Parmesan chicken

 Parmesan chicken

## 🧀🍗 Parmesan Chicken: Crispy, Juicy, and Loaded with Flavor

**Parmesan Chicken**, also known as **Chicken Parmigiana**, is one of those timeless dishes that’s just as at home on a cozy weeknight table as it is at a family celebration. It features tender chicken breasts that are breaded with a flavorful Parmesan crust, pan-fried or baked to golden perfection, then topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese.

Served over pasta, on a sandwich, or alongside veggies — it’s comfort food at its best.

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## 🧾 Ingredients

### For the Chicken:

* **2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts**

  *Pounded to even thickness or sliced into cutlets.*

* **½ cup all-purpose flour**

  *Helps the egg and crumbs stick for a crispy crust.*

* **2 large eggs**, beaten

  *Creates a sticky surface for the breadcrumbs.*

* **¾ cup Italian-style breadcrumbs**

  *Adds crunch and seasoning.*

* **½ cup grated Parmesan cheese**

  *Gives the chicken its rich, salty flavor.*

* **Salt and black pepper**, to taste

* **1 teaspoon garlic powder** *(optional)*

* **2 tablespoons olive oil**

  *For pan-frying the chicken (or use more for shallow fry).*

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### For Topping:

* **1 cup marinara sauce**

  *Rich and tomatoey — choose your favorite.*

* **1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese**

  *Melts beautifully over the saucy chicken.*

* **2 tablespoons fresh basil or parsley**, chopped *(optional garnish)*

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## 👩‍🍳 Instructions

### 🔹 1. Prep the Chicken

* Slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally to create 4 thinner cutlets.

* Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder on both sides.

### 🔹 2. Bread the Chicken

* Set up 3 bowls:

  1. Flour

  2. Beaten eggs

  3. Breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan

* Dredge each piece of chicken in flour → dip in egg → coat in breadcrumb mixture. Press to adhere well.

### 🔹 3. Cook the Chicken

* Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

* Add chicken and cook for **3–4 minutes per side**, until golden brown and cooked through.

* Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate or baking dish.

### 🔹 4. Top and Bake

* Preheat oven to **400°F (200°C)**.

* Place cooked chicken in a baking dish, spoon **marinara sauce** over each piece, then top with **mozzarella**.

* Bake for **10–12 minutes**, or until cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.

### 🔹 5. Garnish and Serve

* Sprinkle with **fresh basil or parsley** and serve hot!

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## 🍽️ Serving Suggestions

* Over a bed of **spaghetti or penne pasta**

* Tucked into a crusty roll for a **Chicken Parm sandwich**

* With a side of **garlic bread** and **Caesar salad**

* Serve with **roasted vegetables** for a lighter option

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## 💡 Tips & Variations

* **Baked version**: Skip frying and bake breaded chicken at 425°F for 20 minutes before adding sauce and cheese.

* **Gluten-free**: Use GF flour and breadcrumbs.

* **Spicy kick**: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara.

* **Crispier option**: Broil for 2 minutes after baking to brown the cheese topping.