Chicken Parmesan

Chicken Parmesan, also known as Chicken Parmigiana, is a classic Italian-American dish featuring breaded and fried chicken cutlets topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese, typically mozzarella or Parmesan. It’s often baked until the cheese is bubbly and golden. This dish combines savory, crispy, and cheesy elements, making it a popular choice in many households and restaurants. Served with pasta, salad, or garlic bread, Chicken Parmesan is both comforting and delicious.

Ingredients:
4 chicken breast fillets
1 cup of regular flour
2 beaten eggs
1 cup of breadcrumbs
1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp of dried basil leaves
1 tsp of dried oregano
1/2 tsp of garlic powder
Salt and pepper as required
1/2 cup of olive oil
1 cup of tomato-based marinara sauce
1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Use a meat mallet to even out the thickness of the chicken breasts.
Prepare a breading station by placing three shallow dishes side by side. Fill the first dish with flour, the second with beaten eggs, and the third with a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, basil, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Coat each chicken breast in flour, shaking off any excess. Dip it into the beaten eggs, then coat it with the breadcrumb mixture.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook the breaded chicken breasts until they are golden brown on both sides, approximately 2-3 minutes per side.
Transfer the chicken to a baking dish and top each one with some marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve the chicken parmesan with more marinara sauce on the side.

Variations of Chicken Parmesan:

1. Chicken Parmesan Sandwich: Serve the breaded chicken cutlet in a sub roll or Italian bun, topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese, for a hearty sandwich option.
2. Eggplant Parmesan: Replace the chicken with slices of eggplant for a vegetarian alternative, following a similar breading and baking process.
3. Chicken Parmesan Casserole: Layer breaded chicken, marinara sauce, and cheese in a baking dish, then bake as a casserole for a convenient, crowd-pleasing meal.
4. Healthy Chicken Parmesan: Use baked chicken instead of fried to reduce calories. You can also use whole-grain breadcrumbs and part-skim mozzarella for a lighter version.
5. Buffalo Chicken Parmesan: Add a spicy twist by tossing the chicken cutlets in buffalo sauce before topping with marinara and cheese.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Parmesan:

1. Pound the Chicken: Evenly pound the chicken breasts to ensure they cook evenly and remain tender.
2. Breading Technique: Dredge the chicken in flour, dip it in beaten egg, and coat it with breadcrumbs. For extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs or add grated Parmesan to the breadcrumb mixture.
3. Preheat Your Oven: Ensure your oven is preheated before baking to help the cheese melt evenly and the chicken cook properly.
4. Use a Meat Thermometer: Cook the chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked without being overdone.
5. Rest Before Serving: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking to help the juices redistribute and keep the meat moist.
6. Double Bake Option: For extra crispiness, bake the breaded chicken cutlets first, then add the marinara and cheese and bake again until bubbly.

To store Chicken Parmesan, follow these steps:

1. Cool It Down: Allow the Chicken Parmesan to cool to room temperature before storing.
2. Separate Components: If possible, separate the chicken from the sauce and cheese to maintain texture. Place each component in separate airtight containers.
3. Refrigerate: Store the chicken, sauce, and cheese in the refrigerator if you plan to use them within 3-4 days.
4. Freeze for Longer Storage: If you need to store it for a longer period, freeze the chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. The cheese can be frozen with the sauce or separately, but it may become crumbly when reheated.
5. Reheat Carefully: Reheat in the oven for best results. If frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Reheat the chicken and sauce at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Avoid reheating in the microwave if you want to keep the crispy texture of the chicken.

By following these steps, you can maintain the quality and taste of your Chicken Parmesan.

The nutritional content of Chicken Parmesan can vary based on the specific recipe and portion size, but here’s a general breakdown for a standard serving (about 1 chicken cutlet with sauce and cheese):

• Calories: Approximately 400-600 calories
• Protein: Around 30-40 grams
• Fat: About 20-30 grams
• Saturated Fat: 6-12 grams
• Carbohydrates: 30-40 grams
• Fiber: 2-4 grams
• Sugars: 5-10 grams
• Sodium: 800-1,200 milligrams

These values can be higher if the dish is fried or served with additional sides like pasta. For a more precise nutritional profile, it’s best to calculate based on the exact ingredients and portion sizes used in your recipe.