Cluck Yeah Classic Chicken Parmigiana
Cluck Yeah Classic Chicken Parmigiana
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
| Calories | 650 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 30g |
| Fiber | 0g |
Cluck Yeah! Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever crave that ultimate comfort food hug? Chicken parm , or chicken parmigiana as some call it, is like a warm blanket for your soul.
It's just so satisfying. This isn't just any chicken parm ; it's the best chicken parm crispy, cheesy, and utterly delicious.
Brief Overview
Born in Italian American kitchens, chicken parmigiana has become a beloved classic. This easy chicken parmesan recipe clocks in at medium difficulty, taking about 1 hour 10 minutes from start to finish, with 25 minutes of active prep, including 15 minutes for resting, and 30 minutes of cooking, yielding 4 servings of pure joy.
It’s a great addition to classic italian recipes .
Main Benefits
This recipe isn't just tasty; it's packed with protein! Perfect for a family dinner or impressing your mates. What makes this chicken parm special? It is made with quality ingredients!
Getting Started: What You'll Need
Alright, let’s gather our troops! This ain't hard, I promise!
- For juicy chicken cutlets , grab 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
- Grab some marinara sauce , about 2 cups go for the good stuff, trust me.
You'll need 8 ounces of fresh mozzarella cheese , sliced. Don't forget 1 ½ cups of italian breadcrumbs , cause crispy is king!
Let's Talk Chicken
Pound those chicken breasts to about ½-inch thickness. It helps them cook evenly. I know, it feels like you are taking out your frustration, LOL!
Season them well with salt and pepper. Simple is best, innit?
Breadcrumbing: The Secret Weapon
Set up your breading station! Flour, egg, then breadcrumbs.
Mix those italian breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese, oregano, and garlic powder. Trust me, the aroma is awesome! This step ensures flavor bomb.
Honestly, chicken parmesan with spaghetti is the ultimate comfort meal. It's something special. I hope you will love this baked chicken parmesan as much as I do.
Ingredients & Equipment
Let's talk about what you need to make this best chicken parm ! Trust me, it’s easier than you think.
I've been making chicken parmigiana for years, and I've learned a few tricks along the way. Let's make classic italian recipes at home!
Main Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz/170g each), pounded to ½-inch thickness. Quality chicken is key. Look for chicken that's pink and firm, not pale or slimy.
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 ½ cups (150g) italian breadcrumbs
- ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup vegetable oil, for frying
- 2 cups (475ml) marinara sauce (high quality store bought or homemade). Honestly, this is where you can make or break the dish. Find a marinara you LOVE.
- 8 ounces (225g) fresh mozzarella cheese , sliced. Fresh mozzarella melts like a dream.
- ¼ cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)
Seasoning Notes
The essential spice combo here is oregano and garlic powder. It adds that classic Italian flavor that we all love.
A little salt and pepper goes a long way. For flavor enhancers, consider a pinch of red pepper flakes in the breadcrumbs or marinara sauce.
Adds a nice kick! Don't have oregano? Italian seasoning works just fine.
Equipment Needed
- 3 shallow dishes for breading station
- Large skillet
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Meat mallet or rolling pin
- Instant read thermometer
Okay, equipment time! All you really need is a skillet and a baking dish. You can use a rolling pin if you don't have a meat mallet.
A fork works in a pinch for beating eggs. Essential tools for achieving easy chicken parmesan recipe . You can even bake chicken parmesan if you are in a hurry.
Honestly, this chicken parmesan with spaghetti recipe has been a lifesaver on busy weeknights! I hope you enjoy this best chicken parm recipe as much as my family does.
Cluck Yeah! Cooking the Best Chicken Parmigiana A Crowd Pleasing Favorite
Chicken Parm , or as some folks call it chicken parmesan , is a classic for a reason. It’s the ultimate comfort food! Crispy chicken cutlets , rich marinara sauce , and gooey mozzarella cheese .
.. honestly, what’s not to love? This easy chicken parmesan recipe will become your new go-to. I mean, who doesn't love a classic italian recipes
Prep Like a Pro for Perfect Chicken Parm
Essential Mise en Place: Get everything prepped before you start. Pound those chicken breasts thin. You will have more success using the chicken parmesan with spaghetti to serve.
Time Saving Organization: Set up your breading station like a pro. Flour, egg, then italian breadcrumbs mixed with parmesan. This makes the whole process so much smoother, trust me.
Safety First! Make sure your oil isn’t too hot! Burned breadcrumbs are a no-go.
Let’s Get Cooking: The Step-by-Step Chicken Parm Process
- Pound 4 chicken breasts to 0.5 inch thickness. Season well.
- Set up breading station: flour, egg, then breadcrumb mix.
- Bread chicken cutlets completely. Don't miss a spot!
- Fry in oil until golden brown. Aim for 165° F ( 74° C) internal temp.
- Spread marinara sauce in baking dish. Place chicken on top.
- Add more sauce, then cover in mozzarella. Sprinkle with parmesan.
- Bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for 15- 20 minutes . Watch for bubbly, golden cheese.
Pro Tips for Next Level Chicken Parmesan
Crispy Secret: Double dip in the breadcrumbs for extra crunch. You will achieve best chicken parm .
Avoid This Mistake: Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying! Cook in batches.
Make Ahead Magic: You can bread the chicken ahead of time. Store it in the fridge until ready to fry.
Honestly, this baked chicken parmesan recipe is such a winner. You get all the flavors without the extra grease. Enjoy, and happy cooking!
Recipe Notes for the Best Chicken Parm
Alright, so you're about to make some chicken parm . Awesome choice! Here are a few extra notes to help you absolutely nail this classic Italian recipes .
This easy chicken parmesan recipe is truly foolproof, but a little extra info never hurts, right?
Serving Suggestions
Let's talk plating. Honestly, chicken parmesan with spaghetti is the go-to. Twirl that pasta, slap a chicken cutlet on top, and ladle some extra marinara sauce over the whole thing.
For presentation? A sprinkle of fresh basil makes it look fancy. Complementary sides? Garlic bread is a must. For a drink, a simple Italian red wine works wonders.
Or just a fizzy lemonade!
Storage Tips
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This baked chicken parmesan is even good the next day. For refrigeration, pop it in an airtight container.
It'll last for 3-4 days . Freezing? You can! Wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap, then foil. It'll keep for up to 2 months .
To reheat, bake it in a preheated oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through. Honestly, sometimes I just zap it in the microwave.
Don't judge!
Variations
Want to mix things up? For a gluten free version, use gluten free italian breadcrumbs and gluten free flour. Works a charm! Or, if you're feeling fancy, try using different cheeses.
Provolone is a great sub for mozzarella cheese . For seasonal swaps, use fresh tomatoes in the summer to make your own marinara sauce .
Seriously, that is great!.
Nutrition Basics
Okay, let's keep it real. This chicken parmigiana isn't exactly health food. But it's delicious! You're getting protein from the chicken cutlets , calcium from the cheese, and some antioxidants from the tomatoes in the sauce.
Everything in moderation, right? I'm thinking there are about 650 calories , 55g of protein , 30g of fat , and 40g of carbs in each serving.
These numbers are approximate. Just enjoy it!
So there you have it! Some extra tips and tricks for the best chicken parm ever. Now go forth and make some magic!
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best way to keep my chicken parm from getting soggy? No one likes a soggy bottom!
The key to avoiding soggy chicken parm is all in the technique! First, make sure your chicken is pounded thin and cooked through before adding the sauce and cheese. Frying it to a golden brown perfection gives it a nice barrier. Also, don't over sauce it.
Adding the cheese after the sauce layer helps create a waterproof barrier to trap the moisture. And finally, don't let it sit too long after baking; serve it up pronto!
Can I make chicken parm ahead of time? I'm planning a proper knees-up, and want to get ahead!
Absolutely! You can assemble the chicken parm breaded chicken, sauce, and cheese ahead of time and store it, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, just pop it in the oven, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if needed, to ensure it's heated through.
However, be aware that the breading may soften slightly.
Is there a way to make this chicken parm recipe healthier? I'm trying to be good as gold!
You can definitely lighten up your chicken parm! Try baking the breaded chicken instead of frying it just spray it with olive oil spray for a golden finish, baking in the oven until fully cooked. Use part skim mozzarella cheese, and opt for a homemade marinara sauce with less added sugar.
For a lower carb option, serve it with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of pasta.
What's the best type of cheese to use for chicken parm? I like to ring the changes, you know?
Traditionally, chicken parm calls for mozzarella, known for its melty, stretchy goodness. Fresh mozzarella is the gold standard, but low-moisture mozzarella works well too. For a richer flavor, you can incorporate some provolone along with the mozzarella, or sprinkle a generous amount of parmesan.
Get creative and find your favorite blend!
Can I freeze chicken parm? I'm all about batch cooking these days!
Yes, chicken parm freezes quite well! Let the cooked chicken parm cool completely, then wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap, followed by foil. Store in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and bake in a preheated oven until heated through and the cheese is bubbly. It might not be quite as good as freshly made, but it's a handy option.
My Chicken Parm is burning around the edges but the middle is still cold! Help!
This sounds like a classic oven temperature issue. Reduce the oven temperature by 25 degrees and cover the baking dish loosely with foil for the majority of the baking time, removing it in the last few minutes to allow the cheese to brown.
Be sure that your chicken is fully cooked before it enters the oven and the cheese is already melted. Consider elevating the baking dish on a higher rack in your oven to reduce direct heat from the bottom element.
Always use an instant read thermometer to check if the internal temperature is at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure safe eating.
