Are you craving a comforting, flavorful meal that's surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This Lidia's Chicken Parmigiana recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Forget takeout – this homemade version is bursting with fresh flavors and far surpasses anything you'll find at a restaurant. Get ready to experience the ultimate in comfort food, elevated to delicious heights! This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and delivers a healthy meal the whole family will adore.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 2 (24 ounce) jars marinara sauce
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Preparing the Chicken:
- Place the flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs in separate shallow dishes. Season the flour with salt and pepper.
- Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, then dip into the egg, ensuring it's fully coated. Finally, coat thoroughly in the breadcrumbs.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Don't overcrowd the pan; work in batches if necessary.
Assembling and Baking:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in the bottom of the dish.
- Arrange the cooked chicken breasts in the dish.
- Top each chicken breast with a generous spoonful of marinara sauce.
- Layer the mozzarella slices evenly over the chicken and sauce.
- Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the mozzarella.
Baking to Perfection:
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.
Tips for the Best Chicken Parmigiana:
- For extra crispy chicken, you can bread the chicken a second time before cooking.
- Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken; this will lower the temperature of the oil and result in soggy chicken.
- Use high-quality marinara sauce for the best flavor. Homemade is fantastic, but store-bought works perfectly well too.
- If you prefer a richer flavor, add a sprinkle of oregano or Italian seasoning to the breadcrumbs.
- For a lighter version, use part-skim mozzarella cheese.
Delicious Variations:
- Spicy Chicken Parm: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumbs for a spicy kick.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with eggplant slices, zucchini, or portobello mushrooms.
- Gourmet Twist: Use fresh basil pesto instead of marinara sauce for a unique twist.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- Protein: 35-40g
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
This Lidia's Chicken Parmigiana recipe is a fantastic example of delicious and healthy food recipes. It's a quick dinner idea, perfect for busy weeknights. Enjoy this amazing homemade cooking experience – a true testament to easy recipes done right! This recipe provides a hearty and satisfying meal, making it one of the best recipes for both beginner and experienced cooks.