Crave-worthy chicken parmesan with marinara sauce: an easy step-by-step guide

Chicken parmesan, a delectable Italian-American dish, captivates taste buds with its crispy, golden-brown exterior and tender, juicy interior. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a culinary novice, mastering the art of making chicken parmesan with marinara sauce is a culinary adventure that will yield mouthwatering results. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through every step of the process, ensuring that your chicken parmesan becomes a culinary triumph.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded thin
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup bread crumbs

For the Marinara Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Assembly:

• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

• Season the pounded chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
• In a shallow dish, combine the flour, Parmesan cheese, and bread crumbs.
• Dredge the chicken breasts in the flour mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated.

2. Make the Marinara Sauce

• Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
• Add the onion and sauté until softened.
• Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
• Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
• Reduce heat and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.

3. Pan-Fry the Chicken

• Heat 1/4 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Cook the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
• Transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

4. Assemble the Chicken Parmesan

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
• Place the chicken breasts on top of the sauce.
• Top each chicken breast with shredded mozzarella cheese.
• Spoon the remaining marinara sauce over the chicken.

5. Bake

• Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the sauce is heated through.

6. Garnish and Serve

• Sprinkle fresh basil leaves over the chicken parmesan.
• Serve hot with your favorite pasta or bread.

Tips for Success

• For a crispier chicken, double-dredge the chicken in the flour mixture.
• Use a heavy-bottomed skillet for pan-frying the chicken to prevent burning.
• Simmer the marinara sauce for as long as possible to develop a rich, flavorful taste.
• Don’t overcook the chicken, or it will become tough.
• Let the chicken parmesan rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Variations

• Eggplant Parmesan: Replace the chicken breasts with sliced eggplant.
• Veal Parmesan: Use veal cutlets instead of chicken breasts.
• Baked Chicken Parmesan: Instead of pan-frying the chicken, bake it in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes.
• Spicy Chicken Parmesan: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the flour mixture or marinara sauce.
• Creamy Chicken Parmesan: Add 1/2 cup of heavy cream to the marinara sauce.

Healthier Options

• Grilled Chicken Parmesan: Grill the chicken breasts instead of pan-frying them.
• Whole-Wheat Chicken Parmesan: Use whole-wheat flour in the flour mixture.
• Low-Sodium Chicken Parmesan: Use low-sodium crushed tomatoes and marinara sauce.
• Vegetarian Chicken Parmesan: Use tofu or tempeh instead of chicken breasts.
• Gluten-Free Chicken Parmesan: Use gluten-free bread crumbs and flour in the flour mixture.

In a nutshell: A Culinary Masterpiece

With a little patience and attention to detail, you can create a mouthwatering chicken parmesan with marinara sauce that will impress your family and friends. Whether you follow the classic recipe or experiment with variations, this dish is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. So put on your apron, fire up the stove, and embark on the delicious journey of making chicken parmesan with marinara sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the best type of chicken to use for chicken parmesan?
A: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the most popular choice, but you can also use chicken thighs or cutlets.

Q: Can I make the marinara sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the marinara sauce up to 3 days ahead of time. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Q: How do I know when the chicken parmesan is done cooking?
A: The chicken is done cooking when it is golden brown and cooked through. You can check by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Q: What can I serve with chicken parmesan?
A: Chicken parmesan can be served with a variety of side dishes, such as pasta, bread, or salad.

Q: Can I freeze leftover chicken parmesan?
A: Yes, you can freeze leftover chicken parmesan for up to 3 months. Simply wrap the chicken parmesan in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe container.