Chicken Parmigiana, also known as Chicken Parmesan or simply “Chicken Parm,” is a popular Italian-American dish that consists of breaded and fried chicken cutlets topped with tomato sauce and melted cheese.
Chicken Parmigiana
Servings
4
servingsPrep time
20
minutesCooking time
3
minutesHere’s a basic recipe for Chicken Parmigiana:
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 (plain or seasoned)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Vegetable oil for frying
- For the Tomato Sauce:
2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper, to taste
- For the Topping:
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- For Garnish:
Fresh basil or parsley leaves, for garnish
Directions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place each chicken breast between sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper and pound them to an even thickness (about 1/2 inch) using a meat mallet or the bottom of a heavy pan.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Breading the Chicken:
- Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls. In one bowl, place the flour. In another, beat the eggs. In the third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Dip each chicken breast into the flour, coating it evenly, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally, coat it with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to adhere.
- Frying the Chicken:
- In a large skillet, heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot (around 350°F or 175°C), carefully add the breaded chicken breasts. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Place the fried chicken on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.
- Prepare the Tomato Sauce:
- In a saucepan, heat the marinara sauce over medium heat.
- Add the dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir and let it simmer for a few minutes.
- Assemble and Bake:
- In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on the bottom.
- Place the fried chicken breasts on top of the sauce.
- Spoon more tomato sauce over each chicken breast.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Baking:
- Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the chicken is heated through.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley leaves before serving.
- Serve the Chicken Parmigiana hot, either on its own or over cooked pasta.
