Simple Chicken Parmesan
Try this Simple Chicken Parmesan recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Simple Chicken Parmesan recipe, or contribute your own.
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup dry bread crumbs
- salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
- 2 medium garlic cloves peeled and crushed
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes (quality varies dr i prefer redpack, progresso and muir glen brands)
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (6 to 8 ounces e halved crosswise
- 8 ounces spaghetti or linguine
- 1/2 cup grated part-skim mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese plus extra for passing at the table
- Carbohydrate 54.6442065558518 g
- Cholesterol 73.769000003504 mg
- Fat 28.5039269018501 g
- Fiber 2.57855700113859 g
- Protein 19.153539377524 g
- Saturated Fat 6.91680911604622 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (139g)
- Sodium 455.628067917455 mg
- Sugar 52.0656495547132 g
- Trans Fat 1.47346187668175 g
- Calories 553 calories
Step-by-step
- In a large saucepan, heat garlic and 2 Tbs. oil over medium-high heat until garlic starts to sizzle. Stir in tomatoes, basil, oregano, sugar, a pinch of salt and a few grinds of pepper. Bring to a simmer; simmer until sauce thickens a bit and flavors meld, 10 to 12 minutes. Cover and keep warm. (Remember, this makes twice the amount of sauce you need, so put aside half for another meal.)
- Put chicken pieces between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound, using your fists or a heavy pan, until the cutlets are about 1/4-inch thick.
- Bring 2 quarts of salted water to a boil in a large soup kettle.
- In a pie pan, beat egg until well-blended. In another pie pan, mix bread crumbs and more black pepper. Preheat broiler.
- Working one cutlet at a time, dip both sides of each in beaten egg, then in bread crumbs. Put cutlets on a wire rack set over a cookie sheet (this step helps breading stay put).
- Heat remaining 1/4 cup oil over medium-high heat in a 12-inch skillet. When oil starts to shimmer, add cutlets and saute until golden brown on each side, about 5 minutes total. Wash and dry the wire rack and return to cookie sheet. As the cutlets saute, cook pasta in boiling water according to package directions.
- Transfer cutlets to clean wire rack over cookie sheet. Top each with a portion of the cheeses. Broil cutlets, 4 to 5 inches from heat source, until cheese melts and is spotty brown.
- Drain pasta. Put a cutlet and a portion of pasta on each of 4 plates. Spoon 2 or 3 tablespoons of sauce over part of each cutlet, then sauce the pasta as desired. Serve with extra Parmesan.
Simple Chicken Parmesan: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Weeknights are a whirlwind of homework help, soccer practice, and the ever-present struggle to put a healthy and delicious meal on the table before everyone collapses from exhaustion. That's why I've developed a deep appreciation for recipes that are both quick and satisfying. This Simple Chicken Parmesan fits the bill perfectly. It's a classic comfort food elevated to effortless elegance, ready in under an hour, leaving me with plenty of time for quality family time (or maybe just a well-deserved cup of tea!).
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. No fancy techniques or obscure ingredients are required. Just a few pantry staples and readily available chicken breasts transform into a restaurant-quality dish that will impress even the most discerning palates. The homemade tomato sauce adds a depth of flavor that you won't find in jarred versions, and the perfectly browned, cheesy chicken cutlets are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I've even experimented with different cheese combinations – a sprinkle of provolone or a blend of Italian cheeses adds a delightful twist. Feel free to get creative and make it your own!
This Chicken Parmesan isn’t just about convenience; it’s about creating memories. I often find myself reminiscing about family dinners growing up. The aroma of simmering sauce and the joyous clatter of plates and conversation. This recipe helps me recreate those cherished moments, providing a comforting sense of nostalgia for my own family. The satisfying crunch of the breading, the rich tomato sauce, and the melty cheese – each bite evokes a sense of warmth and togetherness, making it more than just a meal; it’s a culinary embrace.
Beyond its weeknight practicality, this dish is also incredibly versatile. Leftovers are equally delicious cold for lunch the next day, or easily transformed into a quick and easy chicken parmesan pasta bake. Just toss the leftover chicken and pasta with some more sauce, top with extra cheese, and bake until bubbly and golden brown. It's a fantastic way to minimize food waste and maximize flavor.
Beyond the Recipe: A Taste of Home
Food, for me, is so much more than sustenance; it's a connection to my heritage, a reminder of family gatherings, and a vehicle for creating new traditions. This Simple Chicken Parmesan recipe is a perfect embodiment of that belief. It’s a dish that effortlessly blends convenience with culinary satisfaction, allowing me to create delicious memories without spending hours in the kitchen. It's a testament to the fact that the most memorable meals often come from the simplest ingredients, prepared with love and a touch of heart.
This recipe has become a staple in my home, a go-to meal when time is short but the desire for a delicious and satisfying dinner is high. I encourage you to try it and experience the magic for yourself. I have no doubt it will become a cherished recipe in your kitchen as well, a culinary hug that warms the heart and fills the stomach.
Tips for Success:
- Use quality ingredients: The flavor of your tomato sauce will significantly impact the overall taste of the dish. Don't be afraid to splurge on good quality canned tomatoes.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: When sautéing the chicken cutlets, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. This will ensure that they cook evenly and get nice and golden brown.
- Adjust seasoning to your liking: Feel free to adjust the amount of herbs, spices, and salt to suit your personal preferences.
- Get creative with cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese to find your favorite combination. Provolone, Asiago, or a blend of Italian cheeses are all great options.
So, the next time you're looking for a quick, delicious, and satisfying weeknight dinner, give this Simple Chicken Parmesan a try. I guarantee it will become a family favorite!
