Chicken Parmigiana Recipe: A Classic Italian Delight
Chicken Parmigiana, also known as Chicken Parmesan, is a beloved Italian-American dish that combines crispy breaded chicken cutlets, a rich homemade tomato sauce, and a melty blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. This comforting and flavorful dish is a perfect choice for a hearty lunch or dinner. With its golden-brown crust and savory tomato sauce, it’s a true crowd-pleaser that can be enjoyed by the whole family.
This step-by-step guide will walk you through making Chicken Parmigiana from scratch, including how to prepare the homemade tomato sauce, how to bread and fry the chicken, and how to bake it to perfection. With a little patience, you’ll have a meal that’s both delicious and satisfying!
Ingredients for Chicken Parmigiana Recipe
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken breasts | 2 (cut into thin slices) |
| Whole wheat bread crumbs | 1/2 cup |
| All-purpose flour (maida) | 4 tablespoons |
| Salt and pepper | 1 teaspoon each |
| Whole egg | 1 |
| Parmesan cheese (grated) | 1/8 cup |
| Mozzarella cheese (grated) | 1/3 cup |
| Homemade tomato puree | 2 cups |
| Onion (chopped) | 1 small |
| Garlic (chopped) | 4 cloves |
| Sugar | 1 teaspoon |
| Red chili powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Red chili flakes | 1 teaspoon |
| Rosemary (dried) | 1 teaspoon |
| Tabasco hot sauce | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sunflower oil | For frying |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~520 kcal |
| Protein | ~40g |
| Carbohydrates | ~30g |
| Fat | ~28g |
| Fiber | ~4g |
| Sodium | ~800mg |
| Cholesterol | ~100mg |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 70 minutes
Servings
- Serves: 2
Instructions for Chicken Parmigiana Recipe
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Prepare the Chicken:
- Begin by thoroughly washing and cleaning the chicken breasts. Cut them into thin slices, about 2 inches wide.
- Use a meat tenderizer to flatten the chicken slices, ensuring they cook evenly and become tender.
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Make the Tomato Sauce:
- Heat a saucepan over medium heat and add a little sunflower oil. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped garlic and sauté it until it turns a golden-brown color.
- Add the chopped onion to the pan and sauté until it softens and begins to sweat.
- Pour in the homemade tomato puree, followed by the sugar, red chili powder, red chili flakes, rosemary, Tabasco hot sauce, and salt. Stir everything together and let the sauce simmer over low heat for about 6-8 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Once done, set the sauce aside to cool.
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Prepare the Breading:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) to get it ready for baking.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour with salt and pepper.
- Crack the egg into a separate bowl and whisk it well.
- Take each piece of chicken and first dredge it in the seasoned flour, making sure to coat it evenly. Then dip it into the egg wash, ensuring the entire surface is coated, followed by a generous coating of the whole wheat breadcrumbs.
-
Fry the Chicken:
- Heat a tawa or frying pan over medium-low flame and add a small amount of sunflower oil.
- Place the breaded chicken slices onto the tawa and fry them until they are golden brown on both sides. You may need to fry the pieces in batches, depending on the size of your pan. Once fried, remove the chicken from the pan and set them aside.
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Assemble the Chicken Parmigiana:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the grated mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Place the fried chicken pieces onto a baking tray. Spoon the tomato sauce over each piece of chicken and then sprinkle the cheese mixture evenly on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is bubbling. If you prefer a more golden-brown top, you can broil it for an additional 1-2 minutes.
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Serve and Garnish:
- Once the cheese has melted, remove the tray from the oven and allow the Chicken Parmigiana to cool for a couple of minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired for a burst of color and freshness.
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Serving Suggestions:
- Serve your homemade Chicken Parmigiana alongside some delicious Bruschetta with Olives & Raisins for an appetizer and a hearty Macaroni Minestrone Soup to complete the meal. End on a sweet note with a delightful Tiramisu for dessert.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Parmigiana:
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Homemade Tomato Puree: If you don’t have homemade tomato puree, you can use store-bought tomato sauce, but a homemade version will elevate the flavor of your dish significantly. Simply blend fresh tomatoes with a little olive oil and seasoning.
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Breading: For extra crispiness, you can double-coat the chicken by repeating the flour, egg, and breadcrumb steps. This ensures a thicker, crunchier crust.
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Cheese Variations: While mozzarella and Parmesan are traditional, you can experiment with other cheeses like provolone or fontina for a richer flavor.
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Baking Tips: If your cheese hasn’t browned as much as you’d like, switch your oven to broil for the last couple of minutes, but keep a close eye to avoid burning the cheese.
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Serving Ideas: Pair with a light side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
This Chicken Parmigiana recipe is the epitome of Italian comfort food. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or a special occasion, it’s sure to impress everyone at the table. Enjoy the crispy breaded chicken, the savory tomato sauce, and the cheesy goodness in every bite!
Bon Appétit!
