Bushra Griffith
Chicken Parmesan is a popular Italian-American dish that is surprisingly easy to make at home. The key to a great chicken Parmesan is a crispy crust and a juicy interior, without being soggy from too much sauce and cheese. To achieve this, the chicken is usually breaded with a mixture of breadcrumbs, eggs, and grated Parmesan cheese, before being fried or baked. The choice of cheese is important, with a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan being a popular option, though some recipes also include Provolone. The chicken is then topped with marinara sauce and more cheese, and baked until melted and bubbly. This simple dish can be made ahead of time and is sure to impress any guest.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Chicken | Chicken breasts, cutlets or tenders |
| Breadcrumbs | Panko, plain, gluten-free, whole wheat |
| Eggs | Dredge chicken in flour, then dip in eggs, then dip in breadcrumbs |
| Cheese | Freshly grated Parmesan, shredded mozzarella |
| Sauce | Marinara, served with extra sauce on the side |
| Garnish | Basil, parsley |
| Oven temperature | 350–450°F (175–230°C) |
| Cooking time | 10–20 minutes |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Chicken Parmesan with a crispy crust
Chicken Parmesan is a popular Italian-American dish that is surprisingly easy to make at home. The key to achieving a crispy crust is to avoid using too much sauce and cheese, which can make the dish soggy. Here is a recipe for Chicken Parmesan with a crispy crust that serves four people.
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts, halved through their thickness to create four smaller and thinner portions
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- 2 cups of panko bread crumbs
- 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving (optional)
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for frying
- 2 cups of marinara sauce, for serving
- Basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper.
- Create three dredging stations: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and the third with panko bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Dredge the chicken breasts in flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip them in the egg, followed by the bread crumb mixture, ensuring they are fully coated.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry the breaded chicken until golden brown on both sides, about 1-2 minutes per side.
- Transfer the fried chicken to a wire rack or paper towel to drain any excess oil.
- Spoon marinara sauce over each chicken breast, followed by shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Place the chicken under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully, until the cheese is melted and slightly browned.
- Garnish with basil or parsley, if desired, and serve with the remaining marinara sauce on the side.
Enjoy your crispy and delicious Chicken Parmesan!
Best Parmesan Cheese Alternatives for Your Pasta
You may want to see also
How to avoid sogginess
Chicken Parmesan is a popular Italian-American dish that combines juicy chicken, a crisp crust, and a rich tomato sauce. However, it can be challenging to achieve the desired crispness without ending up with a soggy mess. Here are some tips to avoid sogginess and create a delicious, crispy Chicken Parmesan:
Use a Less-Absorbent Crust:
The traditional breading for Chicken Parmesan consists of flour, egg, and breadcrumbs. However, breadcrumbs are starch-based and readily absorb liquid, leading to a soggy crust. To make a less absorbent crust, reduce the amount of breadcrumbs and increase the amount of grated Parmesan cheese in the breading mixture. Parmesan contains no starch and acts as a moisture barrier, making the crust more crisp and resilient.
Go Easy on the Sauce:
While a generous amount of sauce may seem tempting, it can quickly turn your crispy chicken into a soggy mess. The key is to use just enough sauce to add flavour without overwhelming the dish. Place a small amount of sauce on top of the chicken cutlet, and serve the rest of the sauce on the side. This way, you can still enjoy the sauce without sacrificing crispness.
Switch the Sauce and Cheese Order:
Instead of spooning sauce directly onto the chicken and then adding cheese, try a different approach. Start by sprinkling a layer of shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese onto the chicken. Once the cheese melts, it creates a waterproof barrier that protects the crust from becoming soggy when you add the sauce. This simple switch makes a significant difference in maintaining the crispness of your Chicken Parmesan.
Preheat the Oven:
Ensure your oven is fully preheated to a high temperature, ideally around 450°F (230°C). This step is crucial as it helps the cheese brown slightly and the breading crisp up before the chicken gets overcooked. A hot oven also helps evaporate any excess moisture, reducing the chances of sogginess.
Rest Before Cooking:
Before frying the breaded chicken, let it rest on the counter for about 15 minutes. This step allows the coating to adhere better to the chicken, reducing the chances of sogginess during cooking. It also gives the breading a head start in achieving that desirable crisp texture.
By following these tips, you can enjoy a crispy, flavourful Chicken Parmesan without the sogginess. Remember, it's all about finding the right balance between sauce, cheese, and crispness to create a dish that's both delicious and texturally appealing.
Parmesan Cheese Left Out: Is It Safe to Eat?
You may want to see also
Chicken Parmesan sandwich
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts (boneless and skinless)
- Breadcrumbs (Italian, or plain, Panko or gluten-free)
- Eggs
- Flour
- Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
- Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- Tomato/marinara sauce
- Salt
- Pepper
- Olive oil
- Bread (ciabatta, hoagie rolls, or garlic bread)
Optional Ingredients
- Basil
- Pesto
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Dried basil
- Parsley
Method
- Mix the breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings in a bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs. Place the flour in a third bowl.
- Dredge the chicken by dipping the cutlets in the following order: flour, egg, breadcrumbs, egg, breadcrumbs.
- Fry the breaded chicken until golden brown.
- Toast the bread and drizzle with olive oil.
- Layer the sauce, chicken, and mozzarella on the bread.
- Return to the broiler and cook until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
- Serve immediately.
Tips
- To avoid sogginess, do not put sauce under the chicken cutlets, and go easy on the sauce.
- For extra crunch, let the breaded chicken sit for 15 minutes before frying, and use Panko breadcrumbs mixed with grated Parmesan cheese.
- For a healthier option, bake the chicken instead of frying.
- For a party-sized sandwich, use a sturdier bread like ciabatta.
Parmesan Cheese Turning Orange: What's the Reason?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Chicken Parmesan with mozzarella
Chicken Parmesan is a popular Italian-American dish that is surprisingly easy to make at home. The key to great chicken Parmesan is to avoid making it soggy with too much sauce and cheese. The chicken should be breaded and fried to create a crispy crust, and then topped with just enough sauce and cheese to create a delicious, melty texture.
Ingredients:
- Chicken breasts (boneless and skinless)
- Flour
- Eggs
- Breadcrumbs (Panko or Italian seasoned)
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Marinara sauce
- Basil or parsley (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by pounding the chicken breasts to a uniform thickness of about 1/2 inch. This will help ensure even cooking. Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Set up a dredging station with three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and the third with breadcrumbs mixed with grated Parmesan cheese. You can also add garlic powder to the breadcrumbs for extra flavor. Dredge each chicken breast first in flour, shaking off any excess, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it thoroughly with the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture.
Step 2: Fry the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add enough olive oil to coat the bottom of the pan. Fry the breaded chicken breasts in batches, cooking for about 2 minutes per side, until golden brown. Transfer the fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Preheat your oven to 400-450°F. Place the fried chicken breasts in a baking dish. Top each breast with a spoonful of marinara sauce, followed by shredded mozzarella cheese, and an optional sprinkle of basil or parsley. Drizzle a small amount of olive oil over each breast. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned.
Step 4: Serve
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Chicken Parmesan is often served with a side of pasta and a generous helping of the remaining marinara sauce. Enjoy the crispy, cheesy, and saucy goodness of your homemade Chicken Parmesan with mozzarella!
The Best Places to Find Non-Refrigerated Parmesan Cheese
You may want to see also
Baked Chicken Parmesan
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts
- Breadcrumbs (Italian-seasoned, whole wheat, or gluten-free)
- Parmesan cheese (grated)
- Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- Butter
- Tomato sauce/marinara sauce
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional)
Method
Preheat your oven to 400-450°F. Cut each chicken breast in half lengthwise. Lightly brush the chicken with melted butter, then dip into a bowl of breadcrumbs combined with grated Parmesan cheese. Place the chicken on a baking sheet and spray with a little oil. Bake for 25 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and spoon tomato sauce over each piece, then top with shredded mozzarella cheese. Bake for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and serve with pasta, zucchini noodles, roasted veggies, or a salad.
Tips
- For a crispier crust, fry the breaded chicken in oil before baking.
- To avoid a soggy dish, do not put sauce under the chicken, and go easy on the sauce and cheese.
- For extra flavour, add garlic powder or Italian seasoning to the breadcrumbs.
The Magic of Parmesan: Unlocking Umami
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Chicken parmesan is best cooked by pan-frying and then baking the chicken. This method ensures the chicken is cooked through and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
You will need chicken breasts, eggs, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, and marinara sauce. You can also add basil, oregano, and garlic powder for extra flavour.
To avoid sogginess, do not put any sauce under the chicken. Only add a small amount of sauce on top of the chicken, so the breading stays crisp.
