I can provide you with a popular and delicious recipe that many people enjoy: "Chicken Parmesan" or "Chicken Parmigiana." It's a classic Italian-American dish that features breaded and fried chicken cutlets topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese. Here's a step-by-step preparation method:
Chicken Parmesan
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups breadcrumbs (you can use Italian breadcrumbs for extra flavor)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Olive oil for frying
- Cooking spray
Instructions:
Prepare the Chicken:
- Start by pounding the chicken breasts between plastic wrap or in a resealable plastic bag until they are an even thickness (about 1/2 inch thick). This step ensures even cooking and tenderness.
Season the Chicken:
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
Set Up Breading Stations:
- In three separate shallow dishes, set up your breading stations. Place the flour in one, beat the eggs in another, and mix the breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan cheese in the third dish.
Bread the Chicken:
- Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess.
- Dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Coat the chicken thoroughly with the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture, pressing the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to adhere.
Fry the Chicken:
- In a large skillet, heat about 1/4 inch of olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Fry the breaded chicken in batches, about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Place the cooked chicken on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Assemble the Dish:
- In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce to coat the bottom.
- Place the fried chicken breasts in the dish.
- Spoon additional marinara sauce over each chicken breast, covering them completely.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the sauce.
Bake the Chicken Parmesan:
- Bake the dish in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
- Serve the Chicken Parmesan over pasta or with a side of garlic bread or a salad.
Enjoy your homemade Chicken Parmesan! It's a comforting and satisfying dish that's sure to please your family and friends.