Chicken Parmesan. Just the name conjures up images of crispy, golden-brown chicken, bathed in rich tomato sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. It's a classic for a reason! This guide will walk you through making this delicious dish, from prepping the ingredients to achieving that perfect, bubbly cheese finish. Get ready to impress your family and friends with your homemade Chicken Parmesan!
Getting Started: Ingredients You'll Need
Before you begin, gather these ingredients. Having everything prepped will make the cooking process much smoother.
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs (panko recommended for extra crispiness)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for frying
For the Sauce:
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Assembly:
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra cheesy goodness!)
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
Preparing the Chicken: The Key to Crispiness
The secret to amazing Chicken Parmesan lies in properly preparing the chicken. Follow these steps for perfectly crispy, juicy chicken:
- Pound the chicken: Using a meat mallet, gently pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness. This ensures even cooking.
- Bread the chicken: Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs. Season the flour and breadcrumbs with salt and pepper. Dip each chicken breast in the flour, then the egg, and finally, the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
- Fry the chicken: Heat about 1/4 inch of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the breaded chicken breasts in the hot oil and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Avoid overcrowding the pan; work in batches if necessary.
Making the Sauce: A Flavorful Foundation
While the chicken is frying, you can prepare the delicious tomato sauce. This simple recipe packs a punch of flavor:
- Sauté the garlic: In a medium saucepan, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
- Simmer the sauce: Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to the saucepan. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for at least 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will be.
Assembling and Baking: The Grand Finale
Now comes the fun part – assembling your Chicken Parmesan masterpiece!
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Layer it up: Pour a thin layer of the tomato sauce in the bottom of a baking dish. Place the fried chicken breasts in the dish. Top each chicken breast with a generous amount of the remaining sauce and then layer with mozzarella cheese slices. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
- Bake to perfection: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
Your Chicken Parmesan is ready! Serve it with a side of your favorite pasta (spaghetti is a classic choice!), a fresh salad, or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Variations:
- Spicy Chicken Parmesan: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
- Veggie Chicken Parmesan: Add sauteed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers to the sauce.
- Baked Chicken Parmesan: For a healthier option, skip the frying and bake the breaded chicken in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes before assembling and baking with the sauce and cheese.
Enjoy your delicious homemade Chicken Parmesan! Let us know in the comments how yours turned out!
