Ingredients with Measurements:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Special equipment needed:
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cooking spray
- Meat mallet
- Large skillet
- Oven-safe baking dish
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spray with cooking spray.
3. Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound with a meat mallet until they are an even thickness.
4. In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. In another shallow dish, beat the eggs.
6. In a third shallow dish, mix together the breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
7. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
8. Dip the chicken in the beaten eggs, then coat in the breadcrumb mixture.
9. Place the chicken on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
10. While the chicken is baking, heat the marinara sauce in a large skillet over medium heat.
11. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and place it in an oven-safe baking dish.
12. Spoon the marinara sauce over the chicken, then sprinkle with the shredded mozzarella cheese.
13. Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
14. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 35-40 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
4 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 490
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 189mg
Sodium: 1232mg
Carbohydrates: 33g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 5g
Protein: 46g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of chicken breasts, you can use chicken thighs or even eggplant for a vegetarian version.
- If you don't have Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs, you can use plain breadcrumbs and add Italian seasoning to them.
- You can use any type of cheese you prefer instead of mozzarella.
Variations:
- Add sliced mushrooms to the marinara sauce for extra flavor.
- Use a mixture of different cheeses, such as Parmesan, mozzarella, and provolone.
- Top the chicken with sliced pepperoni for a pizza-inspired twist.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness so they cook evenly.
- If the breadcrumbs aren't sticking to the chicken, try pressing them on with your hands.
- For a crispier crust, you can pan-fry the chicken in oil before baking it in the oven.
Storage instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat, place the chicken in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the chicken on a bed of pasta or with a side of garlic bread.
Garnishes:
Fresh basil leaves
Pairings:
- Serve with a side salad for a lighter meal.
- Pair with a glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Sangiovese.
Suggested side dishes:
- Garlic bread
- Roasted vegetables
- Pasta with marinara sauce
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the chicken is not cooked through after baking, you can finish cooking it in the skillet with the marinara sauce before adding the cheese.
- If the cheese is not melting, you can broil the chicken for a few minutes to help it melt.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
Food history:
Chicken Parmigiana is a classic Italian-American dish that originated in the United States in the early 20th century. It is believed to have been inspired by the Italian dish melanzane alla Parmigiana, which is made with eggplant.
Flavor profiles:
Savory, cheesy, and tomato-y.
Serving suggestions:
Serve hot and fresh out of the oven for the best flavor and texture.
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Region: Italian