Heritage Parmesan Chicken is your go-to dish when you crave something comforting yet impressive. With its crispy crust and gooey cheese topping, it's a delightful nod to traditional Italian-American flavors. Perfect for a family dinner or to impress guests.
The star of this dish, of course, is the chicken breasts, offering a lean, protein-rich base. All-purpose flour helps the coating stick to the chicken, giving it that satisfying crispiness. The eggs act as a binder, ensuring the breadcrumbs cling to the chicken. Speaking of which, the breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese team up to create a flavorful, crunchy crust. Marinara sauce adds a layer of tangy richness, while shredded mozzarella cheese lends a gooey, melty top. Finally, olive oil is used for frying, adding a hint of fruitiness while helping achieve the perfect golden brown crust. Don't forget the basics: salt and pepper to taste.
This Heritage Parmesan Chicken pairs wonderfully with a side of garlic butter pasta or a fresh Caesar salad. A crusty loaf of garlic bread is perfect for sopping up any extra marinara sauce. For a wine pairing, a light red like Pinot Noir or a white like Chardonnay works beautifully.
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it's ready for the final bake while you prepare the chicken. Season the chicken breasts lightly with salt and pepper, making sure to cover both sides. This step is often underestimated but crucial for flavor.
Now, set up your dredging station: place the all-purpose flour in one shallow dish, the beaten eggs in another, and mix together the breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese in a third. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess. This creates a dry surface for the eggs to adhere to.
Dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, ensuring it's fully coated. Immediately press it into the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture, making sure it’s well covered. The cheese in the coating adds extra flavor to each bite.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts, frying them until golden brown on each side — about 3 to 4 minutes per side. You’re not cooking them through here, just aiming for a beautiful crust.
Once browned, transfer the chicken to a baking dish. Pour the marinara sauce over each piece, then sprinkle generously with the shredded mozzarella cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. This final bake ensures the chicken is cooked through and the flavors meld together beautifully.
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