Amanda’s Parmesan Chicken ๐๐ง
History:
Amanda’s Parmesan Chicken is a delicious and popular dish known for its crispy and flavorful coating of Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs. While there isn’t a specific historical account associated with the dish, it’s a variation of the classic Chicken Parmesan, which has Italian roots. Chicken Parmesan, also known as Chicken Parmigiana, likely originated in southern Italy and has since become a beloved comfort food worldwide. Amanda’s version adds a personal twist to this timeless recipe.
Components:
- Chicken breasts or chicken cutlets
- Parmesan cheese (grated)
- Breadcrumbs
- Egg
- Salt and pepper
- Olive oil
- Marinara sauce (optional)
- Mozzarella cheese (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Steps to Prepare Amanda’s Parmesan Chicken:
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Prep the Chicken: Start by prepping your chicken. You can use chicken breasts or chicken cutlets. If using chicken breasts, you can slice them in half horizontally to make thinner cutlets. Season the chicken with salt and pepper on both sides.
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Coating Mixture: In a shallow bowl, combine a generous amount of grated Parmesan cheese with breadcrumbs. You can adjust the ratio to your liking, but a 1:1 ratio is a good starting point. The Parmesan cheese adds a rich, savory flavor to the coating.
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Egg Wash: In another bowl, beat one or two eggs depending on the amount of chicken you’re cooking. The egg wash will help the breadcrumb mixture adhere to the chicken.
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Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken piece into the egg wash, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, coat the chicken thoroughly with the Parmesan and breadcrumb mixture. Press the mixture onto the chicken to ensure it sticks.
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Pan-Fry: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the coated chicken pieces. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and crispy. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken.
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Optional: Add Marinara and Cheese: If you want to make Chicken Parmesan, you can add marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese to the cooked chicken. Spoon some marinara sauce over each piece of chicken and top with mozzarella cheese. Cover the skillet and cook for a few more minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Serve: Transfer the cooked chicken to a serving plate. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
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Enjoy: Serve Amanda’s Parmesan Chicken hot and enjoy the delicious combination of crispy, cheesy goodness!
Time Needed:
The time required to prepare Amanda’s Parmesan Chicken depends on various factors, including the number of chicken pieces and their thickness. On average, it takes approximately 30-40 minutes from start to finish, including prep time and cooking. This dish is relatively quick and makes for a satisfying meal that the whole family will love! ๐๐ฝ๏ธ๐
Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Amanda’s Parmesan Chicken:
Nutrition Facts (Approximate Values for One Serving):
- Calories: 350-400 kcal (varies based on chicken size and cooking method)
- Protein: 30-35 grams
- Carbohydrates: 10-15 grams (mostly from breadcrumbs)
- Fat: 20-25 grams (mostly from cheese and oil)
- Saturated Fat: 6-8 grams
- Fiber: 1-2 grams
- Sodium: 500-600 milligrams (varies with added salt)
- Sugar: 2-3 grams (if using marinara sauce)
- Cholesterol: 100-120 milligrams
Health Information:
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Protein: Amanda’s Parmesan Chicken is a good source of protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair.
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Carbohydrates: While the dish contains some carbohydrates from breadcrumbs, it is relatively low in carbs compared to pasta-based dishes.
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Fat: The dish has moderate fat content, with most of it coming from the Parmesan cheese and cooking oil. Be mindful of portion sizes if you’re watching your fat intake.
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Saturated Fat: Parmesan cheese is naturally high in saturated fat, so it’s advisable to consume this dish in moderation, especially if you have dietary restrictions related to saturated fats.
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Sodium: The sodium content can vary based on the amount of salt you add and if you use store-bought marinara sauce. Consider low-sodium options for a healthier choice.
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Fiber: The dish is not particularly high in fiber, so consider serving it with a side of vegetables or a salad to increase your fiber intake.
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Cholesterol: Chicken is a good source of lean protein, but be mindful of the cholesterol content, especially if you have specific dietary concerns.
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Customization: You can make this dish healthier by using whole-grain breadcrumbs, lean chicken breast, and a moderate amount of cheese. Additionally, you can control the amount of oil used for cooking.
Remember that the specific nutrition values may vary depending on factors like portion size and ingredient brands. It’s always a good idea to customize recipes to meet your dietary preferences and requirements. ๐๐ง๐ฅฆ๐ฅ
