basic chicken parmesan recipe

basic chicken parmesan recipe

The Best basic chicken parmesan recipe

I’ve been making chicken parmesan for years, and it’s a recipe that never fails to please. This dish originated in Italy, where it’s known as ‘parmigiana di pollo.’ The name refers to the technique of breading and frying chicken, which is then topped with a layer of melted mozzarella cheese.

I love this recipe because it’s easy to make and always tastes great. My kids adore it, and it’s a staple in our household for family gatherings and weeknight dinners alike. The key to this recipe is the breading process, which involves dredging the chicken in flour, then eggs, and finally breadcrumbs.

This creates a crispy exterior that’s simply divine. When I take a bite of this dish, I’m transported back to my childhood, when my mother would make it for us on special occasions. The combination of flavors and textures is just magic.

It’s not just the taste that makes this recipe so great – it’s also incredibly healthy. Chicken is lean protein, and when paired with whole-wheat breadcrumbs and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese, it makes for a meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious. I often serve this dish with a side of pasta or a simple green salad, but it’s also delicious on its own or paired with some crusty bread.

One of the best things about chicken parmesan is its versatility – you can make it for a quick weeknight dinner or for a more formal occasion like Easter Sunday or Christmas dinner. It’s also an excellent way to use up leftover breaded chicken cutlets, which can be reheated in the oven until crispy and golden brown. My family loves when I make this dish because it’s always a treat – we never get tired of it!

In fact, I’ve even served it at potlucks and family gatherings, where it always receives rave reviews. So if you’re looking for a recipe that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters, look no further than chicken parmesan! It’s a classic for good reason – the combination of flavors and textures is just unbeatable.

Basic Chicken Parmesan

Basic Chicken Parmesan

4.8 from 1211 votes

A classic Italian-American dish featuring breaded chicken topped with tomato sauce and melted cheese. This recipe serves four and is perfect for a comforting family meal.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

πŸ₯˜Ingredients

For the Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 eggs
2 cups breadcrumbs
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Sauce

1 cup tomato sauce
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1 clove garlic

For Assembly

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tbsp olive oil

πŸ‘¨β€πŸ³Directions

1Preheat oven to 450Β°F (230Β°C).
2Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3In a shallow bowl, combine flour, salt, and black pepper.
4In another bowl, beat eggs.
5In a third bowl, mix breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
6Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
7Then, dip it in the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
8Finally, coat the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
9Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
10Add the breaded chicken and cook until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
11Transfer the chicken to the prepared baking sheet.
12In a small bowl, mix tomato sauce, oregano, basil, and minced garlic.
13Spread the sauce evenly over each chicken breast.
14Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauced chicken.
15Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165Β°F or 74Β°C).
16Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
17Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

πŸ”§Equipment

Mixing bowl
Baking sheet
Oven
Spatula
Skillet

πŸ“ŠNutrition Facts (per serving)

πŸ”₯Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12gπŸ’›Saturated Fat: 5g❀️Cholesterol: 30mgπŸ§‚Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45gπŸ₯¦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5gπŸ₯©Protein: 15g

πŸ“Notes

Tips: You can substitute whole wheat flour for a healthier option.

One of the best things about this recipe is how well it stores – leftover chicken parmesan can be refrigerated for up to three days or frozen for up to two months. When reheating leftovers, be sure to do so in the oven at 350Β°F (175Β°C) until crispy and golden brown.

This dish is also incredibly versatile – serve it with pasta, garlic bread, or even as a sandwich filling. Whether you’re serving it at home or taking it to a potluck, this recipe is sure to be a hit.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Basic Chicken Parmesan

Q: What type of chicken should I use for this recipe?

A: For this recipe, you’ll want to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. You can either pound them thin or leave them as is – either way works beautifully.

Q: Can I use other types of breadcrumbs?

A: While traditional Italian breadcrumbs are perfect for this recipe, you can also use panko breadcrumbs or even gluten-free breadcrumbs if you need to accommodate dietary restrictions.

Q: How do I prevent the breading from getting soggy?

A: To prevent the breading from getting soggy, be sure to pat the chicken dry with paper towels before dredging it in flour and then eggs.

Q: Can I bake this dish instead of frying?

A: Yes, you can definitely bake this dish instead of frying – simply preheat your oven to 400Β°F (200Β°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.

Q: What type of cheese should I use?

A: For this recipe, you’ll want to use mozzarella cheese – either fresh or dried works beautifully.

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