How to Make the Perfect Chicken Parmesan: A Step-by-Step Guide
Chicken Parmesan. Just the name conjures up images of crispy, juicy chicken, melted mozzarella, and rich, tangy tomato sauce. This classic Italian-American dish is surprisingly easy to make at home, and with a few tips and tricks, you can achieve restaurant-quality results. This guide will walk you through every step, from prepping the chicken to achieving that perfect golden-brown crust.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe serves 4. Feel free to adjust the quantities based on your needs.
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For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 ½ cups breadcrumbs (panko recommended for extra crispiness)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
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For the Sauce:
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity)
- Salt and pepper to taste
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For Assembly:
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra cheesiness!)
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- Pound the Chicken: Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound them to an even thickness. This ensures even cooking.
- Bread the Chicken: Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs. Season the flour with salt and pepper. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, then dip in the egg, and finally coat thoroughly in the breadcrumbs. Press gently to help the breadcrumbs adhere.
2. Cook the Chicken:
- Fry or Bake: You can either fry the chicken in vegetable oil over medium-high heat until golden brown and cooked through (about 3-4 minutes per side), or bake it in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Frying yields a crispier crust, while baking is a healthier option.
3. Make the Sauce:
- Simmer the Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, minced garlic, oregano, basil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for at least 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will be.
4. Assemble and Bake (or Broil):
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Layer the Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of sauce in the bottom of a baking dish. Place the breaded chicken breasts in the dish. Top each chicken breast with a generous amount of your simmered sauce and then arrange the mozzarella slices over the top. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
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Bake or Broil: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. For an extra-crispy topping, broil for the last 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
5. Serve and Enjoy!
Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately with your favorite pasta. A side of garlic bread is the perfect complement to this classic dish.
Tips for the Best Chicken Parmesan:
- Use Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs create a lighter, crispier crust.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: When frying, ensure you don't overcrowd the pan, as this will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken.
- Let the Sauce Simmer: Allowing the sauce to simmer develops its flavor.
- Don't Overbake: Overbaking can dry out the chicken. Keep an eye on it and remove it from the oven when the cheese is perfectly melted.
By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to creating a delicious and impressive Chicken Parmesan that will impress your family and friends. Enjoy!
