Chicken Parmigiana Recipe is an irresistible culinary delight that blends the rich flavors of Italian cuisine with a satisfying twist. Often hailed as a comfort food classic, this dish combines perfectly breaded chicken cutlets with savory marinara sauce and melted cheese, creating a symphony of textures and tastes that is sure to please both the palate and the soul. Ideal for family dinners or special occasions, Chicken Parmigiana delivers a hearty and wholesome meal that can be paired with a variety of sides, from fresh garden salads to al dente pasta. Discover how to make this timeless dish at home with our comprehensive guide, which ensures a flavorful journey from the kitchen to your dining table. Embrace the art of cooking with our expert tips, and serve up smiles with every delicious bite.
What is Chicken Parmigiana?
Chicken Parmigiana is a delicious Italian-American dish featuring breaded chicken breast topped with savory tomato sauce and melted cheese, often mozzarella or Parmesan. This hearty meal is typically baked until bubbly and golden, delivering a delightful blend of crispy and gooey textures. Commonly served with pasta or a side salad, Chicken Parmigiana is a comforting favorite that satisfies cravings for rich, cheesy, and tangy flavors, making it a popular choice in many households and restaurants.
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Video of Chicken Parmigiana
| Prep Time | 20 minutes of hands-on prep |
| Cook Time | 30 minutes of cooking in the oven |
| Total Time | 1 hour including preparation and cooking |
| Servings | 4 servings |
Chicken Parmigiana, an Italian-American classic, traces its origins to Italian immigrants adapting Melanzane alla Parmigiana, a traditional eggplant dish, to include chicken for a heartier meal. This fusion dish quickly gained popularity in the United States, becoming a staple in Italian-American cuisine. Known for its crispy breaded chicken cutlet topped with rich tomato sauce and melted cheese, it offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Its comforting taste and ease of preparation make it a favorite in households and restaurants alike. Exploring a Chicken Parmigiana Recipe opens the door to a delicious meal perfect for any occasion. Whether enjoyed at home or dining out, the dish’s universal appeal keeps it beloved across generations. For those looking to create an authentic experience, a classic Chicken Parmigiana Recipe is essential.
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Chicken Parmigiana Ingredients
To create an unforgettable Chicken Parmigiana, gather a vibrant array of fresh ingredients. Start with succulent chicken breasts, ideally free-range for superior flavor. Embrace the garden’s bounty with ripe, juicy tomatoes and fragrant basil leaves, lending a burst of freshness. Opt for high-quality mozzarella and parmesan cheese to achieve that perfect melt and golden crust. Don’t forget the aromatic garlic, extra virgin olive oil, and a dash of seasoning to tie this culinary masterpiece together, ensuring every bite is a delightful experience.
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless, pounded to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
- Salt: Fine-grained, used to season the chicken before cooking and enhance overall flavor.
- Black Pepper: Freshly ground, adds a touch of heat and depth to the seasoning of the chicken.
- All-Purpose Flour: Lightly coats the chicken to help the egg wash adhere better.
- Eggs: Beaten, used to create a binding layer for the breadcrumbs to stick to the chicken.
- Breadcrumbs: Seasoned variety, providing a crispy, golden crust when cooked.
- Parmesan Cheese: Finely grated, mixed with breadcrumbs for added flavor and crispiness.
- Olive Oil: Extra virgin, used to pan-fry the chicken, adding richness and a slight fruitiness.
- Marinara Sauce: Homemade or store-bought, spread over the chicken to provide a tangy tomato base.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Fresh or whole milk, sliced or shredded, melted on top for a creamy, gooey layer.
- Fresh Basil: Torn or chopped, used as a garnish for a fresh, aromatic finish.
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How to Make Chicken Parmigiana
Begin by pounding chicken breasts to an even thickness, ensuring they cook uniformly. Dredge them in flour, dip in beaten eggs, and coat with a mixture of seasoned breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan for a crispy crust. Saut the chicken until golden, then finish in the oven with marinara sauce and mozzarella for a classic Chicken Parmigiana.
- Begin by preparing the chicken breasts; using a sharp knife, carefully slice each breast in half horizontally to create two thinner pieces. Lay them between sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound with a meat mallet until they are about 1/4-inch thick, ensuring even cooking.
- Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes: one with all-purpose flour seasoned with salt and pepper, the second with beaten eggs, and the third with a mixture of Italian breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. This assembly line will help streamline the coating process.
- Dredge each chicken breast piece in the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing the excess to drip back into the dish before pressing it into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring an even coating on all sides.
- In a large skillet, heat a generous amount of olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully add the breaded chicken pieces, cooking them in batches to avoid overcrowding, for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Preheat your oven to 400 F (200 C) while the chicken is frying. Prepare a baking dish by spreading a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom to prevent the chicken from sticking and to infuse additional flavor.
- Once the chicken is browned, transfer the pieces to the prepared baking dish. Spoon more marinara sauce over each piece, ensuring they are well-covered but not drowning in sauce, as this will keep the breading from becoming too soggy.
- Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and more grated Parmesan over the sauced chicken breasts. The cheese should cover the chicken completely, promoting a melty, gooey topping once baked.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. During this time, the chicken will finish cooking through, and the cheese should become bubbly and start to turn a light golden brown on top.
- Once the chicken is done, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This will allow the cheese to set slightly and make serving easier.
- Serve the Chicken Parmigiana hot, optionally garnished with freshly chopped basil or parsley for a touch of color and added flavor. Pair it with your choice of pasta, a side salad, or crusty bread to complete the meal.
Tips for Making Chicken Parmigiana
If you’re looking to impress with a delicious Chicken Parmigiana, here are some tips to elevate your recipe. Start by pounding the chicken breasts evenly for uniform cooking. Use freshly grated Parmesan for a richer flavor, and opt for Panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch. Don’t forget to season every layer, from the flour to the sauce. Finally, bake the dish to melt the cheese perfectly and serve it hot for a delightful meal.
- Brine the Chicken: Before breading, soak the chicken breasts in a simple brine of water, salt, and sugar for 30 minutes to an hour. This enhances moisture retention and ensures juicy, flavorful meat.
- Pound Evenly: Use a meat mallet to pound the chicken to an even thickness, about inch. This ensures even cooking and prevents dry spots.
- Season the Flour: Before dredging, add salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder to the flour. This layers the seasoning, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the breading.
- Double Dredge for Crispiness: For an extra-crispy crust, double dredge the chicken by dipping it in flour, then egg, and then back into the flour and egg before coating with breadcrumbs.
- Use Panko Breadcrumbs: Mix panko with grated Parmesan and Italian herbs for a lighter, crunchier breading. Toast the breadcrumbs lightly in the oven before coating for added crispiness.
- Fry in a Mix of Oils: Use a blend of olive oil and vegetable oil for frying. The olive oil adds flavor while the vegetable oil raises the smoke point, achieving a perfectly golden crust without burning.
- Make a Quick Tomato Sauce: Use high-quality canned tomatoes, saut ed garlic, and fresh basil to create a quick, flavorful sauce. Let it simmer to thicken slightly, concentrating the flavors before using.
- Finish Under the Broiler: After adding the sauce and cheese, place the chicken under the broiler for a few minutes. This melts the cheese perfectly and adds a slight char, enhancing the dish s visual appeal and flavor.
Directions for Making Chicken Parmigiana
Chicken Parmigiana, a classic Italian-American dish, combines tender chicken breasts with rich marinara sauce, melted mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese for a comforting and flavorful meal. To create this mouthwatering dish, you’ll begin by breading and frying the chicken to golden perfection. Then, layer it with sauce and cheese before baking. Follow these straightforward instructions to make a satisfying Chicken Parmigiana that is perfect for family dinners and special occasions.
- Gather Ingredients: Collect all necessary ingredients, including boneless, skinless chicken breasts, salt, pepper, flour, eggs, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, marinara sauce, olive oil, and fresh basil or parsley for garnish.
- Prepare Chicken: Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or wax paper. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the chicken to an even thickness, about 1/2 inch thick.
- Set Up Dredging Station: In three separate shallow dishes, place flour in one, beaten eggs in the second, and a mixture of breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese in the third. Season the flour with salt and pepper.
- Coat Chicken: Lightly coat each chicken breast in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally press into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring an even coating on both sides.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the breaded chicken breasts and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Preheat Oven: While the chicken is cooking, preheat your oven to 400 F (200 C).
- Assemble Parmigiana: In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce. Place the cooked chicken breasts over the sauce, then spoon more marinara sauce over each piece. Top with slices of mozzarella cheese and additional Parmesan cheese.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 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 cool for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley, and serve hot with a side of pasta or a fresh green salad.
Nutrition Facts of Chicken Parmigiana
Discover the nutrition facts of a classic Chicken Parmigiana recipe, a delicious blend of tender chicken breast coated in breadcrumbs, topped with savory marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. This hearty dish offers a balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fats, providing essential nutrients to fuel your day while satisfying your taste buds.
| Calories | 660 |
| Protein | 42 grams |
| Fat | 28 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 10 grams |
| Cholesterol | 125 milligrams |
| Carbohydrates | 45 grams |
| Fiber | 4 grams |
| Sugar | 8 grams |
| Sodium | 1,450 milligrams |
Conclusion on Chicken Parmigiana Recipe
In conclusion, Chicken Parmigiana is a delightful choice for any meal, combining the rich flavors of tender chicken, tangy tomato sauce, and melted cheese. This classic dish appeals to a wide range of palates and is sure to impress your family and guests alike. Serving ideas for Chicken Parmigiana are abundant; pair it with a side of pasta for a hearty meal, or opt for a fresh green salad to keep it light and balanced. Additionally, this dish offers nutritional benefits, such as high protein content from the chicken and essential vitamins from the tomato sauce. Easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying, Chicken Parmigiana brings a touch of Italian comfort to your dining table, making it a versatile and delicious recipe worth adding to your repertoire. Embrace the joy of cooking and savor the delectable taste of this beloved dish today!