Classic Chicken Parmesan
Description:
This Classic Chicken Parmesan is a beloved Italian-American dish that combines tender breaded chicken breasts with rich tomato sauce, melted mozzarella cheese, and crispy fried edges. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner at home or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
- Main Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (about 1 pound each)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups Italian-seasoned bread crumbs
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (6 ounces)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Sauce:
- 8 oz. sliced mushrooms
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon dried basil leaves
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Garnish:
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Serving Size and Preparation Time
This recipe serves 4 people. The total preparation time is approximately 45 minutes, including marinating the chicken in salt.
How to Cook Classic Chicken Parmesan
- Preparation:
- Rinse the chicken breasts and pat them dry with paper towels. Cut each breast horizontally into two pieces of even thickness. Place the chicken between two sheets of plastic wrap or in a resealable plastic bag.
- Pound the chicken to an even 1/2-inch thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin. Remove the plastic and sprinkle both sides of the chicken with salt, then let it stand at room temperature for 10 minutes before proceeding.
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Breading:
- In three shallow bowls or plates, place the flour, beaten eggs, and bread crumbs in separate layers. Add grated Parmesan cheese to the bread crumbs for extra flavor.
- Dredge each chicken breast first in flour, shaking off any excess. Dip into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip back into the bowl. Finally, coat thoroughly with the bread crumb-Parmesan mixture, pressing gently so that it adheres well.
- Cooking:
- Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking (350°F).
- Fry the chicken pieces for about 4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the pan with tongs or a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain.
- Sauce:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté mushrooms and garlic in olive oil for about 5 minutes until tender.
- Add crushed tomatoes, dried basil leaves, salt, and black pepper. Simmer the sauce for another 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Assembly:
- Spoon a layer of tomato sauce onto the prepared baking sheet. Place the fried chicken breasts on top of the sauce.
- Pour more sauce over each breast, then sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- Bake in preheated oven for 10-15 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serving:
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
This dish pairs wonderfully with garlic bread, pasta, or a crisp green salad. Enjoy your homemade Chicken Parmesan!
