Heritage Chicken Parmesan is a comforting classic with a crispy, savory coating and gooey cheese, perfect for any family dinner. This recipe combines traditional Italian flavors with a few handy tricks to make it simple and satisfying for home cooks.
The star of the dish is, of course, the chicken breasts, which are pounded to an even thickness to ensure they cook uniformly. The all-purpose flour serves as the first layer of coating, helping the egg stick better. When it comes to the breadcrumb mixture, the breadcrumbs provide that essential crunch, while the grated Parmesan adds depth with its nutty flavor. A sprinkle of salt and black pepper seasons the chicken just right, and a hint of garlic powder gives an aromatic undertone. The marinara sauce adds a rich, tangy component that ties everything together, while mozzarella cheese ensures each bite is cheesy and satisfying. Finally, fresh basil leaves are the fresh, fragrant garnish that makes this dish sing.
This dish pairs beautifully with a simple side of spaghetti tossed in olive oil and garlic. A fresh, crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette also complements the rich flavors of the chicken parmesan. Don't forget a side of crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce!
First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure it’s hot and ready when you need it. Take your chicken breasts and pound them to an even thickness. This step really helps everything cook at the same rate, so don’t skip it!
Next, grab a couple of shallow bowls. In one, mix together the flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. In another bowl, beat the eggs until they're nice and smooth. And finally, in a third dish, combine the breadcrumbs and Parmesan.
Now for the fun part—dredging! First, coat each chicken breast in the flour mixture, ensuring it's completely covered. Shake off any excess, then dip it into the beaten eggs. Let any extra egg drip off before you press the chicken into the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure each piece is thoroughly coated for that perfect crunch.
Heat up about 1/2 cup of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it's hot (but not smoking), it's time to fry. Cook each chicken breast for about 3-4 minutes per side, until they're golden brown. Transfer them to a baking dish as you go, and try not to nibble on them just yet!
Spoon a generous amount of marinara sauce over each piece of chicken, then top with slices of mozzarella cheese. Pop the dish in your preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Once out of the oven, finish with a sprinkle of fresh basil. Serve hot and enjoy the deliciousness!