Are you a fan of Italian-American cuisine? Do you love the crispy exterior and juicy interior of a well-cooked chicken parmesan? Look no further! In this article, we’ll take you through a step-by-step video guide on how to cook chicken parmesan like a pro. From preparation to plating, we’ll cover everything you need to know to create this mouth-watering dish.
What is Chicken Parmesan?
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s take a brief look at what chicken parmesan is. Chicken parmesan, also known as chicken parmigiana, is a popular Italian-American dish that consists of breaded and fried chicken breast topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. The dish is often served with pasta, garlic bread, or a green salad.
A Brief History of Chicken Parmesan
Chicken parmesan has its roots in Italian cuisine, specifically in the region of Campania, where the city of Naples is located. The original Italian dish, known as “parmigiana di melanzane,” consisted of breaded and fried eggplant slices topped with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese. Italian immigrants brought this dish to the United States, where it evolved into chicken parmesan, using chicken breast instead of eggplant.
Ingredients and Equipment Needed
Before you start cooking, make sure you have the following ingredients and equipment:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Panko)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Olive oil for frying
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Equipment needed:
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Cutting board
- Meat mallet or rolling pin
- Shallow dish for breading
- Plate or tray for assembling the dish
- Oven-safe baking dish
Preparing the Chicken Breasts
To prepare the chicken breasts, follow these steps:
- Rinse the chicken breasts under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and cover them with plastic wrap.
- Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/4 inch.
The Breading Process
The breading process is a crucial step in making chicken parmesan. Here’s how to do it:
- In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, salt, and pepper.
- In another shallow dish, beat the eggs.
- In a third shallow dish, mix together the breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
- Dip each chicken breast in the flour mixture, coating both sides evenly.
- Dip the floured chicken breast in the eggs, making sure to coat both sides.
- Finally, dip the egg-coated chicken breast in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing the crumbs onto the chicken to ensure they stick.
Frying the Chicken Breasts
To fry the chicken breasts, follow these steps:
- Heat about 1/2 inch of olive oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat.
- When the oil is hot, add two breaded chicken breasts to the skillet.
- Fry the chicken breasts for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Repeat with the remaining two chicken breasts.
Assembling and Baking the Chicken Parmesan
To assemble and bake the chicken parmesan, follow these steps:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In an oven-safe baking dish, spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom.
- Arrange two fried chicken breasts on top of the sauce.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken breasts.
- Repeat the layers, starting with the sauce, then the chicken breasts, and finally the mozzarella cheese.
- Bake the chicken parmesan in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Plating and Serving
To plate and serve the chicken parmesan, follow these steps:
- Remove the chicken parmesan from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Slice the chicken breasts into thin strips.
- Serve the chicken parmesan hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and a side of pasta, garlic bread, or a green salad.
Video Guide
Now that we’ve gone through the step-by-step process of cooking chicken parmesan, let’s take a look at a video guide that demonstrates the entire process. This video guide will show you how to prepare the chicken breasts, bread them, fry them, assemble the dish, and bake it to perfection.
Tips and Variations
Here are some tips and variations to help you make the perfect chicken parmesan:
- Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh breadcrumbs, real Parmesan cheese, and homemade marinara sauce will make a big difference in the flavor and texture of your chicken parmesan.
- Don’t overbread the chicken: Too much breading can make the chicken parmesan heavy and greasy. Use just enough breading to coat the chicken evenly.
- Use a thermometer: Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the chicken breasts. A thermometer will help you achieve the perfect temperature.
- Add some spice: Sprinkle some red pepper flakes or chopped fresh parsley over the chicken parmesan for an extra kick of flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when making chicken parmesan:
- Overcrowding the skillet: Fry the chicken breasts in batches to prevent overcrowding the skillet. This will ensure that the chicken breasts cook evenly and don’t stick together.
- Not using enough oil: Use enough oil to cover the bottom of the skillet and prevent the chicken breasts from sticking.
- Not breading the chicken evenly: Make sure to coat the chicken breasts evenly with the breadcrumb mixture to prevent bare spots.
Conclusion
Cooking chicken parmesan is a straightforward process that requires some basic ingredients and equipment. By following the step-by-step guide outlined in this article and watching the video guide, you’ll be able to create a delicious and authentic Italian-American dish that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Remember to use high-quality ingredients, don’t overbread the chicken, and add some spice to give your chicken parmesan an extra kick of flavor. Happy cooking!
What is Chicken Parmesan and how does it originate?
Chicken Parmesan is a popular Italian-American dish that consists of breaded and fried chicken breasts topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. The dish is believed to have originated in the United States in the mid-20th century, specifically among Italian-American communities in the Northeast.
The name “Parmesan” refers to the Italian city of Parma, which is famous for its Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. However, the dish itself is not a traditional Italian recipe, but rather an Italian-American creation that combines elements of Italian cuisine with American cooking techniques.
What are the essential ingredients for making Chicken Parmesan?
The essential ingredients for making Chicken Parmesan include chicken breasts, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, eggs, marinara sauce, and shredded mozzarella cheese. You will also need olive oil for frying the chicken and salt and pepper for seasoning.
Additionally, you may want to have some fresh basil leaves on hand for garnish, as well as a side of pasta or a green salad to serve with the dish. Some recipes may also call for other ingredients, such as garlic or lemon juice, but these are the basic components of a classic Chicken Parmesan recipe.
How do I prepare the chicken breasts for breading?
To prepare the chicken breasts for breading, you will need to pound them thin to an even thickness. This will help the chicken cook evenly and prevent it from becoming too thick and difficult to bread. You can use a meat mallet or the back of a heavy skillet to pound the chicken breasts.
Once the chicken is pounded thin, you can season it with salt and pepper and prepare it for breading. Make sure to pat the chicken dry with paper towels before breading to remove any excess moisture, which can prevent the breadcrumbs from adhering properly.
What is the best way to bread the chicken breasts?
The best way to bread the chicken breasts is to use a three-step breading process, which involves dredging the chicken in flour, then eggs, and finally breadcrumbs. This will help the breadcrumbs adhere evenly to the chicken and create a crispy exterior.
When breading the chicken, make sure to press the breadcrumbs gently onto the chicken to ensure they stick. You can also use a combination of breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor and texture.
How do I fry the breaded chicken breasts?
To fry the breaded chicken breasts, heat about 1/2 inch of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the breaded chicken breasts and fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet, as this can cause the chicken to steam instead of fry. Fry the chicken in batches if necessary, and keep the fried chicken warm in a low oven while you finish cooking the remaining breasts.
How do I assemble and bake the Chicken Parmesan?
To assemble the Chicken Parmesan, place a fried chicken breast on a baking sheet or in a baking dish, spoon some marinara sauce over the top, and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers one more time, ending with a layer of cheese on top.
Bake the Chicken Parmesan in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. You can also broil the top for an extra minute or two to get a crispy, golden-brown crust.
What are some common mistakes to avoid when making Chicken Parmesan?
One common mistake to avoid when making Chicken Parmesan is overcooking the chicken, which can make it dry and tough. Make sure to cook the chicken until it is just cooked through, and then let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Another mistake is not using enough breadcrumbs or not pressing the breadcrumbs onto the chicken firmly enough, which can cause the breadcrumbs to fall off during frying. Additionally, using low-quality ingredients, such as pre-shredded mozzarella cheese or jarred marinara sauce, can affect the flavor and texture of the dish.