Chicken Parmesan Recipe: Quick and Delicious Dinner Idea

Think about a standing ovation at an Italian-American restaurant, only this time it’s in your kitchen. This recipe provides you the sails to traverse through each delicious layer without feeling overwhelmed. No rocket science or expensive ingredients, just simplicity and techniques that work every time you cook. It’s all about achieving a beautiful balance between flavors, perfect crispiness, and avoiding the ever-dreaded sogginess.

Keep in mind that the secret to achieving restaurant-quality Chicken Parmesan at home is to follow a few expert tricks. So, here goes the cheat sheet:

Step-by-Step Method

In this section, you will find the step-by-step method to make the perfect Chicken Parmesan. Let’s dive into the process!

Preparing the Chicken Breasts

1. Choose the right cut: Go for chicken breasts, as they are the best choice for this classic dish.
2. Ensure even thickness: To cook the chicken evenly, you’ll want to make sure it’s as close to even thickness as possible. Place each breast between wax paper or plastic wrap and use a mallet to pound it thin or slice each breast horizontally to make two thin cutlets.

Making the Breading

1. Prepare the ingredients: Set up three shallow dishes. In one dish, mix flour with salt, pepper, and other desired seasonings. In another dish, whisk together eggs and milk. And in the third dish, combine breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
2. Bread the chicken: One by one, coat the chicken breasts in the flour mixture, then dip them in the egg mixture, and finally immerse them in the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure to press the breadcrumbs gently onto the chicken, so they stick well.
3. Cook the chicken: In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Fry the breaded chicken breasts and wait until they are golden brown on both sides. Transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to soak up any excess oil.

Assembling and Baking

1. Preheat your oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and set up a casserole dish for baking.
2. Spread tomato sauce: Add a layer of your favorite tomato sauce to the bottom of the casserole dish.
3. Layer the chicken: Place the lightly browned chicken on top of the tomato sauce.
4. Add more sauce: Spoon more tomato sauce over each chicken breast.
5. Sprinkle with cheese: Top each chicken breast with a generous helping of both mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
6. Bake: Transfer the casserole dish to the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
7. Add fresh herbs: Once out of the oven, sprinkle your Chicken Parmesan with fresh basil and parsley to add a touch of freshness to your dish.

Variations and Tips

Making homemade chicken parmesan can be easy and fun with a few tips and tricks. Plus, exploring different variations can help you find the perfect recipe for your taste buds!

Getting that Crisp

To make your chicken parmesan crispy, remember to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before breading them. This will ensure even cooking and a delightful crunch. Use flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs for breading, with the option of using panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness. Don’t forget to season your chicken generously with salt and pepper before breading.

Choice of Sauce

When it comes to sauce, you can use homemade or store-bought, depending on your preference. To make a simple homemade sauce, add a tablespoon of olive oil to a saucepan, stir in garlic, dried herbs, and crushed tomatoes. Bring the sauce to a boil, reduce the heat, and let it simmer while you prepare the chicken.

Chicken parmesan is a versatile dish that can pair well with various sides. Some popular options to serve alongside your crispy breaded chicken include:

Pasta, like spaghetti or fettuccini

Chicken Parmesan is traditionally served with pasta, so try pairing it with spaghetti or linguine. Toss your choice of pasta in some additional marinara sauce for an extra flavorful touch.

Garlic bread or bruschetta

Garlic bread or a crusty Italian loaf can be a great accent to your Chicken Parmesan meal. Toasted to perfection, it will help soak up the delicious marinara sauce and cheese.

Steamed or roasted vegetables

Roasted or steamed vegetables can provide a healthy addition to your meal. Green beans, asparagus, or broccoli would be delightful choices to serve alongside your main dish.

Fresh salad with a light dressing

A refreshing, crisp salad can give balance to the rich flavors of your Chicken Parmesan. Consider mixing green leafy vegetables, cherry tomatoes, olives, and a light vinaigrette.

Healthy Alternatives

If you’re conscious about healthy eating, consult a professional nutritionist to discuss any dietary modifications needed. For example, you can make a lighter version by baking the chicken instead of frying it or using whole-wheat breadcrumbs and a lighter cheese.

Spicy Kick

Don’t be afraid to personalize your homemade chicken parmesan with your favorite spices or cheeses. Feel free to experiment with adding Parmesan, mozzarella, or provolone cheese for different flavors and textures. You can even add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a kick!

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best method for a crispy result?

For a crispy Chicken Parmesan, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs. Panko gives a light, flaky texture, resulting in a crunchier crust. Coat the chicken in flour, then dip it in beaten eggs, and finally press it into the breadcrumbs mixture. Fry the chicken in hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan, and this will give you the crispiness you desire.

How can I make a grilled version?

To make a grilled version of Chicken Parmesan, simply skip the breading process. Season your boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Preheat your grill to medium heat and cook the chicken for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Once cooked, top the chicken with marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella, then close the grill for a few minutes until the cheese melts.

What is a good side dish to serve?

A good side dish to serve with Chicken Parmesan could be a simple garden salad, spaghetti tossed with garlic and olive oil, sautéed or steamed vegetables, or roasted potatoes. Additionally, you can opt for garlic bread, which pairs well with the Italian flavors of the dish.

How to make it for a single serving?

To make a single serving of Chicken Parmesan, adjust the recipe accordingly: use one boneless, skinless chicken breast, and reduce the other ingredients proportionately. Prepare the dish as usual, starting with the breading, pan-frying, and baking. It helps to use a smaller baking dish or ovenproof skillet, so the chicken cooks evenly and comfortably.

Can it be prepared without breading?

Certainly! To make a lighter version of Chicken Parmesan without breading, season your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and your choice of Italian seasonings, then sear them in a hot skillet until cooked through. Top with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese, cover the skillet with a lid and let the cheese melt. This way, you still enjoy the essence of the dish without the added breading.

Key Takeaways

• Master the balance between flavors and textures with this easy-to-follow Chicken Parmesan recipe, avoiding sogginess and achieving a perfect crisp.
• Expert tricks like optimally pounding the chicken for even cooking, mixing the breadcrumbs with Parmesan for additional crunch, controlling the sauce and cheese quantity, and ensuring a thoroughly heated oven can significantly elevate your dish.
• Homemade Chicken Parmesan allows room for personalization, such as using your favorite tomato sauce or making a low-calorie version by baking instead of frying.