The Best Chicken Parmesan
Try this The Best Chicken Parmesan recipe
Try this The Best Chicken Parmesan recipe
- 1 large egg
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- salt and freshly ground black pepper
- salt
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 tsp dried oregano
- 2 1/2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup finely chopped yellow onion
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed roma tomatoes (i prefer contadina)
- 1/4 tsp granulated sugar
- 2 (8 oz) boneless skinless chicken breasts, trimmed, halved horizontally*, and pounded to 1/2-inch thick
- 2 oz whole-milk mozzarella cheese shredded (1/2 cup)
- 2 oz provolone cheese shredded (1/2 cup) (i just bought a very thick slice from the deli counter, then grated it)
- 1 1/2 oz parmesan cheese grated (1/2 cup)
- 2 1/2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup torn fresh basil
- Carbohydrate 13.4250651853087 g
- Cholesterol 83.3257865916643 mg
- Fat 25.7138844890845 g
- Fiber 0.91315995987979 g
- Protein 14.66853273006 g
- Saturated Fat 8.18831673269916 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (85g)
- Sodium 1099.47472883583 mg
- Sugar 12.5119052254289 g
- Trans Fat 1.28920174585567 g
- Calories 342 calories
Step-by-step
- For the sauce: Heat 2 Tbsp olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Once hot add in onions and saute for 1 1/2 minutes then add garlic, 1/4 tsp salt, parsley, oregano and red pepper flakes and saute 30 seconds longer. Stir in crushed tomatoes, sugar, bay leaf and 2 Tbsp fresh basil, then add additional salt if desired and season with pepper to taste. Bring mixture to a simmer then reduce heat to medium-low and allow to simmer 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Remove from heat and cover saucepan with lid.
- For the chicken: While sauce is simmering, sprinkle each side of the chicken cutlet lightly with salt (about 1/16 tsp per each side), let stand at room temperature 20 minutes. Combine Mozzarella and Provolone cheese in a bowl, set aside. Adjust oven rack 4-inches from broiler element and preheat broiler.
- In a shallow dish, whisk together flour and egg until smooth. In a separate shallow dish, toss together Parmesan cheese, Panko bread crumbs, garlic powder, oregano and 1/4 tsp pepper. Pat chicken dry with paper towels.
- Working with 1 chicken cutlet at a time, dredge chicken in egg mixture coating both sides and allowing excess to run off, then immediately transfer to Parmesan mixture and coat both sides with mixture, while pressing gently to allow crumbs to adhere. Transfer chicken to a plate and repeat process with remaining chicken cutlets.
- Pour 2 1/2 Tbsp olive oil and vegetable oil into a 10-inch non-stick skillet and heat over medium-high heat. Once oil is hot, add 2 coated chicken cutlets and fry without moving them until bottom is crispy and golden brown, about 1 1/2 - 2 minutes, then using metal tongs rotate to opposite side and cook until golden brown, about 1 1/2 - 2 minutes longer. Transfer fried chicken to a large plate lined with paper towels to drain. Repeat process with remaining 2 pieces of chicken.
- Place cutlets on rimmed baking sheet and sprinkle Mozzarella cheese mixture evenly over cutlets. Broil in oven until cheese is melted and beginning to brown, about 3 - 4 minutes (keep a close eye on it, make sure internal temp of chicken reaches 165 degrees). Remove from oven and cover each cutlet with 2 Tbsp marinara sauce. Sprinkle tops evenly with remaining 1/4 cup fresh basil and serve immediately, adding additional sauce while enjoying, as desired.
- *freeze chicken breasts for 15 minutes to help slice easier, then lye breast flat and trim into two pieces through the thickness of the breast.
My Go-To Comfort Food: Chicken Parmesan
There’s nothing quite like the comforting warmth of a perfectly made Chicken Parmesan. The crispy, golden-brown breading, the gooey melted cheese, the rich, tangy tomato sauce – it’s a symphony of flavors and textures that always hits the spot. For me, Chicken Parmesan isn't just a meal; it's a nostalgic trip back to simpler times, a reminder of family gatherings and cozy evenings spent around the dinner table. This recipe, a slightly adapted version from a trusted source, has become my absolute favorite, and I’m excited to share it with you.
I’ve always loved cooking. It started in my grandmother’s kitchen, where the air was always thick with the aroma of simmering sauces and baking bread. I would spend hours watching her, mesmerized by her effortless grace as she transformed simple ingredients into culinary masterpieces. While I might not possess her decades of experience, I've found my own joy in creating dishes that bring comfort and happiness to those I love. And this Chicken Parmesan? It’s a testament to that joy. The recipe itself isn't overly complex, but the attention to detail – from properly breading the chicken to achieving that perfect simmer on the sauce – makes all the difference. It’s the small things that elevate a good dish to something truly exceptional.
The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. You can easily adjust it to your preferences. Love spicier food? Add a little extra red pepper flakes to the sauce. Prefer a different type of cheese? Feel free to experiment! I’ve used a blend of mozzarella and provolone, but other cheeses like fontina or even a sharp cheddar could work wonderfully. The key is to have fun with it, to let your creativity shine through, and to adapt the recipe to your own tastes. Cooking should be an enjoyable process, not a chore, and this recipe certainly embodies that sentiment.
Beyond the Recipe: Memories and Meaning
More than just a delicious meal, this Chicken Parmesan represents something much more profound for me. It's a link to my past, a connection to cherished memories and family traditions. Each time I make it, I'm transported back to those warm, inviting kitchens, filled with the laughter and love of family. The scent alone evokes a sense of nostalgia, bringing back vivid images of bustling gatherings and shared meals that nourished not only our bodies, but also our souls.
It’s also a recipe I’ve shared with countless friends and family members. Watching their faces light up as they take their first bite, experiencing the same joy and comfort I feel, is incredibly rewarding. It's a way to connect with others, to create shared experiences, and to build lasting memories around a simple, yet incredibly satisfying dish. This dish isn’t just about the ingredients; it’s about the people you share it with.
A Simple Dish, a Deep Connection
In a world that often feels fast-paced and overwhelming, this Chicken Parmesan offers a much-needed respite. It's a reminder to slow down, to savor the simple pleasures in life, and to appreciate the power of food to bring people together. It’s a dish that speaks volumes about the importance of connection, tradition, and the simple act of sharing a meal with those you love.
So, go ahead, try this recipe. Let the aromas fill your kitchen, let the sounds of sizzling chicken and simmering sauce create a comforting backdrop to your day. Most importantly, let the taste transport you to a place of warmth, comfort, and cherished memories. Because sometimes, the simplest dishes hold the most profound meaning.
Enjoy!
