Unleash Your Inner Chef: Mastering the Art of Chicken Parmesan
Unleash Your Inner Chef: Mastering the Art of Chicken Parmesan
Chicken Parmesan, also known as Chicken Parmigiana, is a classic Italian-American dish that never fails to satisfy. It's a perfect go-to recipe for a delicious and comforting meal that is simple to prepare but impressive to serve. Here's a guide to help you master the art of making Chicken Parmesan right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 ½ cups Italian bread crumbs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons minced fresh basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness, then season them with salt and pepper.
- Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes. Place the flour in the first dish, the beaten eggs in the second dish, and the bread crumbs mixed with grated Parmesan cheese in the third dish.
- Working with one piece of chicken at a time, dredge the chicken in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the chicken in the bread crumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the breaded chicken and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Arrange the browned chicken breasts over the sauce, then spoon the remaining marinara sauce over the chicken.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of each chicken breast, then sprinkle with the minced basil.
- Bake in the preheated oven until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, and the chicken is completely cooked through (about 20 minutes).
- Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve hot over a bed of spaghetti or with a side of garlic bread.
Now that you've mastered the art of making Chicken Parmesan, it's time to unleash your inner chef and impress your friends and family with this delicious Italian-inspired dish. Serve it for a special occasion or just for a cozy night in – either way, it's sure to be a hit!