Delicious Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Chicken Parmesan is a beloved Italian-American dish that originated in the mid-20th century. You’ll start by pounding boneless chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/4 inch. Dredge the chicken in seasoned flour, then egg wash, and finally, a mixture of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. Pan-fry the breaded cutlets in olive oil until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Top with marinara sauce and mozzarella, then bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until the cheese melts. Garnish with fresh basil before serving. Explore various techniques to perfect this classic comfort food.

The History of Chicken Parmesan

Classic Chicken Parmesan

Chicken Parmesan, a beloved Italian-American dish, combines crispy breaded chicken with tangy tomato sauce and melted cheese. This comforting meal originated in the mid-20th century when Italian immigrants in America adapted their traditional eggplant parmigiana recipe using locally available ingredients. The result is a satisfying fusion of flavors that has become a staple in Italian-American cuisine, celebrated for its crispy exterior, juicy interior, and rich, savory taste.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6-8 oz each)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 large eggs, beaten
• 2 cups Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Butterfly each chicken breast and pound to an even 1/4-inch thickness.
3. Set up three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with grated Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
4. Dredge each chicken piece in flour, then egg wash, and finally the breadcrumb mixture, pressing to adhere.
5. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
6. Cook the breaded chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
7. Transfer the chicken to a baking dish and top each piece with 1/2 cup marinara sauce and 2 oz mozzarella cheese.
8. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Top Tips

• Use a meat mallet to ensure even thickness when pounding the chicken breasts.
• Let the breaded chicken rest for 5 minutes before frying to help the coating adhere better.
• Avoid overcrowding the pan when frying to maintain a crispy exterior.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for better flavor and texture.
• Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes after baking to let the juices redistribute.
• Serve immediately to enjoy the crispy texture at its best.

Variations

• Eggplant Parmesan: Substitute sliced eggplant for chicken to make a vegetarian version.
• Chicken Parm Sandwiches: Serve the chicken between toasted Italian bread slices.
• Baked Chicken Parmesan: Skip the pan-frying and bake the breaded chicken directly.
• Spicy Chicken Parmesan: Add red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a kick.
• Zucchini Chicken Parmesan: Layer thin zucchini slices under the chicken for added vegetables.
• Gluten-Free Chicken Parmesan: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour for the coating.

Nutritional Guide

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Servings	4
Calories	650
Total Fat	32g
Saturated Fat	11g
Carbohydrates	40g
Protein	55g
Fiber	3g
Sodium	1200mg

This Chicken Parmesan is a protein-rich dish, providing essential amino acids for muscle maintenance and growth. While relatively high in calories and fat, it can be part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation. The dish offers calcium from the cheese and lycopene from the tomato sauce, which has antioxidant properties. To reduce the calorie and fat content, consider baking the chicken instead of frying and using part-skim mozzarella cheese.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Sides Pair Well With Chicken Parmesan?

You’ll enhance your meal with vibrant salad options like arugula-fennel or caprese. Complement with al dente pasta dishes such as linguine aglio e olio or penne arrabbiata. These sides balance textures and flavors, elevating your culinary experience.

Can Chicken Parmesan Be Made in Advance and Reheated?

You can meal prep chicken parmesan in advance. For best results, store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When reheating, use a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

Is It Possible to Make a Healthier Version of Chicken Parmesan?

You can create a healthier version by opting for a baked preparation instead of frying. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour for breading. Experiment with reduced-fat cheese and incorporate nutrient-dense vegetables like zucchini or spinach into the dish.

What Wine Goes Best With Chicken Parmesan?

When considering wine pairings, you’ll want to focus on flavor combinations. Opt for a medium-bodied red like Sangiovese or Barbera. These wines’ acidity and tannins complement the dish’s tomato sauce and cheese, enhancing your culinary experience.

Can Chicken Parmesan Be Frozen for Later Consumption?

You can implement freezing leftovers for future consumption. When meal prepping, properly cool and vacuum-seal portions. Flash-freeze at -20°C for 2 hours, then store at -18°C. Thaw in refrigerator and reheat to 74°C internal temperature before serving.

Before You Go

You’ve perfected the art of chicken parmesan, a dish that’s transformed from its Italian origins to become an American favorite. Remember to pound the chicken to 1/4-inch thickness, coat in seasoned flour, egg wash, and panko breadcrumbs. Pan-fry at 350°F (175°C) until golden brown, then top with marinara and mozzarella. Broil for 2-3 minutes until cheese is bubbly. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to guarantee ideal texture and flavor distribution.