Here is a recipe for a classic dish, Chicken Parmesan, in great detail:
Servings: 4-6 people
Ingredients:
- 4-6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko or regular)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Olive oil for frying
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Equipment:
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Cutting board
- Meat mallet or rolling pin
- Shallow dish for flour
- Shallow dish for breadcrumbs
- Plate for eggs
- Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
- Oven
Instructions:
- Prepare the chicken: Rinse the chicken breasts and pat them dry with paper towels. Season both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Pound the chicken: Place a chicken breast on the cutting board and cover it with plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the chicken to an even thickness of about 1/4 inch. Repeat with the remaining chicken breasts.
- Prepare the flour dish: In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, salt, and a pinch of black pepper.
- Prepare the breadcrumb dish: In another shallow dish, mix together the breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
- Prepare the egg dish: In a separate shallow dish, beat the eggs until they are well mixed.
- Assemble the chicken: Dip a chicken breast in the flour dish, coating both sides evenly. Then, dip the floured chicken in the egg dish, making sure to coat it completely. Finally, roll the egg-coated chicken in the breadcrumb dish, pressing the crumbs gently onto the chicken to help them stick. Repeat with the remaining chicken breasts.
- Fry the chicken: Heat about 1/2 inch of olive oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add a breaded chicken breast and fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until it is golden brown and cooked through. Repeat with the remaining chicken breasts.
- Assemble the Parmesan: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, create a layer of marinara sauce. Arrange a fried chicken breast on top of the sauce, followed by a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat with the remaining chicken breasts.
- Bake the Parmesan: Bake the chicken Parmesan in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve and garnish: Remove the chicken Parmesan from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Slice each breast and serve with a side of marinara sauce and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and enjoy!
Tips and Variations:
- Use fresh breadcrumbs instead of store-bought breadcrumbs for a lighter coating.
- Add some diced onions or bell peppers to the breadcrumb mixture for extra flavor.
- Use different types of cheese, such as provolone or ricotta, for a unique taste.
- Serve the chicken Parmesan with a side of pasta, such as spaghetti or ziti, for a complete meal.
- Make the dish more substantial by adding some sliced meatballs or sautéed vegetables to the marinara sauce.
I hope you enjoy this recipe! Let me know if you have any questions or if you’d like any variations or substitutions.