During a picturesque Italian getaway filled with meandering through ancient streets and savoring the rich tapestry of flavors Italy has to offer, I encountered a dish that epitomizes the heart and soul of Italian cuisine – Chicken Parmesan. This classic comfort food combines tender chicken breasts, coated in a crispy breadcrumb armor, lavishly smothered in a vibrant Barilla Marinara sauce, and crowned with a generous layer of melting mozzarella cheese. The fusion of these ingredients creates a symphony of flavors: the savory chicken, the tangy sweetness of tomato sauce, and the creamy, luxurious mozzarella collaborate to produce a dish that is hearty, yet profoundly satisfying.
Captivated by its simplicity and the depth of flavor, I was compelled to recreate this culinary masterpiece upon my return. After experimenting with various seasonings and cooking techniques to honor the traditional recipe while imbuing it with my personal touch, I have mastered a version of Chicken Parmesan that I am proud to share. This recipe is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of Italian heritage and culinary excellence, inviting you to experience the warmth and joy of Italian dining right in your home.
Chicken Parmesan
The Chicken Parmesan introduction captures the essence of a culinary discovery made during a scenic Italian journey. This iconic dish features tender chicken breasts encased in a crispy breadcrumb coating, smothered with rich Barilla Marinara sauce, and topped with a generous layer of gooey mozzarella cheese. The amalgamation of these ingredients results in a melody of flavors; from the savory chicken to the tangy marinara and the creamy mozzarella, each component contributes to the heartiness and satisfaction that Chicken Parmesan delivers. After returning home, inspired by the simplicity and richness of the dish, an endeavor to replicate it ensued, leading to a perfected recipe that's ready to be shared. This Chicken Parmesan recipe isn't just a dish; it's a celebration of Italian culture and cooking, aiming to bring the vibrancy and warmth of Italy straight to your dining table, encouraging a homemade approach to a much-loved classic.
Equipment
- 1 oven
Ingredients
- 10 chicken strips
- 24 oz barilla marinara sauce
- 8 oz kraft mozzarella cheese
- 8 oz thin spaghetti
- 1 tbsp parsely
- 2 cup progresso bread crumbs italian style
- 3 eggs
- 1 canola oil
- 1/2 cup kraft parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Take the ten chicken strips one by one and dip them in the bowl of 3 scrambled uncooked eggs. Then dip them in the plate of bread crumbs. Have your pot of oil ready and heating up on high until it gets hot then reduce to medium.
- After the chicken strips are dipped in the eggs and breaded place them in the oil until they are golden brown. Have a pan waiting with half of the maranara sauce spread out on it.
- After the chicke strips are done frying take them out and place them on a plate with two paper towels to drain grease. After that put all 10 chicken strips on the pan and put the other half of marinara sauce at the top of them. Sprinkle all of the parmesan cheese evenly on top. Then place all of the mozzarella cheese on top of that.
- Put in the oven on 400°F for a few minutes keep checking on it until almost done to your liking.
- Take out of oven, sprinkle parsley on top and put oven on boil for about a minute or two. Take out.
- Boil the noodles and ready to serve and eat.
Cooking tips about Chicken Parmesan
- Quality of Ingredients: Use high-quality chicken breasts, pounding them to an even thickness to ensure they cook evenly without drying out. Opt for a premium marinara sauce like Barilla for its robust flavor or make your own from scratch using fresh tomatoes and Italian herbs for authenticity.
- Breading Process: The key to a crispy crust that doesn’t fall off is a triple-dredge process involving flour, beaten eggs, and then breadcrumbs mixed with grated Parmesan cheese. This not only adds flavor but helps create a seal that keeps the chicken moist.
- Herbs and Spices: Enhance the breadcrumb mixture with dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme), garlic powder, salt, and black pepper for added depth and authenticity to the flavor profile.
- Pan-Frying: Fry the breaded chicken in a shallow pan with olive oil over medium-high heat until golden brown. Though it won’t be cooked through, this step ensures a crispy crust that’s essential for a great Chicken Parmesan.
- Layering Sauce and Cheese: Start with a thin layer of marinara sauce in the baking dish to prevent the chicken from sticking. After placing the fried chicken in the dish, spoon more sauce onto each breast before covering generously with shredded mozzarella and more Parmesan. This prevents the crust from getting soggy while baking.
- Baking to Perfection: Bake in a preheated oven until the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned and the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature. Broiling for a few minutes at the end can add a beautifully caramelized top.
- Serving: Although Chicken Parmesan is a star on its own, serving it over a bed of al dente spaghetti or alongside a simple salad dressed in balsamic vinaigrette transforms it into a well-rounded meal. A side of crusty bread to mop up the sauce is also a must-have.
- Resting Before Serving: Let the Chicken Parmesan rest for a few minutes after removing it from the oven. This allows the cheese to set slightly, making it easier to serve neat portions that don’t fall apart.
Serving suggestions about Chicken Parmesan
- Spaghetti or Linguine: Serve the Chicken Parmesan over a bed of freshly cooked spaghetti or linguine tossed lightly in olive oil or a touch more of the marinara sauce. The pasta makes a traditional and hearty accompaniment to the chicken, soaking up the flavorful sauce and cheese.
- Garlic Bread: A side of warm, buttery garlic bread is a perfect pairing for Chicken Parmesan. It’s ideal for sopping up any leftover sauce and complements the crunchy breadcrumb coating on the chicken beautifully.
- Caesar Salad: Offer a fresh Caesar salad as a side to cut through the richness of the dish. The crisp romaine leaves, creamy dressing, and Parmesan shavings mirror the flavors in the Chicken Parmesan while adding a refreshing note.
- Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted vegetables such as asparagus, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes can accompany the dish to add color, texture, and a nutritious element. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs before roasting to enhance their natural flavors.
- Ratatouille: For a more robust side, consider serving Chicken Parmesan with a side of ratatouille. This traditional French vegetable stew offers a delicious combination of summer vegetables that pairs well with the Italian flavors of the dish.
- Polenta: Creamy polenta is another excellent base for Chicken Parmesan, offering a soft contrast to the crispy chicken coating. Its mild flavor complements the tangy marinara sauce and melted cheese topping.
- Broccoli Rabe: Sautéed broccoli rabe (rapini) with garlic and chili flakes makes a slightly bitter but flavorful side that balances the hearty and cheesy Chicken Parmesan, adding a burst of color to your plate.
Top 5 FAQs about Chicken Parmesan
- What type of chicken is best for Chicken Parmesan? For Chicken Parmesan, use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They provide a tender, lean canvas perfect for layering with flavors. Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure they cook evenly and remain juicy.
- Can I use store-bought marinara sauce for Chicken Parmesan? Yes, using a high-quality store-bought marinara sauce is perfectly acceptable and can save time. Brands like Barilla offer robust flavors that complement the dish well. However, making your own sauce from scratch can enhance the dish’s authenticity and taste if you have the time.
- How do I keep the breadcrumb coating crispy when baking? To maintain the crispness of the breadcrumb coating, start by pan-frying the breaded chicken breasts in olive oil until they’re golden brown on both sides. This creates a seal around the chicken. When baking, ensure there’s a thin layer of marinara sauce beneath the chicken but top the chicken generously with sauce and cheese right before it goes into the oven, preventing the breadcrumbs from getting soggy.
- What cheese works best for Chicken Parmesan? A combination of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese provides the ideal flavor and texture for Chicken Parmesan. Mozzarella offers a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth quality, while Parmesan adds a sharp, salty depth. Ensure the mozzarella is fresh and the Parmesan is finely grated for the best melting qualities and flavor distribution.
- What are the best serving suggestions for Chicken Parmesan? Chicken Parmesan is traditionally served over a bed of spaghetti or linguine tossed lightly in marinara sauce. Garlic bread or a simple Caesar salad also make great sides, offering a complete Italian-inspired meal. The pasta complements the chicken’s savory flavors, while the garlic bread is perfect for mopping up any remaining sauce.
In wrapping up, Chicken Parmesan is not just a meal; it encapsulates the heartwarming embrace of Italian cuisine, offering a taste of Italy’s culinary artistry with every forkful. This dish combines succulent chicken, crisply breaded and baked to perfection, beneath a blanket of vibrant marinara sauce, all topped with a generous layer of melted mozzarella cheese. Each component contributes to a symphony of flavors that are as comforting as they are sophisticated, blending the savory, the tangy, and the creamy into a masterpiece of gastronomy. It’s a celebration of tradition and ingenuity, a tribute to the timeless appeal of Italian cooking that resonates with food lovers everywhere.
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