– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 large eggs
– 2 cups breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-style)
– 1 cup marinara sauce
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
– Olive oil or cooking spray, for frying
Creating this Chicken Parmesan is straightforward if you follow these step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it with olive oil or cooking spray.
2. Prep Chicken: Place chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet to pound them to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
3. Season Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken with salt and black pepper.
4. Prepare Breading Station: Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and the third with breadcrumbs mixed with oregano and garlic powder.
5. Bread the Chicken: Dredge each chicken breast in flour, shaking off excess. Then dip in beaten eggs, followed by coating with breadcrumbs until well covered.
6. Pan-Fry Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
7. Transfer to Baking Dish: Place the fried chicken in the greased baking dish, ensuring they are arranged without overlapping.
8. Add Sauce and Cheese: Spoon marinara sauce evenly over each piece of chicken. Top generously with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
9. Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
10. Rest Before Serving: After taking it out, allow the Chicken Parmesan to rest for 10 minutes. This helps the flavors to meld together and makes it easier to serve.
With these simple steps, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing Chicken Parmesan ready to enjoy!