A Taste of Italy at Home: Recreating Classic Chicken Parmesan

Introduction

Chicken Parmesan, also known as Chicken Parmigiana, is a popular Italian-American dish that has gained immense popularity worldwide. It features breaded and pan-fried chicken cutlets smothered in marinara sauce and topped with melted cheese. The result is a flavorful and satisfying meal that pairs perfectly with pasta, salad, or crusty bread. Recreating this classic dish at home is easier than you might think, and the end result is sure to impress your family and friends.

Ingredients

For the chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 2 cups breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-style)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the assembly:

• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them gently with a meat mallet until they are about 1/2 inch thick. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
3. Set up a breading station: Place the flour in a shallow dish, beat the eggs in another shallow dish, and combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, dried basil, and garlic powder in a third shallow dish.
4. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess. Dip the chicken into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the chicken with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the breaded chicken breasts for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to the prepared baking sheet.
6. Spoon marinara sauce over each chicken breast, spreading it evenly. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese, covering the sauce completely.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Tips for Success

• Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best results.
• Be sure to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for even cooking.
• When breading the chicken, press the breadcrumb mixture gently onto the surface to ensure.