Indulge in the irresistible flavors of Italy with our delicious Chicken Parmesan recipe! This dish, which features crispy breaded chicken breasts smothered in tangy marinara sauce and melted cheese, is a crowd favorite. Give your taste buds a taste of Italy with this traditional and comforting recipe.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
- Cooked spaghetti or your favorite pasta, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Using a meat mallet or the bottom of a heavy skillet, pound the chicken to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch.
- Coat the Chicken:
- Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls. Place the flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another bowl, and breadcrumbs mixed with grated Parmesan cheese in the third bowl.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess. Dip the chicken into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Coat the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil to the skillet. Once hot, add the breaded chicken breasts and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer the browned chicken breasts to the prepared baking dish.
- Add Sauce and Cheese:
- Spoon marinara sauce evenly over each chicken breast, covering them completely. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, ensuring each chicken breast is generously covered.
- Bake:
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Once cooked, remove the Chicken Parmesan from the oven. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve hot, either on its own or over cooked spaghetti or your favorite pasta.
Enjoy the classic flavors of Italy with this delicious Chicken Parmesan recipe! Whether served as a family dinner or for a special occasion, this dish will impress. Every bite features crispy chicken, savory marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese. Good appetite! 🍗🍅