Chicken Parmesan is a wonderful dinner choice that brings the cozy comfort of Italian cooking right to your home. It features crispy breaded chicken, rich tomato sauce, and melted cheese, making it a meal everyone loves. It is a satisfying dish perfect for a special evening or a comforting weeknight treat.
Ingredients Needed
Here is what you will need to make this delicious meal:
- 1. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 4 pieces)
- 2. All purpose flour (half cup)
- 3. Large eggs (2)
- 4. Breadcrumbs (1 cup, preferably panko for extra crispiness)
- 5. Grated Parmesan cheese (half cup, plus more for topping)
- 6. Olive oil (for frying)
- 7. Your favorite marinara or tomato sauce (2 cups)
- 8. Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 and a half cups)
- 9. Fresh basil leaves (for garnish, optional)
- 10. Salt (to taste)
- 11. Black pepper (to taste)
Step By Step Making
Follow these simple steps to create your perfect Chicken Parmesan:
- Prepare the chicken. Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap. Gently pound them until they are about half an inch thick. This helps them cook evenly.
- Set up your breading stations. In one shallow dish, put the flour. In another dish, whisk the eggs. In a third dish, mix the breadcrumbs with a quarter cup of grated Parmesan cheese, a pinch of salt, and pepper.
- Bread the chicken. Dip each chicken breast first in the flour, shaking off any extra. Then dip it in the egg, letting any extra drip off. Finally, press it firmly into the breadcrumb mixture, making sure it is fully coated.
- Fry the chicken. Heat about an inch of olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Carefully place the breaded chicken breasts into the hot oil. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and cooked through. You might need to do this in batches. Once cooked, place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any extra oil.
- Assemble the dish. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of a baking dish. Place the fried chicken breasts on top of the sauce.
- Add more sauce and cheese. Spoon more marinara sauce over each chicken breast. Then, sprinkle a generous amount of mozzarella cheese and a little more Parmesan cheese over each one.
- Bake until bubbly. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Serve and enjoy. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if you like. Serve hot with pasta or a simple salad.
Nutritional Value
For one cutlet (approximately 190g) of Chicken Parmesan, you can expect the following nutritional values:
- Protein: About 30.8 grams
- Calories: Approximately 331 kcal
- Carbs: Around 15.8 grams
Please note that these values can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used.
Health Benefits
Chicken Parmesan, when prepared thoughtfully, offers several health benefits. The chicken breast provides a significant amount of lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscle, and helps you feel full and satisfied. Tomatoes in the marinara sauce are rich in vitamins like Vitamin C and antioxidants such as lycopene, which are good for your overall health. While cheese adds flavor and calcium, using it in moderation helps manage the fat content. This meal can be part of a balanced diet, offering a delicious way to get important nutrients.
Disclaimer: This recipe information is provided by umernews.com for general informational purposes only.