Learn The Secret To Juicy, Tender Chicken Parmesan Breasts: A Step-by-step Guide

Craving a classic Italian dish that’s both comforting and indulgent? Chicken parmesan is your answer! With its crispy, golden-brown exterior and tender, juicy interior, this dish is a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through every step of how to cook chicken parmesan breast, ensuring you achieve restaurant-quality results at home.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Sauce:

• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

For the Breading:

• 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
• 1/4 cup olive oil

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

• Remove the chicken breasts from the refrigerator and allow them to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes.
• In a shallow dish, combine the flour, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
• Dredge the chicken breasts in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.

2. Make the Sauce

• In a medium saucepan, combine the crushed tomatoes, onion, garlic, oregano, basil, Parmesan cheese, and parsley.
• Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.

3. Prepare the Breading

• In a separate bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, basil, and olive oil.
• Stir until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated with the oil and herbs.

4. Bread the Chicken

• Dip the floured chicken breasts into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
• Shake off any excess breadcrumbs.

5. Pan-Fry the Chicken

• Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add enough olive oil to coat the bottom of the pan.
• Cook the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.

6. Bake the Chicken

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Transfer the chicken breasts to a baking dish and pour the tomato sauce over them.
• Sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

7. Serve and Enjoy

• Remove the chicken parmesan from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
• Garnish with additional chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Tips for Success

• Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
• Don’t overcook the chicken, as it will become dry.
• If you don’t have panko breadcrumbs, you can use regular breadcrumbs.
• Serve with your favorite pasta or bread for a complete meal.

Variations

• Chicken Parmesan with Spinach and Artichoke: Add chopped spinach and artichoke hearts to the sauce.
• Chicken Parmesan with Mushrooms: Sauté some mushrooms and add them to the sauce.
• Chicken Parmesan with Mozzarella: Use mozzarella cheese instead of Parmesan for a creamier flavor.

Popular Questions

1. Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, you can. Chicken thighs are more flavorful and juicy than breasts, but they may take slightly longer to cook.

2. How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should read 165°F (74°C).

3. Can I make chicken parmesan ahead of time?

Yes, you can bread and fry the chicken breasts up to a day in advance. Store them in the refrigerator and bake them when you’re ready to serve.

4. How do I reheat chicken parmesan?

To reheat chicken parmesan, bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.

5. Can I freeze chicken parmesan?

Yes, you can freeze chicken parmesan for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.