Embark on a culinary journey to Italy with our sumptuous Crispy Chicken Parmesan. This cherished Italian-American entrée showcases succulent chicken breasts cloaked in a golden, crunchy breadcrumb crust, bathed in marinara sauce, and crowned with a decadent layer of melted mozzarella and parmesan cheese. The harmonious blend of textures—crisp, cheesy, and saucy—guarantees this dish will become a beloved staple in your kitchen. Let’s delve into the meticulous steps to prepare this comforting, gratifying meal.
Ingredients | Crispy Chicken Parmesan
For the Chicken:
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley
- Salt and pepper for seasoning
- 3 large chicken breasts, halved horizontally to yield 6 fillets
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup Italian or golden breadcrumbs
- ½ cup freshly 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, finely 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)
# The Topping:
- 8 ounces (250 g) mozzarella cheese, sliced or shredded
- ⅓ cup freshly shredded parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped basil or parsley
Directions | Crispy Chicken Parmesan
# The Chicken:
- In a shallow dish, whisk together eggs, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Submerge chicken fillets in the egg mixture, ensuring even coating. Cover and marinate for a minimum of 15 minutes.
- In another shallow bowl, amalgamate Panko breadcrumbs, Italian breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, and garlic or onion powder. Dredge each chicken fillet in the breadcrumb mixture until fully encrusted.
- Warm olive oil in a sizable skillet set to medium-high heat. Fry the chicken fillets until they attain a golden, crispy exterior on both sides, approximately 4-5 minutes per side.
- Preheat oven to 430°F (220°C). Lightly grease an oven tray or baking dish. Arrange fried chicken fillets on the prepared tray.
- Adorn each fillet with marinara sauce, followed by mozzarella cheese slices or shredded mozzarella, and a sprinkle of shredded parmesan cheese. Garnish with chopped basil or parsley.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the chicken is thoroughly cooked.
# The Sauce:
- In a medium-sized pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Cook the diced onion until it becomes translucent, then introduce the minced garlic and continue cooking until it releases its aroma.
- Incorporate 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.
Serving and Storage Tips:
- Serve Hot and Fresh: Enjoy Crispy Chicken Parmesan immediately after baking when the cheese is gooey, and the chicken retains its crispiness.
- Pair with Pasta: Serve the Chicken Parmesan over a bed of cooked spaghetti or your preferred pasta, accompanied by extra marinara sauce for a hearty meal.
- Add a Side Salad: Balance the richness of the dish with a fresh green salad dressed in balsamic vinaigrette or your favorite dressing.
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Just before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley over the Chicken Parmesan for a burst of color and flavor.
- Serve with Garlic Bread: Complement the meal with garlic bread or toasted Italian bread slices to soak up the savory marinara sauce.
- Store Leftovers Properly: Allow leftovers to cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheat with Care: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving, which may result in soggy breading.
- Freeze for Future Enjoyment: Freeze leftover portions by wrapping individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight and then warm up in the oven.
- Portion for Meal Prep: Consider portioning into individual servings before storing for convenient, quick meals.
- Refresh Toppings Before Serving: Sprinkle additional shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheese on top before reheating to refresh the flavors.
Variations | Crispy Chicken Parmesan
- Eggplant Parmesan: Replace chicken with breaded and fried eggplant slices for a vegetarian twist.
- Veal Parmesan: Substitute veal cutlets for a traditional Italian favorite.
- Turkey Parmesan: Use thinly pounded turkey cutlets for a lighter alternative.
- Zucchini Parmesan: Slice zucchini lengthwise, bread, and fry them, then layer with marinara sauce and cheese for a delectable vegetarian option.
- Gluten-Free Option: Utilize gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour for a gluten-free version.
- Pesto Chicken Parmesan: Spread pesto sauce on the chicken before adding marinara sauce and cheese.
- Spinach and Artichoke Chicken Parmesan: Add a layer of sautéed spinach and chopped artichoke hearts between the chicken and cheese.
- Buffalo Chicken Parmesan: Toss the cooked chicken in buffalo sauce before adding marinara sauce and cheese.
- Caprese Chicken Parmesan: Layer sliced tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, and fresh mozzarella on top of the chicken.
- Mushroom Parmesan: Top the chicken with sautéed mushrooms and onions before adding marinara sauce and cheese.
- Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Parmesan: Wrap each chicken breast with bacon strips before breading and frying for an indulgent twist.
- BBQ Chicken Parmesan: Brush the chicken with barbecue sauce before adding marinara sauce and cheese.
- Greek Chicken Parmesan: Top with sliced black olives, diced tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired variation.
- Tex-Mex Chicken Parmesan: Replace marinara sauce with salsa, and top with a shredded Mexican cheese blend.
- Hawaiian Chicken Parmesan: Add sliced pineapple rings and cooked ham before adding marinara sauce and cheese.
FAQs | Crispy Chicken Parmesan
- Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Yes, they provide a juicier alternative. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
- What type of cheese can I use for Chicken Parmesan? While mozzarella and parmesan are traditional, provolone or a blend of Italian cheeses work well.
- Is it possible to bake the chicken rather than fry it? Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
- How do I prevent the breading from falling off? Pat the chicken dry before breading and press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken.
- Can I make Chicken Parmesan ahead of time? Yes, prepare the breaded chicken ahead and refrigerate. Add sauce and cheese before baking.
- What can I serve with Chicken Parmesan? Pair with pasta, garlic bread, or a side salad.
- Can I freeze Chicken Parmesan? Yes, wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing.
- How long does leftover Chicken Parmesan last in the refrigerator? Keep refrigerated for a maximum of 3-4 days.
- Can I use store-bought marinara sauce? Yes, although homemade often yields the best flavor.
- Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh? Yes, use about one-third of the amount called for in the recipe.
Savor this Crispy Chicken Parmesan with your preferred pasta or garlic bread for a complete Italian-inspired feast!