Chicken Parmesan—oh, the crispy, cheesy goodness that dreams are made of! I remember the first time I tasted this dish; it was like a warm hug for my taste buds.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting out in your kitchen adventures, this easy recipe will make you feel like a culinary star. The best part?
The satisfying crunch of the chicken mingling with the melty, stringy cheese—it’s like a symphony of flavors that never gets old.
Steps
- Begin by pounding the boneless chicken breasts to an even thickness, about half an inch, to ensure they cook uniformly. Season the chicken well with salt and pepper.
- Prepare the breading mixture by combining Panko bread crumbs with finely grated Parmesan cheese. This will enhance the crunch and flavor when fried.
- Coat the seasoned chicken in the bread crumb mixture and let it rest on the counter for about 15 minutes. This allows the coating to adhere better to the chicken before frying.
- Fry the breaded chicken breasts until they achieve a golden brown color. Transfer them to a baking pan once they are perfectly crispy.
- Add a moderate amount of sauce to the top of each fried chicken breast, ensuring not to drown them. Sprinkle a mix of fresh mozzarella, Provolone, and Parmesan cheese over the sauce.
- Preheat the oven to 450°F so it’s nice and hot. Bake the chicken until the cheese is slightly browned and the breading is crisp, making sure not to overcook the chicken.
- Serve hot with additional sauce on the side if desired, allowing guests to add more if they wish. Enjoy your perfectly crispy and flavorful Chicken Parmesan.
Ingredients
- Boneless chicken breasts, pounded to 1/2 inch thickness
- Salt and pepper, to season
- Panko bread crumbs
- Finely grated Parmesan cheese
- Flour, for dredging
- Eggs, for coating
- Fresh mozzarella cheese
- Provolone cheese
- Marinara sauce
- Fresh basil or Italian seasoning
- Olive oil, for frying
FAQ
- How can I prevent chicken Parmesan from becoming soggy?
- To avoid soggy chicken Parmesan, refrain from putting sauce beneath the chicken cutlets. Instead, add just a small amount of sauce on top, keeping the breading crisp. If you prefer more sauce, serve additional sauce on the side.
- What cheeses are recommended for chicken Parmesan?
- While many recipes use only mozzarella, a mix of fresh mozzarella, tangy Provolone, and real Parmesan cheese can enhance the dish’s flavor profile.
- Should Parmesan be added to the breadcrumbs?
- Yes, incorporating finely grated Parmesan into Panko breadcrumbs adds an extra layer of flavor and crunch to the breaded chicken.
- Why is it important to preheat the oven to a high temperature?
- Preheating the oven to 450°F ensures the cheese browns slightly and the breading crisps up before the chicken is overcooked, resulting in a perfectly cooked dish.
- How should chicken breasts be prepared before cooking?
- Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness, around a half-inch, to ensure they cook evenly.
Tips
- Pound Chicken Evenly: Ensure the chicken breasts are of uniform thickness, about half an inch, to guarantee they cook evenly. This helps avoid any parts being undercooked or overcooked.
- Enhance Bread Crumbs with Parmesan: Incorporate finely grated Parmesan cheese into Panko bread crumbs for an extra layer of flavor and crunch when frying the chicken.
- Allow Coating to Set: Let the breaded chicken rest for about 15 minutes before frying. This helps the coating adhere better to the chicken, resulting in a crispier texture.
- Use Minimal Sauce: Avoid drowning the chicken in sauce and cheese to maintain the crispiness of the coating. Serve additional sauce on the side if desired.
Equipment
- Meat Tenderizer/Pounder – To pound the chicken to an even thickness.
- Non-stick Frying Pan or Skillet – For frying the breaded chicken breasts.
- Baking Pan or Oven-Safe Dish – For transferring the chicken to the oven.
- Digital Meat Thermometer – To ensure the chicken is cooked to the right temperature.
- Grater – For finely grating Parmesan cheese.
