One delicious Italian dish featuring chicken breasts is Chicken Parmesan. Here’s a recipe for a classic and flavorful Chicken Parmesan that you can bake:
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (Italian-seasoned for more flavor)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Olive oil for frying
For the Tomato Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For Assembly:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
- Cooked pasta for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Dredge each chicken breast in flour, dip into beaten eggs, and then coat with a mixture of breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
3. Fry the Chicken:
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Fry the chicken breasts until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Place the browned chicken on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
4. Make the Tomato Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed. Sauté the chopped onion until softened.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer for about 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Assemble the Chicken Parmesan:
- Spoon a layer of tomato sauce over each chicken breast in the skillet.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
6. Bake:
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Serve the Chicken Parmesan over cooked pasta, garnished with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Chicken Parmesan is a comforting and classic Italian dish that’s loved by many. Enjoy this hearty bake with the richness of tomato sauce and melted cheese.