Heritage Chicken Parmigiana

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 40 min
🍽 Serves: 4
★★★★★
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Heritage Chicken Parmigiana is a comforting dish that brings together tender chicken, tangy marinara, and gooey cheese in a way that's both classic and irresistible. It's perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion where you want to impress without the fuss.

Ingredients for Heritage Chicken Parmigiana

The star of the show is the chicken breasts, which are sliced thin to ensure they cook evenly and quickly. The flour helps the egg adhere to the chicken, creating a perfect base for the crispy coating. Eggs act as the glue for keeping the breadcrumbs on. Speaking of which, our breadcrumbs are mixed with Parmesan cheese and oregano for a savory crunch. The salt, black pepper, and garlic powder add essential seasoning to every layer. Olive oil is used for frying, imparting a rich flavor. Marinara sauce brings the tangy component that pairs beautifully with the creamy mozzarella cheese. Finally, fresh basil leaves add a pop of color and a hint of freshness to finish the dish.

Tips & Tricks

  • For extra crispy chicken, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
  • If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce.
  • Let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes after frying to ensure the coating stays intact.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this Chicken Parmigiana with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast. Garlic bread or a side of spaghetti tossed in olive oil and garlic makes for a classic accompaniment. A glass of light red wine, like Pinot Noir, would complement the flavors beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used, but they may require a longer cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked.
Can I make this dish in advance?
You can prepare the chicken cutlets and store them in the fridge for a few hours before frying. For best results, fry and bake them just before serving.
Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
You can substitute the chicken with eggplant slices for a delicious Eggplant Parmigiana.

Heritage Chicken Parmigiana Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step ensures that your chicken will get a nice finish in the oven after frying. Next, slice the chicken breasts horizontally to create four thin cutlets. This not only helps them cook faster but also makes sure they stay tender.

Set up your breading station: In one shallow dish, mix the flour with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. In a second bowl, beat the eggs until they’re a smooth mixture. In a third dish, combine breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, and oregano. This assembly line setup will make the process quick and efficient.

Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour, making sure to shake off the excess. Dip it in the egg, allowing any extra to drip off, then coat it thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture. The key is to press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken so they adhere well.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, gently lay the chicken cutlets in the pan. Fry them for about 4 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown. Transfer the cooked cutlets to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Arrange the fried chicken in a baking dish. Spoon marinara sauce over each piece, ensuring they’re well-covered but not swimming in sauce. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella generously on top. Bake in your preheated oven for about 20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Finish with fresh basil leaves for a splash of color and a fresh aroma that complements the dish beautifully. Serve hot and enjoy!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Simple ingredients that pack a flavorful punch.
  • A crispy coating that stays crunchy under the cheese.
  • Quick enough for a weeknight dinner, but special enough for guests.
  • Perfectly customizable with your favorite herbs and spices.

Ingredients

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 cup marinara sauce
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup olive oil
Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally to create four thin cutlets.
3. In a shallow dish, combine the flour with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
4. In another bowl, beat the eggs until well mixed.
5. In a third dish, mix breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan and oregano.
6. Dredge each chicken cutlet in the flour mixture, dip in the egg, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
7. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
8. Fry the chicken until golden brown, about 4 minutes per side. Remove and drain on paper towels.
9. Place the fried chicken cutlets in a baking dish, spoon marinara sauce over each, and top with mozzarella cheese.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
11. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

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