Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare the Chicken:
Use a meat mallet to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness. This ensures they cook evenly and stay tender.
Set Up Breading Station:
Prepare three shallow dishes for the breading process:
Dish 1: All-purpose flour.
Dish 2: Beaten eggs.
Dish 3: Breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, dried basil, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Bread the Chicken:
Coat each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess.
Dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, ensuring it is fully coated.
Finally, coat the chicken with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to adhere the breadcrumbs to the chicken.
Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
Cook the breaded chicken breasts until they are golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. They do not need to be fully cooked through at this stage as they will finish cooking in the oven.
Assemble the Dish:
Transfer the browned chicken breasts to a baking dish.
Top each chicken breast with a generous spoonful of marinara sauce.
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
Serve:
Serve the Chicken Parmesan hot, with additional marinara sauce on the side if desired.
Enjoy your meal!
Serving Suggestions:
Pasta: Serve the Chicken Parmesan over a bed of spaghetti or your favorite pasta, tossed with extra marinara sauce.
Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the chicken.
Garlic Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread for a complete Italian-inspired meal.
Notes:
Customize: Feel free to customize the seasoning in the breadcrumb mixture to your taste. You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat or some fresh chopped parsley for added freshness.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain the crispy texture.
Make-Ahead: You can bread the chicken in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to cook. This can help save time when preparing dinner.
Chicken Parmesan is a versatile and satisfying dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table. With its crispy, cheesy, and flavorful profile, it’s a comforting meal that brings a taste of Italy right to your kitchen. Enjoy!
