Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Parmesan Crusted Chicken, often called “Chicken Parm, is an Italian-American classic that combines the comforting flavors of crispy breaded chicken cutlets, savory tomato sauce, and melted cheese to make it rich and hearty which is a perfect choice for family dinners or special occasions.
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TIPS FOR MAKING A DELICIOUS PARMESAN-CRUSTED CHICKEN
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Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh Parmesan cheese and high-quality marinara sauce can elevate the dish’s flavor.
Adjust Seasoning: Feel free to add herbs like oregano or basil to the breadcrumb mixture for additional flavor.
Cook to Temperature: Use a cooking thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF (74ºC) for safe consumption.
RECIPE IDEAS:
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INGREDIENTS NOTES
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Boneless, skinless chicken breast: Use a meat mallet to pound the chicken breast to an even thickness. This process ensures that they cook uniformly and reduces cooking time, making the preparation more efficient.
Salt and Pepper: Enhances the flavor of the dish
Flour: It acts as the initial layer in the breading process, providing a dry surface that allows the egg wash to adhere better to the chicken.
Egg: Act as a binding agent, helping the flour and breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken. It also provides moisture, which helps to achieve a golden-brown crust when fried or baked.
Breadcrumbs: Provides a crispy and golden crust. Typically, either regular or panko breadcrumbs are used. Both types can enhanced with herbs to add extra flavor.
Parmesan cheese: Provides a savory flavor that complements the tomato sauce and chicken. It improves texture and enhances the dish’s overall sensory experience.
Marinara Sauce: It provides a tangy, savory base that complements the rich, crispy chicken and melted cheese.
Shredded Mozzarella cheese: It melts beautifully, creating a gooey, stretchy texture with crispy chicken and tangy marinara sauce. Its mild flavor enhances the dish without overpowering the other ingredients, ensuring a balanced flavor.
Olive oil: It helps in achieving a golden, crispy crust. Its rich, smooth taste complements the savory ingredients.
Fresh basil leaves for garnish: Add a burst of vibrant color and a fresh, aromatic flavor. These leaves bring a subtle hint of herbaceousness that complements the richness of the tomato sauce and melted cheese, elevating the dish with a touch of freshness.
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HOW TO MAKE IT
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Time needed: 45 minutes
STEP-BY-STEP
- PREPARE THE CHICKEN:
Preheat oven to 375ºF. Wrap the chicken with plastic wrap and use a mallet to pound them to an even thickness, about 1/2 inch. Pounding chicken breast is an essential step in preparing Chicken Parmesan. It ensures even cooking, tender texture, enhanced flavor absorption, crispy coating, and, quicker cooking time.
- SET UP DREDGING STATION:
In three shallow dishes, place the flour in one, beat the eggs in the second, and mix the breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese in the third.
- DREDGE CHICKEN:
Coat each chicken breast in flour, shaking off excess, then dip in beaten eggs and finally press into the breadcrumb mixture until evenly coated.
- SEAR (OPTIONAL):
This step is optional but recommended for added texture.
- BAKE THE CHICKEN:
Place the chicken in a baking dish, spoon marinara sauce over, and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
- BAKE:
Put it in an oven and bake until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly about 20-25 minutes.
- SERVE:
Serve hot, and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
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PERFECT PAIRING
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- Spaghetti or Linguine: Tossed in a light marinara or garlic-olive oil sauce, this pasta complements the savory chicken perfectly.
- Garlic Bread: Crispy and buttery, garlic bread is a classic accompaniment that adds extra flavor to your meal.
- Caesar Salad: A fresh, crisp Caesar salad provides a refreshing contrast to the rich chicken, balancing the meal.
- Roasted Vegetables: Try roasting seasonal veggies like asparagus, broccoli, or bell peppers for a nutritious and colorful side.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes offer a comforting and hearty addition to the dish.
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RECOMMENDED RECIPES
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Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Equipment
- Baking dish
- Shallow dishes for dredging
- Tongs
- Oven
- Cooking thermometer (optional)
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breast
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs or panko breading
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh basil leaves, for ganish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the chicken: Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and use a meat mallet to pound them to an even thickness, about 1/2 inch. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Set up a dredging station: In three shallow dishes, place the flour in one, beat the eggs in the second, and mix the bread crumbs with Parmesan cheese in the third.
- Sear chicken (optional): For extra flavor, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and quickly sear the chicken breasts until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side. This step is optional but recommended for added texture.
- Bake the chicken: Place the chicken in a baking dish, spoon marinara sauce over each breast, and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Transfer the baking dish to the oven and bake until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly about 20-25 minutes.
- Serve: Remove from oven, let rest for a few minutes, and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve hot.
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