Classic Chicken Parmesan

Chicken parmesan is an Italian-American classic that combines crispy breaded chicken cutlets with a rich tomato sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. This dish offers a perfect balance of flavors, making it a favorite among families and food enthusiasts alike.

Serving Size:

4 servings

Description:

This recipe for classic chicken parmesan is straightforward yet delicious. The key to this dish lies in the preparation of the breaded chicken cutlets, which are then baked with a generous layer of tomato sauce and melted cheese. It’s an excellent choice for a comforting weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal.

Preparation Time:

20 minutes

Cooking Time:

45 minutes

Total Time:

1 hour 5 minutes

Ingredients:

8 chicken cutlets, pounded to an even thickness
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 cups all-purpose flour
4 large eggs, beaten
1 1/2 cups Italian-seasoned bread crumbs
3 tablespoons olive oil
8 slices mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 (26-ounce) jar marinara sauce
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves

How to Cook:

Preparation: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Salt and Pepper: Season the chicken cutlets on both sides with salt and pepper.
Breading Station: Set up three shallow bowls: one for flour, another for beaten eggs, and the last for bread crumbs. Mix in a little extra Parmesan cheese to the bread crumb bowl.
Dredge Chicken: Dredge each chicken cutlet first in flour, then dip into egg mixture, and finally coat with bread crumbs, pressing firmly so they adhere well.
Cooking Oil: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the breaded chicken until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from pan and place on prepared baking sheet.
Sauce: Spoon marinara sauce over each chicken cutlet, dividing evenly among them.
Cheese: Top each chicken cutlet with a slice of mozzarella cheese.
Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the sauce is hot and bubbly.
Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Tips:

To make this dish ahead of time, prepare the chicken cutlets up to a day in advance. Store them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and cover loosely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil until ready to bake.
If you prefer a crispier crust, you can fry the breaded chicken cutlets instead of baking them. Simply increase the cooking time by 2-3 minutes per side in hot oil.

Pairing Suggestions:

Sides: Serve with garlic bread and a simple green salad dressed with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and red wine vinegar.
Beverage: A crisp white wine or sparkling water complements the rich flavors of chicken parmesan perfectly.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Cals: 600 kcal
Fat: 25g
Carbs: 40g
Protein: 45g

Variations:

You can experiment with different types of cheese or add some sliced pepperoni for a twist. For a healthier option, try using whole wheat bread crumbs and reduced-fat mozzarella.

Storage & Reheating:

Storage: Let the chicken parmesan cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating: To reheat, place leftovers on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F until heated through, about 15 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes or until hot.

Serving Suggestions:

This dish is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings at home.
Consider serving it with a side of pasta or garlic bread to complete the meal.

Enjoy your delicious homemade chicken parmesan!