Craving italian? learn the easy way to cook qfc chicken parmesan

Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of Italy with our comprehensive guide on how to cook QFC chicken parmesan. This classic dish combines crispy chicken, melted cheese, and a rich tomato sauce, creating a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving for more. Whether you’re a seasoned home chef or a novice in the kitchen, this step-by-step guide will empower you to recreate this restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home.

Gathering the Essential Ingredients

Before embarking on this culinary adventure, ensure you have the following ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Mozzarella cheese, shredded

Preparing the Chicken

1. Tenderize the Chicken: Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound the chicken breasts until they are evenly thin.
2. Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper to your taste.
3. Create the Breadcrumb Mixture: In a shallow dish, combine the bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
4. Dredge the Chicken: Dip each chicken breast into the flour, then into the egg, and finally into the breadcrumb mixture. Press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken to ensure they adhere.

Frying the Chicken

1. Heat the Oil: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the breaded chicken breasts in the hot oil and fry for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
3. Drain the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the skillet and drain on paper towels.

Making the Tomato Sauce

1. Sauté the Vegetables: In a medium saucepan, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until softened.
2. Add the Tomatoes: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
3. Simmer the Sauce: Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until thickened.

Assembling the Chicken Parmesan

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Layer the Chicken: Place the fried chicken breasts in a baking dish.
3. Top with Sauce: Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the chicken.
4. Add the Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.

Baking the Chicken Parmesan

1. Bake the Chicken Parmesan: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
2. Rest the Chicken Parmesan: Allow the chicken parmesan to rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Serving the Chicken Parmesan

Serve the chicken parmesan hot with your favorite side dishes. Some classic pairings include spaghetti, garlic bread, or a simple green salad. Enjoy the crispy chicken, melted cheese, and rich tomato sauce that come together to create a truly satisfying meal.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Parmesan

• Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh, boneless, skinless chicken breasts, flavorful tomatoes, and a robust tomato sauce will elevate the dish.
• Don’t overcrowd the skillet: Frying the chicken in batches prevents overcrowding and ensures even cooking.
• Season generously: Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper. They enhance the flavors of all the components.
• Cook the chicken through: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Let the sauce simmer: Simmering the tomato sauce allows the flavors to meld and develop a rich depth.

Variations on Chicken Parmesan

• Eggplant Parmesan: Replace the chicken with sliced eggplant for a vegetarian twist.
• Chicken Milanese: Omit the marinara sauce and serve the fried chicken with a squeeze of lemon juice.
• Chicken Piccata: Sauté the chicken in a lemon-butter sauce for a tangy and flavorful variation.

Basics You Wanted To Know

How can I make my chicken parmesan crispy?

• Ensure the chicken is thoroughly coated in breadcrumbs.
• Fry the chicken in hot oil and don’t overcrowd the skillet.
• Bake the chicken parmesan for the recommended time or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

• Yes, you can substitute mozzarella cheese with other melting cheeses such as provolone, fontina, or a blend of cheeses.

How long can I store leftover chicken parmesan?

• Store leftover chicken parmesan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.