Chicken Parmesan: A Classic Comfort Food Reinvented for Modern Palates
Chicken Parmesan: A Classic Comfort Food Reinvented for Modern Palates
Chicken Parmesan, also known as Chicken Parmigiana, is a mouthwatering and beloved Italian-American dish that has captured the hearts and palates of people around the world. This classic comfort food combines tender chicken breasts, crispy breading, tangy tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese into a delightful culinary creation. With its origins deeply rooted in Italian cuisine, Chicken Parmesan has become a staple on menus of countless Italian restaurants and has found its way into home kitchens as a beloved family favorite.
The magic of Chicken Parmesan lies in the harmony of flavors and textures it offers. The chicken cutlets are first tenderized and then coated in a crunchy breadcrumb and Parmesan cheese mixture before being pan-fried to perfection. The golden-brown and crispy exterior gives way to juicy and succulent chicken on the inside. The cutlets are then smothered in a vibrant marinara sauce and topped generously with melted mozzarella cheese, creating a delightful combination of tangy, savory, and cheesy flavors that will leave your taste buds singing with joy.
Chicken Parmesan is a popular Italian-American dish that typically consists of breaded and fried chicken cutlets, topped with tomato sauce and melted cheese. Here's a simple recipe to make Chicken Parmesan:
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or in a large resealable plastic bag. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound the chicken breasts until they are about 1/2 inch thick. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes. Place the flour in the first dish, beaten eggs in the second dish, and breadcrumbs mixed with grated Parmesan cheese in the third dish.
- Dip each chicken breast into the flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the chicken breast with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the breadcrumbs.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the breaded chicken breasts in the skillet for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your skillet.
- Remove the chicken breasts from the skillet and place them on a baking sheet. Spoon marinara sauce over each chicken breast, covering them completely. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce.
- Bake the chicken Parmesan in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the chicken is cooked through.
- Once done, remove the chicken Parmesan from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
- Serve the chicken Parmesan with pasta, garlic bread, or a side salad.
Enjoy your homemade chicken Parmesan!
