Italian cuisine is celebrated for its rich flavors, comforting textures, and the ability to bring people together. One dish that perfectly encapsulates this spirit is Chicken Parmesan, or Pollo alla Parmigiana. This beloved classic features crispy breaded chicken cutlets smothered in marinara sauce and melted cheese, creating a symphony of flavors that’s hard to resist. Follow this recipe to make a Chicken Parmesan that will surely impress your family and friends.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Olive oil for frying
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 800g (28 oz) canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
For Assembling:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Preparing the Chicken:
- Flatten the Chicken:
- Place each chicken breast between two pieces of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness, about 1/2 inch thick. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Coat the Chicken:
- Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes. Place the flour in the first dish, beaten eggs in the second, and a mixture of breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, dried oregano, garlic powder, and paprika in the third.
- Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off excess. Dip into the beaten eggs, then coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Fry the Chicken:
- Heat a generous amount of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the breaded chicken breasts until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Making the Sauce:
- Sauté Aromatics:
- In a medium saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Simmer the Sauce:
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and sugar if using. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and let the sauce cook gently for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Assembling the Chicken Parmesan:
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Layer the Ingredients:
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Place the fried chicken breasts on top of the sauce. Spoon more marinara sauce over each chicken breast, then sprinkle generously with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake the Dish:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the chicken is cooked through.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve hot with a side of pasta, a green salad, or garlic bread.
Chicken Parmesan is a dish that never fails to impress. Its combination of crispy, juicy chicken, savory marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese makes it a favorite for both special occasions and casual dinners. By following this recipe, you’ll create a meal that captures the essence of Italian comfort food, bringing joy and satisfaction to your dining table. Buon appetito!