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Chicken Parmesan

Chicken Parmesan - Cheap Delicious Meals

Growing up, chicken parmesan was a staple in my house. It wasn’t just a meal; it was a family tradition. My mom would whip it up after a long day, and the smell of that bubbling marinara sauce would bring everyone to the table, ready to dig in. There’s something about crispy chicken, melty cheese, and rich sauce that feels like a warm hug, isn’t there?
In this blog post, I’ll take you on a journey through the art of making chicken parmesan, sharing not only the recipe but also tips, tricks, and personal anecdotes that make this dish one you’ll want to share with your family.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large farm-fresh eggs
  • ¼ cup creamy fresh mozzarella, diced into small chunks
  • 2 tablespoons plain all-purpose flour adjust as necessary
  • ½ cup rich tomato-based marinara sauce
  • ½ cup shredded provolone cheese
  • ¾ cup cfinely grated Parmesan cheese, divided
  • 1 cup panko-style crispy bread crumbs add more if needed
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast fillets
  • 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
  • ¼ cup fragrant chopped fresh basil leaves
  • 1 clove garlic, finely minced
  • Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • ½ cup light olive oil, for pan-frying or as needed

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
  1. First things first, let’s get organized. Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. This step keeps it simple and efficient.
Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station
  1. Grab three shallow bowls. In one bowl, beat the eggs. In the second, mix the flour with a pinch of salt and pepper. In the third, combine panko breadcrumbs and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. You’ll create a lovely coating for your chicken fillets.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken
  1. Take each chicken breast and dip it first in the flour, ensuring it’s coated, then into the egg mixture, and finally, into the breadcrumb mix. Press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to ensure they stick well.
Step 4: Pan-Fry the Chicken
  1. In a large skillet, heat the light olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the breaded chicken fillets, frying for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown. It’s really important to resist the urge to move them around too much; let them get nice and crispy!
Step 5: Assemble the Dish
  1. Once the chicken is fried, place each fillet on your prepared baking sheet. Spoon marinara sauce generously over each piece, topping with the remaining Parmesan and provolone cheese. This is where it starts to get exciting!
Step 6: Bake
  1. Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. You’ll know it’s ready when every bite looks gooey and delicious.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
  1. Finally, remove the chicken from the oven and sprinkle with fresh basil leaves. Serve it hot, with your preferred sides, and watch everyone’s eyes light up!

Notes

Here are some expert tips to elevate your chicken parmesan game:
  • Use a Meat Mallet: Flatten chicken breasts for even cooking. This way, they cook uniformly and remain tender.
  • Let the Chicken Rest: After frying, allow it to rest on paper towels for a couple of minutes to absorb excess oil.
  • Go Saucy: Don’t skimp on the marinara sauce. It adds moisture and flavor, making it a more cohesive dish.
  • Experiment with Cheeses: Mix it up! Try adding fontina or mozzarella to the mix for a different flavor profile.
  • Breadcrumb Quality Counts: Use panko breadcrumbs for that extra crunch. Regular breadcrumbs won’t give you the same satisfying texture.