Crispy Chicken Parmesan

Savor the irresistible flavors of Italy with our Crispy Chicken Parmesan recipe. This beloved Italian-American dish features tender chicken breasts coated in a crispy breadcrumb crust, smothered in marinara sauce, and topped with melted mozzarella and parmesan cheese. With its perfect balance of crunchy, cheesy, and saucy goodness, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home. Let’s dive into the details of crafting this comforting and satisfying meal!

Ingredients:

For The Chicken:

• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley
• Salt and pepper to season
• 3 large chicken breasts halved horizontally to make 6 fillets
• 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (Italian or golden)
• ½ cup fresh grated parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic or onion powder
• ½ cup olive oil for frying

For The Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion chopped
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 14 ounces (400 g) tomato puree (Passata)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)

For The Topping:

• 8 ounces (250 g) mozzarella cheese sliced or shredded
• ⅓ cup fresh shredded parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh chopped basil or parsley

Directions:

For The Chicken:

1. In a shallow dish, whisk together eggs, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Add chicken fillets to the egg mixture, ensuring each fillet is evenly coated. Cover and marinate for at least 15 minutes.
2. In another shallow bowl, combine Panko breadcrumbs, breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, and garlic or onion powder. Dredge each chicken fillet in the breadcrumb mixture until coated.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken fillets until golden and crispy on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side.
4. Preheat oven to 430°F | 220°C. Lightly grease an oven tray or baking dish. Place fried chicken fillets on the prepared tray.
5. Top each chicken fillet with marinara sauce, followed by mozzarella cheese slices or shredded mozzarella, and shredded parmesan cheese. Sprinkle with chopped basil or parsley.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly, and chicken is cooked through.

For The Sauce:

1. In a medium-sized pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion until transparent, then add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
2. Add tomato puree, salt, pepper, dried Italian herbs, and sugar (if using). Simmer, covered, for about 8 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Prep Time: 15 minutes Cooking Time: 30 minutes Total Time: 45 minutes Servings: 6

Serving and Storage Tips :

1. Serve Hot and Fresh: Crispy Chicken Parmesan is best enjoyed immediately after baking when the cheese is gooey and the chicken is crispy. Serve it piping hot for the ultimate dining experience.
2. Pair with Pasta: Serve the Chicken Parmesan over a bed of cooked spaghetti or your favorite pasta, and top it with extra marinara sauce for a hearty and satisfying meal.
3. Add a Side Salad: Balance out the richness of the Chicken Parmesan with a crisp green salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette or your favorite dressing. The fresh greens will complement the savory flavors of the dish.
4. Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley over the Chicken Parmesan for a burst of color and flavor. These herbs add a touch of freshness to the dish.
5. Serve with Garlic Bread: Accompany the Chicken Parmesan with garlic bread or toasted Italian bread slices for a delicious way to soak up the flavorful marinara sauce.
6. Store Leftovers Properly: If you have any leftover Chicken Parmesan, allow it to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be stored for up to 3-4 days.
7. Reheat with Care: To reheat the Chicken Parmesan, place it on a baking sheet and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid using the microwave, as it may result in soggy breading.
8. Freeze for Future Enjoyment: While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftover Chicken Parmesan for later consumption. Wrap each portion individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then warm in the oven.
9. Portion for Meal Prep: Consider portioning the Chicken Parmesan into individual servings before storing them in the refrigerator or freezer. This makes it easy to grab a single serving for a quick lunch or dinner.
10. Refresh Toppings Before Serving: If the cheese has become dry or the toppings have lost their freshness, sprinkle a bit of extra shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheese on top before reheating to refresh the flavors.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Crispy Chicken Parmesan remains delicious and enjoyable, whether served fresh out of the oven or reheated as leftovers.

Serve this Crispy Chicken Parmesan with your favorite pasta or a side of garlic bread for a complete Italian-inspired feast!