Chicken Parmigiana Recipe: A Classic Italian-American Delight
This recipe will guide you through making a delicious and authentic Chicken Parmigiana, a beloved Italian-American classic. We'll cover everything from prepping the ingredients to achieving that perfectly golden-brown breading. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this crowd-pleasing dish!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe serves 4-6 people. Adjust quantities as needed for larger groups.
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For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs (panko recommended for extra crispiness)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
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For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
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For the Topping:
- 8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Preparing the Chicken:
- Pound the Chicken: Gently pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness. This ensures even cooking.
- Breading the Chicken: Set up a breading station with flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs in separate shallow dishes. Season the flour with salt and pepper. Dredge each chicken breast in flour, then dip into the egg, and finally coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs.
- Frying the Chicken: Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken breasts in batches, about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside on a wire rack to drain excess oil.
Making the Sauce:
- Sautéing the Garlic: In the same skillet (after removing excess oil), heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Simmering the Sauce: Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper to the skillet. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for at least 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor.
Assembling and Baking:
- Layer the Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pour a thin layer of sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Place the breaded chicken breasts in the dish. Top each chicken breast generously with the remaining sauce.
- Adding the Cheese: Sprinkle generously with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Baking: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
Serving:
Serve your Chicken Parmigiana hot, ideally with a side of spaghetti or your favorite pasta. A simple side salad also complements this dish perfectly.
Tips for the Best Chicken Parmigiana:
- Don't overcrowd the pan when frying the chicken. This will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken.
- Use high-quality ingredients. The better your ingredients, the better your Chicken Parmigiana will taste.
- Don't be shy with the cheese! The cheese is a key component of this dish.
- Let the sauce simmer. This allows the flavors to meld and develop.
Enjoy your homemade Chicken Parmigiana! This recipe is a great starting point; feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to make it your own. Let us know in the comments how yours turns out!