Craving that delicious, comforting Chicken Parmesan you get at Maggiano's? Don't spend a fortune dining out! This easy recipe lets you recreate that restaurant-quality taste in your own kitchen. Get ready to impress yourself and your family with this simple, yet incredibly satisfying homemade meal. It's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion – the choice is yours!
Ingredients:
This recipe serves 4 and can easily be doubled or tripled for larger gatherings.
- For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 ½ cups Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- For the Sauce:
- 2 (24-ounce) jars of your favorite marinara sauce (high-quality is recommended!)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- For the Cheese:
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- 4 ounces grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded provolone cheese (optional, for extra cheesiness!)
Instructions:
Prepare the Chicken:
- Place the flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs in three separate shallow dishes. Season the flour with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Dredge each chicken breast in the seasoned flour, then dip it into the beaten eggs, ensuring it's fully coated. Finally, coat the chicken thoroughly in breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the breaded chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Avoid overcrowding the pan; work in batches if necessary.
Make the Sauce and Assemble:
- While the chicken is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine the marinara sauce, oregano, and basil. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Transfer the cooked chicken breasts to a baking dish. Pour the simmered marinara sauce evenly over the chicken.
- Top each chicken breast with slices of fresh mozzarella, grated Parmesan cheese, and provolone cheese (if using).
Bake and Serve:
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve immediately with your favorite pasta and a side salad for a complete and delicious meal.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Chicken Parmesan:
- For extra crispy chicken, you can double-bread the chicken – repeat the flour, egg, and breadcrumb process twice.
- Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken; this will lower the temperature and result in soggy chicken instead of crispy.
- If you don't have fresh mozzarella, you can use a good quality shredded mozzarella instead.
- For a richer flavor, add a tablespoon of butter to the marinara sauce while it simmers.
Variations:
- Spicy Chicken Parmesan: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture or to the marinara sauce.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with breaded eggplant slices.
- Creamy Chicken Parmesan: Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream to the marinara sauce during the last few minutes of simmering.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 600-700 (depending on ingredients used) Protein: Approximately 40-50g Fat: Approximately 30-40g Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-50g
This easy recipe provides a delicious and satisfying meal, perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Enjoy your homemade Maggiano's-style Chicken Parmesan!