Welcome back to our Italian Recipe Series! After the delightful simplicity of Spaghetti Carbonara, we’re moving on to another classic that’s a favorite in many households: Chicken Parmesan. This dish features tender chicken breasts coated in a crispy breadcrumb crust, topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese. It’s a perfect combination of flavors and textures that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (optional)
• Salt and pepper
• Olive oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness, about 1/2 inch thick. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Coat the Chicken:
   • Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
   • Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off excess. Dip in the beaten eggs, then coat in the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture, pressing to adhere.
3. Fry the Chicken:
   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the breaded chicken breasts and cook until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
4. Bake the Chicken:
   • Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in a baking dish. Place the fried chicken breasts on top. Spoon additional marinara sauce over each piece and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.
   • Bake in the preheated oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the chicken is cooked through about 20-25 minutes.
5. Serve:
   • Garnish with chopped fresh basil if desired. Serve hot with a side of spaghetti, a green salad, or garlic bread. Enjoy!

Tips for the Perfect Chicken Parmesan:

• Use fresh, high-quality ingredients: Freshly grated Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, along with a good-quality marinara sauce, make all the difference.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: When frying the chicken, work in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking and a crispy crust.
• Finish in the oven: Baking the chicken ensures it’s cooked through and allows the cheese to melt beautifully.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Chicken Parmesan is the epitome of comfort food. The crispy, golden-brown chicken topped with savory marinara sauce and gooey melted cheese is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s hearty, delicious, and perfect for a family dinner or entertaining guests.

Stay Tuned!

We hope you enjoyed this delicious addition to our Italian Recipe Series. Stay tuned for more mouthwatering recipes as we continue to explore the rich and varied world of Italian cuisine. 

Dining Out in the Area

If you are interested in dining out for Italian food, here are a few recommendations in the Orange County/Fredericksburg/Spotsylvania area: 2 Brothers and Bella Cucina in Locust Grove, Itave in Spotsylvania, and Orofino in Fredericksburg.

If you are interested in buying or selling a home in these areas, or anywhere in the region, we at the Licata Group/eXp are your expert real estate advisors! Call us today at 540/735-7998. Learn specifically about Lake of the Woods and search homes in this amenity-rich community at lakeofthewoodsvirginia.com or search homes in the entire region at licatagroup.com.