Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Why it’s great for your cooking channel: Chicken Parmesan is an ideal recipe for your cooking channel because it’s a beloved classic that appeals to a broad audience. Its preparation involves several fundamental cooking techniques, such as breading, frying, and baking, which are valuable skills for viewers to learn. The vibrant colors of the marinara sauce and melted cheese make for a visually appealing dish that looks fantastic on camera. Additionally, the step-by-step process is straightforward yet comprehensive, making it accessible for beginners while still engaging for more experienced cooks. This recipe also allows for creativity in presentation and pairing with different sides, inspiring viewers to experiment in their own kitchens.
Description: Chicken Parmesan, a classic Italian-American dish, features breaded chicken breasts topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese. It’s crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and rich in flavor. This crowd-pleaser pairs wonderfully with pasta or a fresh green salad, making it a perfect meal for any occasion. It’s an excellent choice for your cooking channel because it’s a beloved favorite that demonstrates essential techniques like breading and frying.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Serving size: Serves 4
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup Italian-style bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
Instructions:
- Prep the Chicken:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper and pound them to an even thickness, about 1/2 inch thick. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Set Up Breading Station:
- Prepare three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of bread crumbs and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
- Prepare three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of bread crumbs and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bread the Chicken:
- Dredge each chicken breast in flour, shaking off excess, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat with the bread crumb-Parmesan mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.
- Dredge each chicken breast in flour, shaking off excess, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat with the bread crumb-Parmesan mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the breaded chicken breasts and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown. Transfer the chicken to a baking dish.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the breaded chicken breasts and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown. Transfer the chicken to a baking dish.
- Assemble and Bake:
- Spoon marinara sauce over each piece of chicken, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese and additional grated Parmesan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the chicken is cooked through.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped basil or parsley, if desired. Serve hot with your favorite pasta or a fresh green salad.
