How to Make a Perfect Crispy Chicken Parmesan with a Homemade Tomato Sauce?
Few things are as comforting as a plate of crispy Chicken Parmesan, paired with a generous serving of fresh homemade tomato sauce. This Italian classic dish is a perfect blend of crispy breadcrumbs, moist chicken, and tangy tomato sauce, and topped with a layer of melted cheese. It’s a dish that you might reserve for the weekend when you have more time to spend in the kitchen. However, with our simplified process and clear instructions, this dish will be on your dinner table in less than an hour.
Gather Your Ingredients
Before we get started, it’s essential to ensure you have all the necessary ingredients. The quality of ingredients will determine the taste of your Chicken Parmesan. Therefore, select fresh and high-quality produce whenever possible.
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For this recipe, you will need:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs
- 1 cup of Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper
- 4 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of oregano
- 2 cups of fresh tomato sauce
- 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, grated
- Fresh basil leaves
Preparing Chicken Breasts
The first step in making a crispy Chicken Parmesan is preparing the chicken breasts. This involves coating the chicken with flour, egg, and breadcrumbs to give it a crispy crust.
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Firstly, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Then, set up a breading station with three separate bowls for flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs. Coat each chicken breast in flour, shaking off any excess, followed by the egg, and finally the breadcrumbs. Make sure all sides of the chicken are evenly coated.
For an extra layer of flavour, mix a teaspoon of oregano and half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese into the breadcrumbs. This will give your chicken a robust Italian flavour.
Frying the Chicken Breasts
The next step is to fry the chicken breasts until they are golden brown and crispy. Heat 4 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side.
This step is crucial in achieving a crispy chicken as the heat from the oil will crust the breadcrumbs, giving your chicken an impeccable crunch. Remember to give each breast enough space in the pan to prevent them from touching, as this can cause the crust to become soggy.
Preparing a Homemade Tomato Sauce
While your chicken breasts are frying, you can start preparing your homemade tomato sauce. A good tomato sauce is rich, tangy, and full of flavour. It’s the perfect accompaniment to the crispy chicken and melted cheese.
In a saucepan over medium heat, cook 2 cups of tomato sauce seasoned with a pinch of salt and pepper. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes to allow the flavours to meld together.
Assembling and Baking the Chicken Parmesan
Once your chicken is crispy and your sauce is simmering, it’s time to assemble the dish. Preheat your oven to 200 degrees Celsius.
Place the fried chicken breasts in a baking dish and spoon a generous amount of tomato sauce over each breast. Sprinkle with grated mozzarella cheese and the rest of the Parmesan cheese.
Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden. During the last few minutes of baking, you can broil the chicken to get a beautifully browned and bubbly top.
Finally, garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. Your crispy Chicken Parmesan with homemade tomato sauce is now ready to be enjoyed! The combination of crunchy coated chicken, tangy tomato sauce, and melted cheese is something you and your family will love.
In less than an hour, you have a delicious and satisfying Italian meal at your table. The key lies in the quality of your ingredients and the love you put into making this dish. Enjoy your cooking adventure and buon appetito!
Handling the Leftovers
Leftovers, if any, can be a blessing in disguise. A reheated Chicken Parmesan can taste just as good, if not better, with the flavours having ample time to soak into the chicken. To reheat, preheat your oven to 175 degrees Celsius and place the leftover Chicken Parmesan in a baking dish. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the chicken is heated through.
Remember, when storing leftovers, ensure that the chicken parmigiana has cooled down completely before refrigerating. Using an airtight container will keep your leftovers fresh and prevent any potential cross-contamination. The chicken can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Chicken Parmesan also makes great sandwich fillings the next day. Just slice the chicken breast, layer it with some leftover marinara sauce and a slice of mozzarella cheese between two slices of bread, and your delicious sandwich is ready.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken Parmesan is usually served with pasta, but it can also be paired with a side of garlic bread or a crisp, green salad for a lighter option. If serving with pasta, cook it according to the package instructions while your chicken is baking. Toss the cooked pasta in some of the homemade tomato sauce for added flavor.
If you prefer a bit of a kick, sprinkle some red chili flakes on top of your Chicken Parmesan. Pair this meal with a glass of your favourite red or white wine to enhance the Italian dining experience.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the secret to a perfect Chicken Parmesan is in the homemade tomato sauce, the quality of the chicken breasts, and the time you spend making it. With this recipe, you can have a restaurant-quality chicken parm on your dinner table in less than an hour.
Remember, use fresh and high-quality ingredients wherever possible. It may seem like a lot of work, but the end result is truly rewarding. The crispy chicken, coupled with the tangy tomato sauce and the melted cheese, creates a symphony of flavors in your mouth that is hard to resist.
So go ahead, roll up your sleeves, and get cooking! It’s time to impress your family and friends with your culinary skills. And who knows? This might just become your new favorite dish to make on the weekends. Enjoy your Chicken Parmesan and remember, there’s no right or wrong when it comes to cooking – it’s all about having fun and creating something delicious. Buon appetito!