Name: Italian Chicken Parmesan
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish, providing a lean protein base that is tender and juicy.; 1 cup all-purpose flour: Used for dredging the chicken, it forms the first layer of the crispy breading.; 2 large eggs: Acts as a binding agent, helping the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken.; 2 tablespoons water: Adds moisture to the egg mixture for a smoother coating.; 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs: Provides texture and flavor, contributing to the dish’s signature crunch.; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a rich, nutty flavor and enhances the cheesiness of the dish.; 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Imparts a savory depth that complements the chicken and sauce.; 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a subtle sweetness and flavor complexity to the seasoning mix.; 1 teaspoon dried oregano: A classic Italian herb that infuses the dish with aromatic flavor.; ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the flavors and enhances the overall taste of the dish.; ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and depth to the seasoning.; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For those who enjoy a little heat, this adds a spicy kick.; ½ cup vegetable oil: Required for frying the chicken, ensuring a crispy exterior.; 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used for sautéing garlic and adding richness to the sauce.; 3 cloves garlic, minced: Provides a bold flavor that adds depth to the marinara.; 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes: The base of the sauce that brings all the flavors together.; 1 teaspoon dried basil: A fragrant herb that complements the tomatoes beautifully.; 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds another layer of Italian flavor to the sauce.; ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the sauce.; ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild heat to the sauce.; 1 teaspoon sugar (optional): Helps to balance the natural acidity of the tomatoes.; 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese: The classic melting cheese that adds creaminess and stretch.; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Enhances flavor and adds a slightly crunchy texture when baked.; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (for garnish): Provides a fresh, vibrant finish to the dish.

Description

Try Italian Chicken Parmesan: crispy breaded chicken with marinara sauce and melted cheese. A classic and comforting main dish.

Ingredients

Scale

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish, providing a lean protein base that is tender and juicy.
1 cup all-purpose flour: Used for dredging the chicken, it forms the first layer of the crispy breading.
2 large eggs: Acts as a binding agent, helping the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken.
2 tablespoons water: Adds moisture to the egg mixture for a smoother coating.
1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs: Provides texture and flavor, contributing to the dish’s signature crunch.
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a rich, nutty flavor and enhances the cheesiness of the dish.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Imparts a savory depth that complements the chicken and sauce.
1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a subtle sweetness and flavor complexity to the seasoning mix.
1 teaspoon dried oregano: A classic Italian herb that infuses the dish with aromatic flavor.
½ teaspoon salt: Balances the flavors and enhances the overall taste of the dish.
½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and depth to the seasoning.
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For those who enjoy a little heat, this adds a spicy kick.
½ cup vegetable oil: Required for frying the chicken, ensuring a crispy exterior.

For the Marinara Sauce:

2 tablespoons olive oil: Used for sautéing garlic and adding richness to the sauce.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Provides a bold flavor that adds depth to the marinara.
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes: The base of the sauce that brings all the flavors together.
1 teaspoon dried basil: A fragrant herb that complements the tomatoes beautifully.
1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds another layer of Italian flavor to the sauce.
½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the sauce.
½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild heat to the sauce.
1 teaspoon sugar (optional): Helps to balance the natural acidity of the tomatoes.

For Topping:

1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese: The classic melting cheese that adds creaminess and stretch.
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Enhances flavor and adds a slightly crunchy texture when baked.
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (for garnish): Provides a fresh, vibrant finish to the dish.

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:
- Flatten the chicken breasts: Place each chicken breast between two pieces of plastic wrap and pound them to about ½-inch thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin. This ensures even cooking.
- Season the chicken: Sprinkle both sides of each chicken breast with ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (if using).
Set Up the Breading Station:
- Prepare three separate bowls:
  - Bowl 1: Add 1 cup of flour.
  - Bowl 2: Whisk together 2 large eggs and 2 tablespoons of water.
  - Bowl 3: Mix 1 cup of Italian-style breadcrumbs, ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano.
- Coat each chicken breast: Dredge each piece in flour (shaking off excess), then dip into the egg mixture, and finally coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
Fry the Chicken:
- Heat ½ cup vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the breaded chicken breasts and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Prepare the Marinara Sauce:
- In a saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in 1 (28-ounce) can of crushed tomatoes, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, ½ teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of sugar (if using).
- Simmer on low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Assemble and Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Spread a layer of marinara sauce in a baking dish.
- Place the fried chicken breasts in the dish and top each with more marinara sauce.
- Sprinkle 1 ½ cups of shredded mozzarella cheese and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese generously over the chicken.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve:
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh basil on top.
- Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes.