Classic Chicken Parmesan Recipe

The Perfect Classic Chicken Parmesan Recipe

If you're craving a comforting and hearty Italian dish, look no further than this classic chicken parmesan recipe. This timeless favorite is a crowd-pleaser and perfect for a cozy dinner at home. With crispy breaded chicken, savory marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella, it's a dish that never goes out of style. Follow this easy recipe to create a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 ½ cups breadcrumbs
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 ½ cups marinara sauce
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound them to an even thickness of about ½ inch. This will help the chicken cook evenly.

Step 2: Breading the Chicken

Set up three shallow dishes. In the first dish, place the flour. In the second dish, beat the eggs. In the third dish, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Coat each chicken breast in the flour, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.

Step 3: Cooking the Chicken

In a large ovenproof skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the breaded chicken breasts and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.

Step 4: Assembling the Dish

Remove the skillet from the oven and spoon marinara sauce over each chicken breast. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Return the skillet to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Serving the Chicken Parmesan

Once the chicken is done, garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve hot. This dish pairs perfectly with your favorite pasta or a fresh green salad. Enjoy!

Tips for Success

• For extra flavor, you can add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs before serving.
• Make sure to use a good-quality marinara sauce for the best results.
• If you don't have an ovenproof skillet, you can transfer the cooked chicken to a baking dish before adding the sauce and cheese.
• Feel free to customize this recipe by adding a slice of ham or pepperoni before topping with marinara and cheese.

With its golden crust, gooey cheese, and robust tomato sauce, classic chicken parmesan is a dish that will never go out of style. Whether it's a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress. So roll up your sleeves and get ready to create a homemade version that's better than any restaurant dish!