Crispy Chicken Parmesan: Italian-American Classic

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon water
• 2 cups Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 1 cup olive oil, for frying
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Breasts
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If your chicken breasts are thick, slice them horizontally to make them thinner, or use a mallet to pound them to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. Season both sides with salt and black pepper.

Step 2: Dredge the Chicken
Create a breading station: Place flour in one shallow dish. Beat eggs with water in another dish. Combine breadcrumbs with half of the grated Parmesan cheese in a third dish. Dredge each chicken breast in flour, dip into the egg mixture, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing to adhere.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the breaded chicken breasts until golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 4: Bake with Sauce and Cheese
Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Place the fried chicken breasts on top of the sauce. Spoon more sauce over each breast, then sprinkle the remaining Parmesan and mozzarella cheese on top.

Step 5: Bake the Chicken Parmesan
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F).

Step 6: Serve
Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve the Crispy Chicken Parmesan with a side of pasta, a fresh salad, or steamed vegetables.

Equipment and Tools

• Three shallow dishes for dredging
• Large skillet
• Baking dish
• In-oven meat thermometer (optional)

Preparation

Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients and equipment on hand. Preheat the oven, prepare your chicken breasts, and set up your breading station with the flour, egg, and breadcrumb mixtures.

Cooking Process

The cooking process for Crispy Chicken Parmesan involves frying the breaded chicken until golden brown and then baking it with marinara sauce and cheeses until bubbly. Follow the instructions carefully for each step to ensure your chicken turns out perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

Tips and Tricks

• Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken is fully cooked to 165°F.
• For extra crispiness, let the breaded chicken sit for 5-10 minutes before frying to help the coating adhere better.
• Don’t overcrowd your skillet when frying the chicken; cook in batches if necessary.
• If you want to cut down on oil, you can bake the breaded chicken instead of frying before adding the sauce and cheese.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 650 (varies with size of chicken breasts and cooking method)
• Fat: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Protein: 50g

Introduction:

Experience the comforting flavors of a beloved Italian-American dish with our Crispy Chicken Parmesan. This classic entrée features tender chicken breasts encased in a flavorful parmesan and breadcrumb crust, fried to perfection, smothered in marinara sauce, and topped with gooey mozzarella cheese. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

Conclusion:

Crispy Chicken Parmesan is the perfect combination of crunchy, savory, and cheesy, making it a universal favorite. Whether for a cozy family dinner or a gathering of friends, this dish promises to delight the senses and leave everyone craving more. Serve it up with your favorite sides, and don’t forget to toast to the joys of great food and company. Buon appetito!