How To Make Authentic Chicken Parmesan: A Step-by-Step Guide
Chicken Parmesan. Just the name conjures up images of crispy, juicy chicken, melted mozzarella, and a rich, tangy tomato sauce. This classic Italian-American dish is surprisingly easy to make at home, and with this guide, you'll be able to create restaurant-quality Chicken Parmesan every time. Let's dive in!
Getting Started: Ingredients You'll Need
Before you begin, gather these essential ingredients:
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For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 ½ cups Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Olive oil for frying
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For the Sauce:
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- Salt and black pepper to taste
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For Assembly:
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish, optional)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish, optional)
Preparing the Chicken: The Key to Crispy Perfection
The key to amazing Chicken Parmesan lies in properly preparing the chicken. Here's a step-by-step guide:
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Pound the Chicken: Using a meat mallet, gently pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about ½ inch. This ensures even cooking.
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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 and breadcrumbs with salt and pepper. Dredge each chicken breast in flour, then dip in the egg, and finally coat thoroughly in breadcrumbs.
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Fry the Chicken: Heat about ½ inch of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the breaded chicken breasts in the hot oil and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Important: Don't overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
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Drain the Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and place it on a wire rack to drain excess oil.
Making the Sauce: Simple and Flavorful
While the chicken is frying, prepare the delicious tomato sauce:
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Sauté Garlic: In a medium saucepan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
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Simmer the Sauce: Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, and sugar. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for at least 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will be.
Assembling and Baking: The Final Touches
Now comes the fun part – assembling your Chicken Parmesan:
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Layer and Bake: Place the cooked chicken breasts in a baking dish. Top each chicken breast generously with the tomato sauce and then arrange the mozzarella slices on top.
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Bake to Perfection: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
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Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese (optional). Serve immediately over spaghetti, linguine, or your favorite pasta.
Tips for the Best Chicken Parmesan
- Don't skip the pounding: Pounding the chicken ensures even cooking and prevents dryness.
- Use high-quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the taste.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and result in greasy chicken.
- Let the sauce simmer: Simmering the sauce allows the flavors to develop.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your preference.
Enjoy your homemade Chicken Parmesan! This recipe is a fantastic starting point – feel free to experiment with different cheeses, herbs, and spices to create your own signature dish. Remember to share your creations and tag us! (Although, please note we are an AI and don't have social media!)
