Savory Delight

Introduction:

Looking to impress your family or guests with a delectable dinner? Look no further than this simple and mouthwatering Chicken Parmesan recipe. Bursting with flavors and featuring tender chicken cutlets smothered in tangy marinara sauce and melted cheese, this classic Italian dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Let's dive into the step-by-step process of creating this culinary masterpiece right in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Ingredients:

- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

- 1 cup breadcrumbs

- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

- 1 teaspoon dried basil

- 1 teaspoon dried oregano

- 1 teaspoon garlic powder

- Salt and pepper to taste

- 2 eggs, beaten

- ½ cup all-purpose flour

- 2 tablespoons olive oil

- 2 cups marinara sauce

- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

- Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound them to an even thickness of about ½ inch.

- Season the chicken with salt and pepper on both sides.

2. Prepare the Breading Station:

- In a shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, dried basil, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

- In another bowl, beat the eggs.

- Place the flour in a separate shallow bowl.

3. Coat the Chicken:

- Take each chicken breast and dredge it in the flour, shaking off any excess.

- Dip the chicken into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.

- Press the chicken into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring it is fully coated on both sides. Gently pat the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to adhere.

4. Cook the Chicken:

- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

- Place the breaded chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown.

- Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.

5. Assemble and Bake:

- In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce.

- Arrange the cooked chicken breasts on top of the sauce.

- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the chicken, ensuring it is evenly coated.

- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken.

- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.

6. Bake and Serve:

- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes.

- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the chicken is cooked through.

- Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.

- Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.

- Serve the Chicken Parmesan hot alongside pasta, a side salad, or garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Conclusion:

With this easy-to-follow Chicken Parmesan recipe, you can effortlessly recreate a restaurant-worthy dish right in your own kitchen. From the golden-brown breaded chicken to the savory marinara sauce and gooey melted cheese, every bite will be a delight for your taste buds. So gather the ingredients, follow the simple steps, and prepare to savor the irresistible flavors of this classic Italian favorite. Enjoy it with your Family. You can always customize your drink and side dish choices based on your preferences. Enjoy your Chicken Parmesan dinner with the perfect pairings to make it a complete and memorable meal.