Ingredients with Measurements:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for frying
Special equipment needed:
- Meat mallet
- Baking sheet
- Large skillet
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them with a meat mallet until they are about 1/2 inch thick.
3. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
4. Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of Italian breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
5. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess, then dip it into the egg mixture, and finally coat it in the breadcrumb mixture.
6. Heat enough olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to cover the bottom of the pan.
7. Fry the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
8. Transfer the chicken breasts to a baking sheet and spoon marinara sauce over each one.
9. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of each chicken breast.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Serve hot.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Temperature:
Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Serving size:
This recipe serves 4 people.
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 540
Fat per serving: 23g
Carbohydrates per serving: 35g
Protein per serving: 47g
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 breadcrumbs, you can use regular breadcrumbs and add some Italian seasoning.
- You can use any type of cheese you like instead of mozzarella.
Variations:
- Add sliced mushrooms or bell peppers to the marinara sauce for extra flavor.
- Top the chicken with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
- Use different types of cheese, such as provolone or cheddar, for a different flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to pound the chicken breasts evenly so that they cook evenly.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken is cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
- If you want a crispier crust, you can double-coat the chicken by dipping it in the egg and breadcrumb mixture twice.
- To make this recipe even easier, you can use store-bought marinara sauce instead of making your own.
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 on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the chicken on a bed of pasta or with a side salad.
Garnishes:
Garnish with fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley.
Pairings:
This dish pairs well with a light red wine, such as Pinot Noir or Chianti.
Suggested side dishes:
Serve with garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a side salad.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the crust is not sticking to the chicken, make sure to shake off any excess flour before dipping it in the egg mixture.
- If the cheese is not melting, you can broil the chicken for a few minutes at the end of the cooking time to brown the cheese.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to cook the chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
Food history:
Chicken Parmigiana is a classic Italian-American dish that originated in the United States in the early 20th century.
Flavor profiles:
This dish is savory, cheesy, and slightly tangy from the marinara sauce.
Serving suggestions:
Serve hot with your favorite side dishes for a delicious and satisfying meal.
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Region: Italian