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Italian Chicken Parmigiana Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 120 reviews

Italian Chicken Parmigiana is a classic comfort food featuring tender breaded chicken breasts fried to golden perfection, topped with savory marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese, finished in the oven for a bubbly, golden crust. This dish combines crispy textures with rich Italian flavors making it a beloved meal for family dinners and special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Breading

  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or Italian-style)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Sauce and Topping

  • 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Frying

  • Olive oil for frying

Instructions

  1. Pound the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap and pound them to about ½ inch thickness to ensure even cooking.
  2. Prepare Breading Stations: Set out three shallow bowls—one with all-purpose flour, one with whisked eggs, and one with a breadcrumb mixture containing breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Coat the Chicken: Dredge each chicken breast first in the flour, shaking off excess, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture.
  4. Fry the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the breaded chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
  5. Preheat Oven and Assemble: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in a baking dish, place the fried chicken breasts on top, spoon more marinara sauce over each piece, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.
  6. Bake and Broil: Bake the assembled dish for about 20 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. For a golden crust, broil for an additional 1 minute, watching carefully to avoid burning.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Let the chicken parmigiana rest for a few minutes after baking. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired and serve hot for best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Use fresh Parmesan cheese for a more authentic flavor.
  • Pounding the chicken ensures it cooks evenly and stays tender.
  • Use a thermometer to maintain olive oil at medium heat to prevent burning breadcrumbs.
  • Broiling at the end gives a perfect golden cheese crust but watch closely to prevent burning.
  • Marinara sauce can be homemade or store-bought based on preference and convenience.

Keywords: Chicken Parmesan, Chicken Parmigiana, Italian Chicken, Breaded Chicken, Marinara Sauce, Mozzarella, Parmesan, Classic Italian Dish

Find it online: https://cookwithruby.com/italian-chicken-parmigiana-recipe/