Chicken Parmesan Recipe

 Chicken Parmesan

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-style)
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Olive oil (for frying)

For the Sauce:

• 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

For Assembly:

• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil leaves (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:

   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them to an even thickness (about 1/2 inch thick).
   • Season both sides with salt and pepper.

2. Set Up the Breading Station:

   • In three separate shallow dishes, set up the flour, beaten eggs, and a mixture of breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes.

3. Bread the Chicken:

   • Dredge each chicken breast in flour, shaking off excess.
   • Dip in the beaten eggs, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing firmly to adhere.

4. Fry the Chicken:

   • In a large skillet, heat about 1/4 inch of olive oil over medium-high heat.
   • Once hot, add the breaded chicken breasts and fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side.
   • Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

5. Make the Sauce:

   • In a saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
   • Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and sugar (if using). Simmer for about 10 minutes.

6. Assemble:

   • In a baking dish, spread a layer of the tomato sauce on the bottom.
   • Place the fried chicken breasts on top of the sauce.
   • Spoon more sauce over each breast, then sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and the remaining 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese.

7. Bake:

   • Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

8. Serve:

   • Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve hot, ideally with pasta or a side salad.

Enjoy!

This Chicken Parmesan is crispy, cheesy, and full of flavor—perfect for a comforting dinner. Let me know if you have any questions or need tips!