Are you craving a comforting, flavorful meal that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this classic Italian Chicken Parmesan recipe! This dish is a family favorite, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Forget takeout; this homemade version is bursting with fresh flavors and far surpasses anything you'd find in a restaurant. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with this simple yet delicious recipe.
Ingredients:
-
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 ½ cups breadcrumbs (panko recommended)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- Olive oil for frying
-
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
-
For Assembly:
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
- Spaghetti or your favorite pasta (optional)
Instructions:
Preparing the Chicken:
- Place flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs in separate shallow dishes. Season the flour with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and oregano.
- Dredge each chicken breast in the seasoned flour, then dip in the beaten egg, and finally coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs.
- Heat about ¼ inch of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken breasts for about 5-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Making the Sauce:
- In the same skillet (remove excess oil first), heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat, and cook for at least 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will be.
Assembling and Baking:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Pour a thin layer of the tomato sauce in the bottom of a baking dish.
- Place the breaded chicken breasts in the baking dish.
- Top each chicken breast with a generous amount of tomato sauce, mozzarella slices, and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
Serving:
Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately. This delicious chicken parmesan is fantastic served over spaghetti, linguine, or your favorite pasta.
Tips for the Best Chicken Parmesan:
- Don't overcrowd the pan when frying the chicken. This will lower the temperature of the oil and result in soggy chicken. Fry in batches if necessary.
- Use high-quality mozzarella cheese for the best flavor and melt. Fresh mozzarella is ideal.
- For extra crispy chicken, you can bread the chicken a second time before frying.
- Make your own breadcrumbs for an even more flavorful dish. Simply pulse bread or crackers in a food processor until finely ground.
Variations:
- Spicy Chicken Parmesan: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumbs or the tomato sauce.
- Vegetarian Chicken Parmesan: Substitute the chicken with eggplant slices or portobello mushrooms.
- Creamy Chicken Parmesan: Stir in a splash of heavy cream to the tomato sauce during the last few minutes of cooking.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 500-600 (depending on serving size and ingredients used)
- Protein: Around 40-50g
- Fat: Around 25-35g
- Carbohydrates: Around 30-40g
This recipe offers a healthy balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fats, providing a satisfying and flavorful meal. Enjoy your homemade deliciousness!