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My Chicken Parmesan

My Chicken Parmesan

My Chicken Parmesan is a classic Italian-American dish featuring perfectly crispy breaded chicken breasts topped with rich marinara sauce and melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. This recipe delivers a comforting, flavorful, and cheesy meal that is easy to prepare, ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to ½ inch thickness
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Garlic powder, to taste

Breading

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 ½ cups panko bread crumbs (or gluten-free bread crumbs for gluten-free option)
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Toppings & Sauce

  • 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1 ½ cups shredded or sliced mozzarella cheese
  • Extra grated Parmesan cheese for sprinkling

Frying

  • Olive oil or butter, for frying

Garnish

  • Fresh basil or flat-leaf parsley, chopped

Seasonings

  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Garlic powder
  • Italian seasoning

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Trim and pound the chicken breasts to an even ½ inch thickness to ensure quick, uniform cooking. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to build a flavorful base.
  2. Set Up Breading Stations: Arrange three shallow dishes: one with seasoned flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of panko bread crumbs and grated Parmesan. This setup ensures a crispy, cheesy crust.
  3. Bread the Chicken: Lightly coat each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess. Dip into the beaten eggs, then press firmly into the bread crumb and Parmesan mixture to thoroughly coat each piece.
  4. Fry Until Golden: Heat olive oil or butter over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Fry each breaded chicken breast for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy but not fully cooked through, allowing finishing in the oven.
  5. Layer with Sauce and Cheese: Transfer the chicken to a baking dish. Spoon a generous layer of marinara sauce over each piece, then top with shredded mozzarella and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
  6. Bake to Perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and lightly browned and the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Notes

  • Pound chicken evenly to prevent uneven cooking or dryness.
  • Use fresh, dry panko bread crumbs to maintain crispiness during frying.
  • Don’t skimp on frying oil; it helps create a golden, crispy crust.
  • Season each step, including the breading and sauce, to maximize flavor.
  • Fry chicken in batches to keep oil temperature steady and achieve crispier results.
  • Let chicken rest a few minutes after baking to prevent cheese from sliding off.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chicken Parmesan, Italian-American, Crispy Chicken, Breaded Chicken, Parmesan Cheese, Marinara Sauce, Mozzarella, Easy Dinner