Chicken Parmesan, also known as Chicken Parmigiana, is a beloved Italian-American dish that has captured the hearts and palates of food enthusiasts worldwide. This classic comfort food features breaded and fried chicken cutlets topped with savory tomato sauce and a generous layer of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. The dish is then baked until the cheese is bubbly and golden, creating a mouthwatering combination of flavors and textures. The popularity of Chicken Parmesan can be attributed to its perfect balance of crispy, juicy chicken with rich, flavorful toppings. The dish is a harmonious blend of familiar ingredients that come together to create something extraordinary. Its versatility also plays a role in its widespread appeal. Whether served over pasta, alongside a fresh salad, or in a hearty sandwich, Chicken Parmesan is a satisfying and adaptable meal that suits various occasions. Moreover, Chicken Parmesan’s roots in traditional Italian cooking give it an air of authenticity and comfort, while its evolution in American cuisine showcases the creativity and adaptability of food culture. This timeless dish continues to be a favorite in households and restaurants alike, celebrated for its simplicity, flavor, and comforting qualities.
Why make this recipe
Perfectly Crispy Chicken: The combination of flour, egg, and seasoned panko breadcrumbs ensures the chicken breasts are perfectly crispy on the outside while remaining juicy and tender on the inside. Flavorful Seasoning: The addition of garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and dried basil to the breadcrumb mixture enhances the overall flavor, making each bite deliciously seasoned. Rich Homemade Tomato Sauce: The homemade tomato sauce, made with sautéed onions, garlic, and a blend of herbs, adds a rich and robust flavor that store-bought sauces can’t match. Perfect Cheese Blend: The mix of grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella provides a perfect balance of salty and melty cheese, creating a gooey, golden topping that is irresistible. Balanced Sweetness: The optional addition of sugar to the tomato sauce helps to balance its acidity, ensuring the sauce is not too tart but rather well-rounded and pleasant to the palate. Versatility and Presentation: The recipe is versatile, allowing for serving over pasta or alongside garlic bread and salad. The final touch of fresh basil leaves adds a pop of color and freshness, making the dish not only tasty but also visually appealing.
Ingredients and substitutes
Chicken Breasts: The main protein component of the dish. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier option. All-Purpose Flour: Helps the egg mixture adhere to the chicken. Gluten-free flour or almond flour for a gluten-free version. Eggs:: Acts as a binding agent to hold the breadcrumbs onto the chicken. Buttermilk or a mixture of milk and flour for a dairy-based binding agent. Breadcrumbs (Panko): Creates a crispy coating for the chicken. Regular breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes, or gluten-free breadcrumbs for different textures or dietary needs. Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Dried Oregano, Dried Basil: Season the breadcrumbs for extra flavor. Fresh minced garlic and onion, or Italian seasoning blend for convenience. Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, umami flavor to the breadcrumb coating and topping. Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano for a similar flavor profile. Olive Oil: Used for frying the chicken to achieve a golden, crispy Vegetable oil or canola oil for frying. Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the tomato sauce. Shallots or leeks for a milder flavor. Garlic: Infuses the tomato sauce with a robust, savory flavor. Garlic paste or garlic powder in a pinch. Crushed Tomatoes: Forms the base of the tomato sauce. Tomato puree or canned diced tomatoes blended until smooth. Sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes. Honey, maple syrup, or a pinch of baking soda to neutralize acidity. Fresh Basil (Optional): Adds freshness and a burst of flavor to the finished dish Fresh parsley or spinach for a different green element. Mozzarella Cheese: Provides a melty, gooey cheese topping. Provolone, Fontina, or a dairy-free cheese alternative.
Step-by-step: Chicken Parmesan (baked)
Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the chicken to an even thickness, about 1/2 inch thick. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
Breading the Chicken: In a shallow dish, beat the eggs, flour, salt, pepper, and parsley. In a second shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, and grated Parmesan cheese. Dip the chicken into the egg mixture, then coat it with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to adhere well. Fry the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add enough olive oil to cover the bottom of the pan. Once the oil is hot, add the breaded chicken breasts and cook until golden brown and crispy on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Work in batches if necessary. Transfer the fried chicken breasts to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Prepare the Tomato Sauce: Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a saucepan. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, pepper, and sugar (if using). Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. If using, stir in the fresh basil at the end.
Assemble: Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Place the fried chicken breasts in the dish. Spoon more tomato sauce over each piece of chicken. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken, then top with the shredded mozzarella cheese. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the chicken is cooked through. Serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve the Chicken Parmesan hot, over pasta or with a side of garlic bread and a salad.
Tips for Success
Pound the Chicken Evenly: Ensuring the chicken breasts are of even thickness helps them cook uniformly, preventing overcooking or undercooking in different parts. Season Every Layer: Season the flour, egg mixture, and breadcrumbs with salt, pepper, and additional herbs and spices. This layering of flavors ensures each bite is well-seasoned. Use Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs provide extra crispiness compared to regular breadcrumbs. Toasting them lightly in a dry skillet before coating the chicken can enhance their crunchiness. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When frying the chicken, work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding can lower the oil temperature, leading to soggy instead of crispy chicken. Drain Fried Chicken on Paper Towels: Place the fried chicken on paper towels to drain excess oil. This helps maintain the crispiness of the coating. Simmer the Sauce: Allow the tomato sauce to simmer for at least 10-15 minutes. This helps to meld the flavors and thicken the sauce, ensuring it coats the chicken well. Use Fresh Cheese: Grate Parmesan cheese and shred mozzarella from blocks rather than using pre-shredded varieties. Freshly grated cheese melts better and has a superior flavor. Partially Bake the Chicken: Consider baking the breaded chicken for a few minutes before adding the sauce and cheese. This helps the chicken stay crispy even after adding the sauce. Let the Cheese Bubble and Brown: Bake the assembled Chicken Parmesan until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. If needed, you can broil for a minute or two at the end to achieve a perfect golden crust. Rest Before Serving: Let the Chicken Parmesan rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps the flavors meld together and makes it easier to serve. Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving. This adds a burst of freshness and enhances the presentation. Serve Immediately: Chicken Parmesan is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven when the cheese is still melty and the chicken is crispy. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
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Frequently asked questions
Creative variations
Eggplant Parmesan: Replace the chicken with slices of eggplant. Bread and fry the eggplant slices just as you would the chicken. This vegetarian version is hearty and delicious. Salt the eggplant slices and let them sit for about 30 minutes to draw out excess moisture and bitterness before breading. Chicken Parmesan Roll-Ups: Pound the chicken breasts thin, place a slice of mozzarella and a spoonful of tomato sauce in the center, then roll them up. Bread and fry the rolls, then bake with sauce and cheese on top. Secure the rolls with toothpicks to keep them intact while frying and baking. Buffalo Chicken Parmesan: Add a spicy twist by mixing buffalo sauce into the tomato sauce or brushing the fried chicken with buffalo sauce before baking. Serve with a side of blue cheese or ranch dressing to balance the heat. Pesto Chicken Parmesan: Spread a layer of basil pesto on the chicken before adding the tomato sauce and cheese. The pesto adds a fresh, herby flavor that complements the dish beautifully. Use homemade pesto for the best flavor, or choose a high-quality store-bought version.
Creative ways to serve chicken parmesan
Classic Pairing with Pasta: Serve over a bed of spaghetti or fettuccine with extra tomato sauce. Toss the pasta with olive oil, garlic, and fresh basil for added flavor. Garlic Bread: Serve with slices of crispy garlic bread. Brush the bread with a mixture of butter, garlic, parsley, and Parmesan before toasting. Side Salad: A fresh side salad with a light vinaigrette. Use mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cucumbers, and a simple balsamic or lemon vinaigrette. Roasted Vegetables: Serve with a medley of roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes. Roast the vegetables with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper for added flavor. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes make a comforting side. Add roasted garlic and Parmesan cheese to the mashed potatoes for a rich flavor. Polenta: Serve over creamy polenta. Cook the polenta with chicken broth and stir in Parmesan cheese and butter for extra richness. Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad with crisp romaine, croutons, and Caesar dressing. Add some shaved Parmesan and a squeeze of lemon to enhance the flavors.
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