Italian Chicken Parmesan

Description:

Italian Chicken Parmesan is a classic dish that combines crispy breaded chicken cutlets with layers of melted mozzarella cheese and savory tomato sauce, all baked to perfection in the oven. This recipe serves four people and takes about an hour from start to finish.

The dish features tender, juicy chicken breasts coated in a mixture of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, then fried until golden brown. Once cooked, they are layered with rich marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese before being baked again to create a bubbly, gooey top layer that is irresistible. Serve this comforting meal with garlic bread or pasta for an authentic Italian experience.

Serving Size: 4 servings

Total Time: 1 hour

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes

Ingredients:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound each)
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
2 cups breadcrumbs
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 slices provolone cheese (optional)
8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
1 jar (24-ounce) marinara sauce
Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions:

Prepare the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Rinse and pat dry the chicken breasts, then season both sides with salt and pepper.
Breading Station Setup: Set up three shallow bowls: one for flour, another for beaten eggs, and a third for the breadcrumb mixture (mix breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese).
Dredge Chicken: Coat each chicken breast in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into egg, then coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture.
Cooking the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add breaded chicken and cook until golden brown on both sides (about 3-4 minutes per side). Remove from pan and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake Chicken: Place the cooked chicken breasts into an oven-safe dish, then spoon marinara sauce over each breast. Top with provolone cheese slices if using, followed by shredded mozzarella.
Cook in Oven: Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F.
Serve Hot: Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. Serve hot with garlic bread, pasta, or a side salad for a complete meal.

This Italian Chicken Parmesan is not only delicious but also versatile enough to be served as leftovers the next day, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights when you want something comforting yet straightforward to prepare. Enjoy your cooking!