the pleasure of preparing this dish for a family dinner, and it was a resounding success. The chicken was perfectly crispy on the outside while remaining juicy on the inside, and the layers of cheese and marinara sauce added a rich and comforting dimension to the meal. It’s a dish that’s both elegant enough for special occasions and easy enough for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place flour in a shallow dish. Beat eggs in another shallow dish. In a third dish, mix bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off excess. Dip in the beaten eggs, then coat with the bread crumb mixture.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 3 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and drain on paper towels.
- Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce in a baking dish. Place chicken breasts on top of the sauce. Pour remaining sauce over the chicken, then top with mozzarella cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven until the cheese is bubbly and golden, about 20 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped fresh basil before serving.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories per serving: Approximately 450
Additional Tips
- For an extra crispy crust, you can pan-fry the chicken in additional olive oil until it’s golden brown before baking.
- If you have time, letting the breaded chicken rest for 10 minutes before frying can help the coating stick better.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
FAQ
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes, chicken thighs can be used but may require a longer cooking time.
- Is it possible to make this gluten-free? Absolutely, use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
- Can I prepare this dish ahead of time? You can bread the chicken and store it in the refrigerator for a few hours before cooking.
- How can I make this dish healthier? Try baking the breaded chicken instead of frying, and use low-fat cheese.
- What can I serve with Chicken Parmesan? It pairs well with pasta, a side salad, or steamed vegetables.