Easy Chicken Parmesan Recipe | Homemade Goodness

If you’re searching for a flavorful, easy-to-follow chicken parmesan recipe, look no further. This classic Italian dish is a crowd-pleaser and perfect for a family dinner or special occasion. Our homemade chicken parmesan is simple and delicious, with crispy breaded chicken topped with melted mozzarella cheese and homemade marinara sauce. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just getting started in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to impress.

Key Takeaways

• This homemade chicken parmesan recipe is easy to follow and perfect for any occasion.
• The crispy breaded chicken and flavorful homemade marinara sauce create a mouthwatering dish that will satisfy everyone’s taste buds.
• Baking the chicken instead of frying it creates a healthier version of this classic recipe without sacrificing taste.
• This recipe can be paired with pasta or served as the main course for an Italian-inspired feast.
• With our step-by-step instructions, you’ll be able to make this delicious chicken parmesan dish with confidence and ease.

Ingredients

To prepare the perfect chicken parmesan recipe, you need to have the right ingredients on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs
• 2 cups seasoned breadcrumbs
• 1 cup of grated parmesan cheese
• 3 cups of marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

These ingredients will give your chicken parmesan the perfect taste and texture.

Preparation

Preparing the chicken parmesan is easy and hassle-free. Follow these simple steps to make your homemade chicken parmesan.

Breading the Chicken

Ingredients: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, all-purpose flour, eggs, Italian breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper.

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Set up your breading station by placing bowls for flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs on a flat surface.
3. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
4. Coat the chicken breast in flour, shaking off any excess.
5. Dip the chicken breast in the egg mixture, making sure to coat it completely.
6. Roll the chicken breast in the breadcrumbs, pressing the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to ensure it is fully coated.
7. Set the chicken breasts aside, allowing the breading to dry for 10-15 minutes.

Making the Marinara Sauce

Ingredients: Canned crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, garlic, onion, olive oil, sugar, salt, and dried basil.

1. In a saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and finely chopped onion, and sauté for 2-3 minutes or until the onions become translucent.
3. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, sugar, and dried basil, and stir well.
4. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens.
5. Remove from heat and set aside.

Assembling the Dish

Ingredients: Breaded chicken, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese.

1. Spread a layer of the marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
2. Place the breaded chicken on top of the marinara sauce.
3. Cover each chicken breast with additional marinara sauce, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.
4. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
5. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
6. Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Baking the Chicken

Looking for a way to achieve that perfect crispy texture without frying your breaded chicken? Bake it! When following our chicken parmesan recipe, the result is a crunchy and flavorful dish that is healthier than its fried counterpart.

Here are some tips to ensure even cooking and delicious results:

1. Preheat the oven: Always preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) before baking the chicken. This ensures that the chicken will cook evenly and be crispy on the outside and juicy inside.
2. Use a baking sheet: Place the breaded chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This prevents the chicken from sticking to the pan and makes for easy cleanup.
3. Spray the chicken with cooking spray: Before putting the chicken in the oven, spray it with cooking spray. This helps the chicken to brown and develop a crispy texture.
4. Flip the chicken halfway through: About halfway through the baking time, flip the chicken over to ensure even cooking and a golden-brown crust on both sides.
5. Add cheese towards the end: If your recipe calls for melted mozzarella cheese, add it to the chicken during the last few minutes of baking. This ensures the cheese melts perfectly and doesn’t burn.

Baking your chicken parmesan not only results in a healthier dish but also allows you to multitask in the kitchen while the oven does the work. Enjoy your crispy and delicious baked chicken parmesan!

Making the Marinara Sauce

Marinara sauce is the perfect accompaniment to chicken parmesan, and making it from scratch is easier than you might think. Follow our simple recipe to create a delicious sauce that will take your homemade chicken parmesan to the next level.

Ingredients

• 1 can of crushed tomatoes (28 oz)
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon of sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic and onion and sauté until the onion is translucent.
2. Add the crushed tomatoes, sugar, salt, and black pepper, and stir well to combine.
3. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
5. Remove the sauce from the heat and let it cool slightly before adding it to your chicken parmesan.

That’s it! With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a delicious marinara sauce that will take your homemade chicken parmesan to new heights.

Assembling the Dish

After completing the preparation, it is now time to assemble the dish. Place a layer of classic chicken parmesan on the bottom of a large baking dish. Next, pour a generous amount of homemade marinara sauce over the chicken. Finally, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce.

Repeat this step until all chicken, sauce, and cheese are used, ensuring that the last layer of cheese is bubbly and golden brown. If desired, you can add a layer of sliced tomatoes or fresh basil for an extra burst of flavor.

Place the dish in a preheated oven and bake according to the instructions provided in section 7 until the chicken is fully cooked and the cheese has melted and golden.

Now it’s time to serve up your homemade, delicious chicken parmesan. This dish pairs nicely with a side of pasta, salad, or garlic bread. It’s sure to be a hit with your friends and family!

Baking the Chicken Parmesan

After you have assembled the layers, it’s time to bake the chicken parmesan to perfection. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish.

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).

Don’t overcook the chicken, or it will become dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s properly cooked.

Once done, let it cool for 5 minutes and garnish with fresh parsley or basil before serving. Enjoy your delicious baked chicken parmesan!

Serving Suggestions

Now that you’ve prepared the perfect homemade chicken parmesan, it’s time to think about how to serve it. There are many ways to enjoy this classic Italian dish, and we’re here to provide some delicious options.

Classic Pairings

For a classic pairing, serve your chicken parmesan with a side of spaghetti or other pasta, tossed in a simple garlic butter or olive oil. You can also add some sautéed vegetables like zucchini, broccoli, or mushrooms to make the dish healthier and more filling.

Italian Feast

If you’re feeling extra festive, make your chicken parmesan the star of an Italian-inspired feast. Serve it alongside some antipasti like cured meats, olives, and cheeses. Follow it up with a hearty bowl of minestrone soup, and finish the meal with a classic tiramisu or cannoli for dessert.

Variations

While the classic chicken parmesan recipe is delicious on its own, there are many variations that you can try to mix things up. For example, you can make a chicken parmesan sandwich by placing the chicken between two pieces of bread with some mozzarella and marinara sauce, and then toasting it in a panini press. You can also try topping your chicken parmesan with some fresh herbs like basil or parsley, or adding some spicy red pepper flakes for extra heat.

Whatever way you choose to serve your chicken parmesan, we hope that this recipe has inspired you to get creative in the kitchen. Buon appetito!

Conclusion

Voila, you’ve successfully prepared a mouthwatering homemade chicken parmesan dish. The crispy chicken smothered with homemade marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese is sure to become a family favorite. It’s an easy chicken parmesan recipe that everyone will enjoy. Don’t forget to share this classic Italian dish with your loved ones and get ready to hear their compliments. Happy cooking!