Ingredients with Measurements:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
Special equipment needed:
- Meat mallet or rolling pin
- 3 shallow dishes for breading
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Baking sheet
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 or rolling pin until they are an even thickness.
3. Set up three shallow dishes for breading: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
4. Dip each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip it in the beaten eggs, and finally coat it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing the crumbs onto the chicken to make sure they adhere.
5. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the breaded chicken breasts and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown.
6. Transfer the chicken breasts to a baking sheet and top each one with a spoonful of marinara sauce and a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese.
7. Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Serve the chicken hot, garnished with chopped fresh basil leaves if desired.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Temperature:
Preheat oven to 375°F.
Serving size:
This recipe serves 4 people.
Nutritional information:
Calories: 540
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 191mg
Sodium: 1050mg
Carbohydrates: 26g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 4g
Protein: 46g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of chicken breasts, you could use chicken thighs or even pork chops.
- Instead of panko breadcrumbs, you could use regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers.
- Instead of marinara sauce, you could use tomato sauce or even salsa.
- Instead of mozzarella cheese, you could use provolone or a blend of Italian cheeses.
Variations:
- For a spicy twist, add some red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture or use a spicy marinara sauce.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with eggplant slices or portobello mushrooms.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness so they cook evenly.
- Use one hand for dipping the chicken in the wet ingredients and the other hand for dipping it in the dry ingredients to avoid getting your hands too messy.
- Don't overcrowd the skillet when cooking the chicken or it won't get crispy.
- If the cheese isn't melted and bubbly after baking, broil the chicken for a minute or two.
Storage instructions:
Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat the chicken, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the chicken on a bed of pasta or alongside roasted vegetables for a colorful and flavorful meal.
Garnishes:
Garnish the chicken with chopped fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor.
Pairings:
This chicken pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread.
Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted vegetables (such as zucchini, bell peppers, and onions)
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Caprese salad
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the breading falls off the chicken, make sure to press the crumbs onto the chicken firmly and shake off any excess flour or egg before breading.
- If the chicken is overcooked or undercooked, adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash your hands and any surfaces that come into contact with raw chicken to avoid cross-contamination.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.
Food history:
Chicken Parmesan is a classic Italian-American dish that originated in the Northeastern United States in the early 20th century.
Flavor profiles:
This dish is savory, crispy, and cheesy with a hint of garlic and oregano.
Serving suggestions:
Serve this dish with a glass of red wine for a perfect pairing.
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Region: Italian