Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian seasoned)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup olive oil (for frying)
- For the Assembly:
- 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
- Cooked pasta (for serving, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally to create four thinner pieces. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Set Up the Breading Station:
- In three shallow dishes, set up your breading station:
- In the first dish, place the flour.
- In the second dish, whisk together the eggs and water.
- In the third dish, mix the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes.
- In three shallow dishes, set up your breading station:
- Bread the Chicken:
- Dredge each piece of chicken in flour, shaking off the excess.
- Dip it into the egg mixture, letting any excess drip off.
- Finally, coat it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.
- Fry the Chicken:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Once hot, add the breaded chicken pieces in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and drain on paper towels.
- Assemble the Dish:
- In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom.
- Place the fried chicken on top of the sauce.
- Spoon more marinara sauce over each piece of chicken and top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve hot over cooked pasta, if desired.
Tips
- Chicken: For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in Italian dressing or lemon juice for a few hours before breading.
- Sauce: You can make your own marinara sauce or use your favorite jarred version to save time.
- Cheese: Feel free to mix different cheeses, like provolone or fontina, for a different flavor profile.
- Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
This Chicken Parmesan is sure to become a family favorite, offering a satisfying combination of flavors and textures. Enjoy your delicious homemade meal!