How to Make Delicious Chicken Parmesan at Home

If you’re craving a hearty and filling meal, there’s nothing quite like a good old chicken parm. While it might seem like a complicated Italian dish, the truth is that you can make a delicious chicken parm with just a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking skills. In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know to make a mouthwatering chicken parm right in your own kitchen.

Before we get started, let’s break down what exactly a chicken parm is. At its core, a chicken parmigiana (or “parm” for short) consists of breaded chicken that’s smothered in tomato sauce and melted cheese. It’s a classic dish that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or a casual gathering with friends. So whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, grab your apron and get ready to cook up a delicious chicken parm!

Ingredients

To make chicken parm, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 eggs
• 2 cups Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 3 cups marinara sauce, homemade or store-bought
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Start by prepping the chicken breasts. Use a sharp knife to slice each chicken breast in half horizontally. Place a sheet of plastic wrap over the chicken and use a meat mallet to pound the chicken until it’s an even thickness of about 1/4 inch. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Flour and Egg Wash

Set up three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes. In the second bowl, whisk together two eggs. In the third bowl, mix together Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.

Step 3: Coat and Fry the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat in a large deep skillet. While the oil is heating up, coat the chicken in the flour mixture, then dip it in the egg wash, and then coat it in the breadcrumb mixture. Carefully place the chicken in the hot oil and cook until the coating is crispy and golden brown, about 5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess oil.

Step 4: Assemble the Chicken Parm

Preheat oven to 375°F. Spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Place the fried chicken pieces on top of the sauce. Spoon more marinara sauce over each chicken piece and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.

Step 5: Bake and Serve

Cover the chicken parm with foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve hot with a side of pasta or salad.

Tips

• For a healthier version of chicken parm, skip the frying step and bake the chicken in the oven instead. Preheat oven to 375°F and bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
• To save time, use store-bought marinara sauce instead of making it from scratch.
• If you want a crispy coating, use panko breadcrumbs instead of Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs.
• Don’t skimp on the cheese! Be generous with the mozzarella for maximum cheesy goodness.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

Chicken parm is a classic Italian-American dish that’s easy to make and always satisfying. With a crispy breadcrumb coating, tender chicken, and ooey-gooey cheese, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Follow these simple steps for a homemade chicken parm that’s just as good – if not better – than your favorite Italian restaurant.

Preparing the Chicken

Chicken Parmesan is a dish that is easy to make, yet requires careful preparation to bring out the best flavors. Here’s everything you need to know about preparing your chicken to make the perfect Chicken Parmesan.

Cut Your Chicken Breasts Evenly

The first step to making chicken Parmesan is to prepare your chicken breasts. Begin by cutting each chicken breast in half lengthwise. This will help ensure that each piece is cooked evenly, and it will also reduce the cooking time.

Tenderize Your Chicken

Once you have cut your chicken breasts, you should tenderize them with a meat tenderizer. This will help to break down any tough fibers in the meat, making it more tender and easier to eat.

Season Your Chicken

Before you start cooking your chicken, be sure to season it with salt and pepper. You can also add any other seasonings you like, such as garlic powder, paprika, or Italian seasoning.

Dredge Your Chicken in Flour

To help your chicken develop a crispy coating, you’ll need to dredge each piece in flour. Be sure to coat each piece evenly, and shake off any excess flour before moving on to the next step.

Dip Your Chicken in Beaten Eggs

Once your chicken is coated in flour, you’ll need to dip each piece in beaten eggs. This will help the breadcrumbs to stick to the chicken.

Coat Your Chicken in Breadcrumbs

The final step in preparing your chicken is to coat each piece in breadcrumbs. You can use plain breadcrumbs, or seasoned breadcrumbs for added flavor. Be sure to coat each piece evenly, pressing the breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken.

Fry Your Chicken

Once your chicken is coated and ready to go, it’s time to start frying. Heat up some oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, and carefully place each piece of chicken in the skillet. Cook each piece for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until it is golden brown and crispy.

Drain Your Chicken

After your chicken is cooked, place it on a plate lined with paper towels. This will help to absorb any excess oil and keep your chicken crispy.

Bake Your Chicken

If you prefer to bake your chicken instead of frying it, preheat your oven to 375°F. Place your breaded chicken pieces on a greased baking sheet, and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through.

Cool Your Chicken

After your chicken is cooked, be sure to let it cool for a few minutes before adding any sauce or cheese. This will help the chicken to retain its crunchiness and flavor.

Ingredients and Cooking Equipment

Before starting to make the chicken parm, it is essential to gather all the necessary ingredients and equipment. Below are the ingredients and equipment needed for this recipe.

Choosing the Best Chicken

When making chicken parm, the type of chicken used is crucial. Look for boneless, skinless chicken breasts that are around 8 ounces. The chicken breasts should be uniform in size and free of tears or bruises. Check the best before date of the chicken and make sure it is still fresh.

Prepping the Chicken

To prepare the chicken, lay it between two sheets of parchment paper to avoid any potential mess. Use a meat mallet to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness. This helps the chicken to cook evenly and prevent dryness at the edges. Season the chicken with some salt and pepper.

Breading the Chicken

Set up a dredging station with three shallow dishes. In the first dish, add the flour. In the second dish, whisk the beaten eggs with some salt and pepper. In the third dish, mix the bread crumbs, Italian seasoning, and grated Parmesan cheese. Coat each chicken breast in the flour, then shake off the excess. Dip the chicken in the egg mixture, then coat it in the bread crumb mixture, pressing gently to help the coating adhere to the chicken.

Cooking the Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add some olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy. Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a wire rack set on a baking sheet. This helps to keep the chicken crispy and prevents it from getting soggy. Spread the marinara sauce over the chicken breasts, followed by the shredded mozzarella cheese. Place the chicken in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with some chopped fresh basil before serving.

In conclusion, using the right ingredients and cooking equipment plays a critical role in making the perfect chicken parm. Properly prepping and cooking the chicken is also crucial for achieving a crispy and delicious result. Follow the above guidelines, and you’ll be well on your way to making a tasty chicken parm that beats any restaurant version.

Cooking Chicken Parm the Easy Way

And that’s it! Making chicken parm might seem intimidating at first, but once you get the hang of it, it’s an easy and delicious meal to make. Don’t be afraid to add your own spin to the recipe and experiment with different cheeses and sauces. Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoy your homemade chicken parm. Don’t forget to visit us again soon for more easy and tasty recipes!