I. Introduction
Can you hear the crisp coating of fried chicken, sprinkled with melted mozzarella and rich tomato sauce? Yes, you guessed it right! It’s none other than the mouthwatering Chicken Parmesan we are talking about. Chicken Parmesan has been a favorite Italian dish all around the world, and it’s no surprise why! This dish is easy to make and is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving a group of friends for dinner or making yourself a quick meal, there’s nothing better than homemade Chicken Parmesan. In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know to make the perfect chicken parmesan, including healthy options, wine pairings, and shortcuts.
II. A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Make Classic Chicken Parmesan
Chicken Parmesan is a classic Italian dish that requires few ingredients and is easy to make. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4-6 thinly sliced chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 eggs, beaten
- 2 cups Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Before we start, preheat your oven to 375°F.
How to make it:
- Dip each chicken breast into the flour, then shake off any excess flour.
- Dip the chicken into the beaten eggs.
- Combine the breadcrumbs and the parmesan cheese on a shallow dish.
- Coat each chicken breast in the breadcrumbs and cheese mixture.
- Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Place the chicken in the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown.
- Transfer the chicken to a baking dish.
- Cover each chicken with a generous amount of marinara sauce.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese on top of the marinara sauce.
- Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Tips and Tricks: If you want a crispy crust, let the chicken breasts rest for a few minutes after breading before frying. Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach 165°F to ensure it’s fully cooked.
III. Healthy Chicken Parmesan Recipe
A delicious chicken parmesan dish doesn’t always have to be unhealthy. Here’s a recipe that uses fresh ingredients and reduces the number of calories consumed without compromising flavor.
Ingredients:
- 4-6 thinly sliced chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 egg whites, slightly beaten
- 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup part-skim mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to make it:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper to taste.
- Dip each chicken breast into flour, then coat it with egg whites.
- In a shallow dish, combine breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese.
- Coat the chicken with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Cook the chicken breast for 2-3 minutes per side.
- In a separate pan, sauté minced garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add crushed tomatoes and chopped basil to the pan and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Transfer the chicken breasts to a baking sheet coated with cooking spray.
- Cover each chicken breast with the tomato sauce.
- Sprinkle the top of the chicken with mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and the cheese is melted.
Serve the healthy chicken parmesan with a side of mixed vegetables like broccoli or zucchini noodles to complete a balanced meal.
IV. The Best Wine Pairings for Chicken Parmesan
In the search for the perfect chicken parmesan dish, wine pairing plays a vital role. Choose either red or white organic wines that complement the flavors for an enhanced dining experience.
Red Wine Pairings:
- Barbera
- Chianti
- Merlot
White Wine Pairings
- Pinot Grigio
- Chardonnay
- Sauvignon Blanc
Remember, the wine’s acidity and tannins should match the dish’s intensity. Light wines will provide a more refreshing feel to the dish, and full-bodied wines will enhance the flavors.
V. Shortcut Chicken Parmesan
For busy weekdays, make a quick and easy chicken parmesan dish with these simple shortcuts.
Tips and Tricks:
- Use store-bought bread crumbs to take a step out of the process.
- Use a pre-made marina sauce to spare yourself the hassle of making it from scratch.
- Use a rotisserie chicken to cut down on cooking time.
- Use shredded mozzarella cheese to make the dish cook more quickly.
VI. How to Make Chicken Parmesan for a Crowd
If you’re cooking for a large group, make sure to account for a larger yield and prepare accordingly. Here are some key considerations when cooking Chicken Parmesan for a crowd.
Ingredients:
- 12-14 chicken breasts
- 1-2 cups all-purpose flour
- 6 eggs, beaten
- 6 cups seasoned breadcrumbs
- 3 cups shredded parmesan cheese
- 6 cups marinara sauce
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup olive oil
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Prepare all the ingredients and keep them ready.
- Coat the chicken breasts with flour and dip them into the beaten eggs.
- Coat the chicken with the seasoned breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese mixture.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet and cook the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side.
- Transfer the chicken breasts to a baking dish or casserole pan.
- Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the top of the chicken breasts.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the marinara sauce.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional five minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve the dish with garlic bread, a fresh salad, and some cooked pasta for a hearty meal everyone will enjoy!
VII. Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve reached the end of this ultimate guide to making the perfect chicken parmesan dish. Whether using the classic recipe or healthy options, wine pairings, shortcuts or cooking for a crowd, we’ve got you covered. The key to making the best chicken parmesan is using fresh ingredients, matching complementary flavors, and serving with a side dish. Try out different variations of chicken parmesan and enjoy the deliciousness of this Italian cuisine with your loved ones.