Chicken Parmesan is a beloved dish that combines crispy breaded chicken, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese. The origins of Chicken Parmesan can be traced back to Italian immigrants in the United States, who adapted traditional Italian recipes to local ingredients and tastes. Today, it is a staple in Italian-American cuisine and a favorite in many households and restaurants.
chicken parmesan recipe ingredients
To make chicken Parmesan, you’ll need these ingredients:
For the chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (Italian-style preferred)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup grated pecorino roman cheese (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
For the marinara sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
For assembly
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
- Cooked pasta or aside salad (for serving)
Preparing the chicken parmesan step-by-step
1. pound the chicken: Begin by pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness. This helps them cook evenly and tasty tender.
Place each Chicken breast between two sheets of parchment or plastic wrap. Using a small mallet or rolling pin, gently pound the chicken to about 1/2 inch thickness.
2. Season the chicken: season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper.
3. Prepare the breading station: set up a breading station with three shallow bowls or plates. In the first bowl, place all-purpose flour. In the second bowl, beat the eggs. In the third bowl, combine breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, grated pecorino roman cheese (if using), garlic powder, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes.
4. Bread the chicken: dredge each Chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess. Dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, letting any excess drip off.
5. Finally, coat the chicken evenly with the Breadcrumbs mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well.
Frying the chicken
6. Heat the oil: in a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until simmering but not smoking. The oil should be heated enough to sizzle when you drop breadcrumbs in.
7. Fry the chicken: carefully place the breaded chicken breasts into the hot oil, being carful not overcrowd the skillet. fry the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
the internal temperature should reach 165°f (74°c). Transfer the fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
preparing the marinara sauce
8. Sauté the aromatics: Preheat the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat.
Add finely chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
9. Add tomatoes: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and diced tomatoes. Stir to combine.
10. Season the sauce: Add dried basil, dried oregano, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to incorporate the seasonings.
11. Simmer the sauce: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 20-30 minutes, and stirring. This enables the sauce to thicken and the flavors to combine.
Assembling and baking the chicken Parmesan
- Preheat the oven to 375°f (190°c)
- Layer the sauce and chicken: In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Place the fried chicken breasts on top of the sauce in a single layer. Spoon additional marinara sauce over each piece of chicken, ensuring they are well covered.
- Add the cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauced chicken breasts. Add a bit of grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor.
- Bake the chicken: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
Serving the chicken Parmesan
- Garnish and serve: once the chicken Parmesan is out of the oven, garnish it with chopped fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and freshness.
- Side dish options: Serve the chicken parmesan with your choice of cooked pasta, such as spaghetti or fettuccine, or a side salad for a lighter option.
- Final touch: For an extra touch of flavor, sprinkle additional grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving.
chicken Parmesan tips for success
- Chicken thickness: Ensure that the chicken breasts are of even thickness for uniform cooking.
- Fresh ingredients: Use fresh basil and high-quality cheese for the best flavor.
- Sauce consistency: If marinara sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of water or chicken broth to reach the desired consistency.
- Crispy chicken: to maintain the crispy texture of the chicken, avoid over-saucing before baking. You can always serve it with additional sauce.
Nutritional Value of Chicken Parmesan
Here’s the nutritional breakdown for a typical serving of Chicken Parmesan (approximately 1/2 breast with sauce and cheese):
- Calories: 254
- Total Fat: 12.38g
- Saturated Fat: 3.912g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.287g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 4.898g
- Cholesterol: 108mg
- Sodium: 615mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 12.18g
- Dietary Fiber: 1.1g
- Sugars: 2.65g
- Protein: 22.83g
- Calcium: 145mg
- Iron: 1.9mg
- Potassium: 353mg
- Vitamin A: 66mcg
- Vitamin C: 4.7mg
Frequently asked questions about chicken parmesan recipe
What is Chicken Parmesan made of?
Chicken Parmesan, also known as Chicken Parmigiana, is made of breaded and fried chicken cutlets topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese, typically mozzarella and Parmesan.
Can I make Chicken Parmesan ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken cutlets and marinara sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, assemble the dish, add cheese, and bake until heated through and the cheese is melted.
How do I keep Chicken Parmesan crispy?
To keep Chicken Parmesan crispy, avoid over-saucing the chicken before baking. You can also broil the dish for the last few minutes of baking to achieve a crispy cheese topping.
What can I serve with Chicken Parmesan?
Chicken Parmesan pairs well with pasta, such as spaghetti or fettuccine, a side salad, or garlic bread. You can also serve it with roasted vegetables or a light green salad for a balanced meal.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes, you can experiment with different types of cheese. While mozzarella and Parmesan are traditional, you can try provolone, fontina, or even a blend of cheeses for a unique twist.
Is Chicken Parmesan gluten-free?
Traditional Chicken Parmesan is not gluten-free due to the breadcrumbs used for breading the chicken. However, you can make a gluten-free version by using gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Can I freeze Chicken Parmesan?
Yes, you can freeze Chicken Parmesan. Assemble the dish without baking, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, bake from frozen, adding extra time as needed.
Chicken Parmesan is a timeless dish that brings together the best of Italian-American cuisine. From its crispy breaded chicken to the rich marinara sauce and gooey melted cheese, every bite is a delightful experience. Whether you’re a beginner looking to impress with a straightforward recipe or an advanced cook aiming to master the art of Coq au Vin, Chicken Parmesan is a versatile dish that can be tailored to your skill level.
