Chicken Parmesan

Introduction

Chicken Parmesan, or Chicken Parmigiana, is a beloved classic Italian-American dish featuring breaded chicken cutlets smothered in tomato sauce and melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. It’s a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. This article will guide you through the history, key ingredients, and a delicious recipe for making the perfect Chicken Parmesan at home.

Understanding Chicken Parmesan

A Brief History

While often considered an Italian dish, Chicken Parmesan is actually an Italian-American creation. Its origins can be traced back to Southern Italian immigrant communities in the United States. The dish evolved from eggplant parmesan (melanzane alla parmigiana), substituting eggplant with the more readily available and affordable chicken.

Key Ingredients for Authentic Flavor

Using high-quality ingredients is essential for achieving an authentic and delicious Chicken Parmesan. Here’s a breakdown of the key players:

• Chicken Cutlets: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts pounded thin are ideal. Aim for an even thickness for consistent cooking.
• Breadcrumbs: A combination of Italian breadcrumbs and Panko breadcrumbs offers the best texture – Italian for flavor and Panko for crispness.
• Tomato Sauce: Homemade marinara sauce is best, but a good quality store-bought sauce will work in a pinch. Look for one with minimal added sugar.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Freshly grated low-moisture mozzarella is the way to go. Pre-shredded mozzarella often contains cellulose, which can hinder melting.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor that complements the mozzarella.
• Eggs: Act as a binder for the breadcrumbs to adhere to the chicken.
• Herbs & Spices: Garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper are essential for seasoning the chicken and the breadcrumbs.
• Olive Oil: Used for frying the chicken cutlets to golden perfection.

Making Chicken Parmesan: A Step-by-Step Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to 1/4-inch thickness
• 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
• 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 4 cups marinara sauce
• 8 ounces low-moisture mozzarella cheese, grated
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken cutlets with salt and pepper.
2. Set Up the Breading Station: In a shallow dish, combine the Italian breadcrumbs, Panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. In another shallow dish, beat the eggs.
3. Bread the Chicken: Dredge each chicken cutlet in the beaten eggs, then press firmly into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring it is fully coated.
4. Fry the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken cutlets for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and place on a wire rack to drain excess oil.
5. Assemble the Chicken Parmesan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in the bottom of a baking dish. Place the fried chicken cutlets on top of the sauce. Cover each cutlet with more marinara sauce and then top with grated mozzarella cheese.
6. Bake the Chicken Parmesan: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves (optional) and serve hot over spaghetti, linguine, or your favorite pasta.

Tips for the Best Chicken Parmesan

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the chicken in batches to prevent the oil temperature from dropping, which can result in soggy chicken.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Fresh Herbs are Key: Using fresh basil or oregano in your marinara sauce or as a garnish will elevate the flavors.
• Make it Ahead: The chicken can be breaded and fried ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

Conclusion

Chicken Parmesan is a classic dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table. By using high-quality ingredients and following these simple steps, you can create a restaurant-worthy Chicken Parmesan right in your own kitchen. Enjoy this comforting and flavorful meal!