I. Introduction
Chicken parmesan is a classic Italian dish loved by many. It’s an easy recipe that can be made at home, and there are many variations that make it even more interesting. In this article, we will provide you with five simple steps on how to make the perfect chicken parmesan, tips for achieving the perfect flavor and texture, and healthy alternatives. Additionally, we’ll provide variations on the classic recipe and even suggest some ideal side dishes to accompany your chicken parmesan.
II. 5 Simple Steps to Perfect Chicken Parmesan
If you want to make the perfect chicken parmesan, follow these easy steps:
Step 1: Prepare the chicken
Preheat your oven to 375°F. In the meantime, prepare your chicken breasts. Removing any excess fat, slice chicken breasts in half lengthwise, butterfly style, until you have two equally down-sized, thin pieces of chicken. Season both sides with salt, black pepper and garlic powder or finely chopped fresh garlic.
Step 2: Make the breadcrumbs
In a medium-sized bowl, combine about 1 1/2 cups of plain breadcrumbs with 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese and mix well. In another bowl or dish, beat two large eggs. Coat each piece of chicken on both sides in the egg mixture and then coat each piece with the breadcrumb and cheese mixture. Make sure each piece of chicken is evenly coated.
Step 3: Cook the chicken
In a cast-iron skillet or non-stick pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter over medium heat. Take each chicken piece and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Once done, remove chicken from the pan and place it on paper towels in order to soak up any excess oil.
Step 4: Assemble the dish
Spread a spoonful of marinara sauce or tomato sauce on the bottom of an ovenproof dish. Place the chicken pieces on top of the sauce. Add another spoonful of sauce on top of each chicken piece and spread until it covers the whole chicken piece. Add a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese over each chicken piece.
Step 5: Bake & serve
Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove chicken from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Top each chicken piece using finely chopped fresh basil. Serve hot and enjoy!
If you find that your chicken parmesan is too bland, try using oregano, parsley, and thyme to add more flavor. You can also try using some red pepper flakes for some added spice.
Tip: For an even crisper crust, skip the egg wash and apply a mayonnaise coating instead.
III. The Secret to Amazing Chicken Parmesan
Many would say that the secret to amazing chicken parmesan is the use of fresh ingredients. In addition to the right blend of seasoning, using a quality tomato sauce, fresh basil, and high-grade olive oil will make all the difference.
Another important aspect of making chicken parmesan is the way it’s cooked. Using a cast-iron skillet or a non-stick pan allows the chicken to cook evenly and also helps it to develop a crispy crust. Also, prepping the chicken properly ensures it stays moist and tender on the inside.
According to Chef Giada De Laurentiis in her cookbook, ‘Giada’s Italy’, the secret to making chicken parmesan truly amazing is to let the flavors develop over time. She recommends dipping the chicken in the breadcrumb and cheese mixture and letting it sit, covered, in the fridge for about an hour before cooking it.
IV. Healthy Chicken Parmesan Recipe
If you’re looking for a healthier version of the classic chicken parmesan recipe, try using a leaner meat, such as chicken breast tenderloins, and baking instead of frying the chicken. Replace regular breadcrumbs with whole wheat breadcrumbs.
Below, we’ve got a healthier chicken parmesan recipe to try:
Ingredients:
- 4 large or 6 medium-sized chicken breast tenderloins
- 1/2 cup of whole wheat breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp. of dried basil
- 1 tsp. of dried oregano
- 1 tsp. of garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp. of black pepper
- 1 cup of tomato sauce
- 1 cup of shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
- 1 tbsp. of olive oil
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- In a shallow bowl, mix breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, dried basil, oregano, garlic powder, and pepper.
- Cut each chicken breast in half or use chicken breast tenders.
- Dip chicken in breadcrumb mixture until coated.
- Place chicken on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil.
- Bake chicken in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the crust is browned and crispy looking.
- Spread 2-3 tablespoons of tomato sauce on top of each chicken piece and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
- Place chicken back in the oven for about 5-10 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and serve!
This recipe is a great way to indulge in your cravings while still staying healthy.
V. Variations on Classic Chicken Parmesan
There are many variations of chicken parmesan, with each one offering its unique flavor to its enthusiasts. Here are some of the popular variations of chicken parmesan:
Chicken Parmesan Sandwich:
Who says you have to serve chicken parmesan by itself? Why not make a sandwich? Toast some buns and serve them with crispy breaded chicken, tomato sauce, cheese, and even some caramelized onions.
Eggplant Parmesan:
This is a vegetarian variation using eggplants instead of chicken breasts. You can look for breaded eggplant slices or slice eggplants and bread them yourself before following the classic recipe for chicken parmesan.
Chicken Parmesan Meatballs:
Take the classic Italian meatball and give it a new twist by making them with chicken and Parmesan. These are perfect to serve on top of a bed of spaghetti.
Veal Parmesan:
This variation uses veal scallops or cutlets instead of chicken breasts. Veal has a tender texture that makes it perfect for a parmesan recipe.
These variations will certainly add the much-needed spice to your chicken parmesan recipe rotation. Try them today!
VI. The Perfect Side Dishes for Chicken Parmesan
When it comes to choosing the perfect sides to accompany your chicken parmesan, there are plenty of options to consider. Here are some suggestions:
Garlic Bread:
Spread some garlic butter on a loaf of French bread, then bake until crispy.
Ratatouille:
This classic French vegetable stew is a great way to add some color and nutrients to your meal. Slice and dice some eggplant, zucchini, bell pepper, and tomato, and cook them together with some olive oil and herbs on medium heat until everything is tender.
Green Salad:
A simple side salad can help to cut through the richness of the chicken parmesan.
Spaghetti or Pasta:
A big bowl of spaghetti on the side goes perfectly with chicken parmesan. Be sure to add some tomato sauce and sprinkle some parmesan cheese on top.
With these side dish options, you’ll have the perfect meals to enjoy with your chicken parmesan.
VII. Conclusion
We hope that this article has provided you with some creative techniques and ideas that will enable you to make the best chicken parmesan at home. Whether you prefer it classic-style or with a twist, it’s a great meal to serve to your friends and loved ones.
We urge you to try out the different types of chicken parmesan recipes that we have provided in this article.
