Chic and Comforting: A Chicken Parmesan Recipe That Suits Every Table

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ByAgkidzone Staff

Updated: Jun 13, 2024

Recreate the warmth of cherished family meals with our Chicken Parmesan Recipe, a dish that not only satisfies your hunger but also reconnects you with fond memories of dining out at Italian favorites or perhaps, if you're lucky, something your mom whipped up with love. This recipe marries traditional tastes and methods with a few contemporary updates, bringing a classic into the modern kitchen. We suggest tweaking the sides for a fresh take on this beloved meal. And, if there's a little space left, finishing with a traditional Italian dessert is a perfect way to complete the feast. It's all about creating joyful moments around the table.

Warm Up the Oven and Ready the Components

For crafting this chicken parmesan, a combination of oven and stovetop techniques is required. Kick off by heating your oven to a brisk 450 degrees F while you line up and prep your ingredients. The process involves flattening the chicken breasts, encasing them in a crunchy breadcrumb exterior, and lightly sautéing them before they're oven-baked to a perfect finish with a robust tomato sauce and a generous mix of cheeses. Ensure you've got all ingredients prepped, including cubing the Mozzarella and grating the Provolone.

Necessary Items for Purchase:

Boneless, skinless halves of chicken breast (4)
Eggs (2)
Crispy Panko breadcrumbs (1 cup)
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup)
Standard all-purpose flour (2 tablespoons)
Quality olive oil for sautéing (1 cup)
Homemade tomato sauce (1 and 1/2 cups)
Optional: A single fresh Cubano pepper for a bit of zest

Toppings: Cheeses, Fresh Herbs, and Olive Oil:

Cubed fresh Mozzarella (1/4 cup)
Freshly grated Parmesan for added zest (1/4 cup)
Finely grated Provolone (1/2 cup)
Chopped vibrant basil (1/4 cup)
A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil (1 tablespoon)
Minced fresh parsley for decoration (1 tablespoon)
Optional red pepper flakes for a spicy edge (1/2 teaspoon)
Optional: Sliced ripe olives for a touch of the Mediterranean (1/4 cup)
Season with minced garlic cloves (2), dried oregano (1 teaspoon), salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

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Selecting the Ideal Chicken Breasts

When choosing chicken breasts for your Parmesan recipe, opt for pieces that are similar in size to ensure they cook uniformly. Thicker pieces take longer to cook and can lead to uneven cooking times. By selecting the right chicken breasts, you're setting the foundation for a dish that's not only delicious but also perfectly cooked, ensuring every bite is as satisfying as the last.

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Flattening Chicken for Even Cooking

To guarantee your chicken cooks evenly, use a kitchen mallet to flatten the breasts to a consistent thickness, about half an inch. Place the chicken between sheets of wax paper to keep your kitchen clean and make the process easier. This step is essential for achieving the perfect texture and ensuring that every piece of chicken is thoroughly and evenly cooked.

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Crafting the Parmesan Coating

For the coating, mix a heaping cup of panko breadcrumbs with a generous half cup of finely grated Parmesan cheese. This blend will give your Chicken Parmesan its signature crispy exterior and rich flavor. Ensure the breadcrumbs and cheese are well combined for a uniform coating that will adhere nicely to the chicken.

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Dredging Chicken to Perfection

Begin by lightly dusting each piece of chicken in flour, tapping off any excess. Then, dip the floured chicken into beaten eggs, followed by a thorough coating in the breadcrumb and cheese mixture. Let the breaded chicken rest for about fifteen minutes before frying. This ensures the coating sticks well, setting the stage for that irresistible crunch.

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Achieving Golden Perfection Through Frying

In a large skillet, heat a cup of olive oil over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken until each side turns a beautiful golden brown. This step is crucial for creating a light, crispy exterior that contrasts wonderfully with the tender, juicy chicken inside. Remember, the chicken doesn't need to be cooked through at this point—it will finish cooking in the oven.

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Layering for Baking

Arrange the golden-brown chicken in a baking dish. Spoon a robust tomato sauce over each piece, then top with fresh Mozzarella cubes, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, and a mix of grated cheeses. This layering not only adds depth of flavor but also ensures that each bite is a perfect blend of chicken, sauce, and melted cheese.

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Baking to Cheesy Goodness

Place the dish in a preheated oven and bake until the chicken is fully cooked, the cheese is bubbly, and the top is starting to brown. This final step melds all the components together, resulting in a Chicken Parmesan that's golden, gooey, and utterly delicious. The cheese should be perfectly melted, enveloping the chicken in a warm, cheesy embrace.

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Preparing Homemade Tomato Sauce

A homemade tomato sauce, simmered with garlic, onions, and a blend of Italian herbs, is the heart of this dish. The sauce should be thick, rich, and full of flavor, complementing the crispy chicken and melted cheese perfectly. Taking the time to prepare your own sauce can elevate the dish from good to great.

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Choosing the Right Cheese Blend

The choice of cheese is critical in Chicken Parmesan. A blend of Mozzarella, for its meltiness; Parmesan, for a sharp, salty bite; and Provolone, for depth of flavor, creates a cheese topping that's both flavorful and perfectly melty. This combination ensures that every forkful is a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

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Completing the Meal with Italian Desserts

No Italian meal is complete without dessert. Consider serving a classic Italian dessert like Tiramisu or a refreshing scoop of Gelato to finish off the meal. These desserts provide a sweet end to the dining experience, leaving everyone satisfied and delighted. The contrast between the savory Chicken Parmesan and the sweet dessert makes for a memorable meal.

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Garnishing for Flavor and Presentation

Before serving, add a final garnish of freshly grated Parmesan and a few basil leaves. This not only enhances the dish's visual appeal but also adds a fresh, aromatic layer to the flavor profile. These final touches bring a burst of color and a hint of freshness that can elevate the overall dining experience.

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