Chicken garlic parmesan is a popular Italian-American dish that has gained worldwide recognition for its rich flavors and crispy texture. This mouth-watering dish is made with breaded and fried chicken breasts topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese, served with a side of pasta or garlic bread. In this article, we will guide you through the process of cooking chicken garlic parmesan, providing you with tips and tricks to make it a perfect dish for your family and friends.
Ingredients and Equipment Needed
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s take a look at the ingredients and equipment needed to make chicken garlic parmesan.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups breadcrumbs (Panko or regular)
- 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:
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Cutting board
- Meat mallet or rolling pin
- Shallow dish for breading
- Wire rack for draining excess breadcrumbs
- Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
- Oven
Preparing the Chicken Breasts
The first step in cooking chicken garlic parmesan is to prepare the chicken breasts. This involves pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness, seasoning them with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, and then dredging them in flour.
Pounding the Chicken Breasts:
- 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.
- Remove the plastic wrap and season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Dredging the Chicken Breasts in Flour:
- In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Dredge the chicken breasts in the flour mixture, coating them evenly.
Breading the Chicken Breasts
The next step is to bread the chicken breasts. This involves dipping the floured chicken breasts in beaten eggs and then coating them in breadcrumbs.
Dipping the Chicken Breasts in Beaten Eggs:
- In a separate shallow dish, beat the eggs.
- Dip the floured chicken breasts in the beaten eggs, coating them evenly.
Coating the Chicken Breasts in Breadcrumbs:
- In another shallow dish, mix together the breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
- Coat the egg-coated chicken breasts in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing the crumbs onto the chicken to ensure they stick.
Frying the Chicken Breasts
Now that the chicken breasts are breaded, it’s time to fry them. This involves heating olive oil in a large skillet or frying pan and then frying the chicken breasts until they are golden brown and crispy.
Heating the Olive Oil:
- 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 the breaded chicken breasts.
Frying the Chicken Breasts:
- Fry the chicken breasts for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the chicken breasts from the oil and place them on a wire rack to drain excess breadcrumbs.
Assembling and Baking the Chicken Garlic Parmesan
The final step is to assemble and bake the chicken garlic parmesan. This involves placing the fried chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spooning marinara sauce over them, and then topping them with shredded mozzarella cheese.
Assembling the Chicken Garlic Parmesan:
- Place the fried chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Spoon marinara sauce over the chicken breasts.
- Top the chicken breasts with shredded mozzarella cheese.
Baking the Chicken Garlic Parmesan:
- Bake the chicken garlic parmesan in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove the chicken garlic parmesan from the oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
Serving the Chicken Garlic Parmesan
The chicken garlic parmesan is now ready to be served. You can serve it with a side of pasta, garlic bread, or a green salad.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the chicken garlic parmesan with a side of spaghetti or ziti pasta.
- Serve the chicken garlic parmesan with a side of garlic bread or breadsticks.
- Serve the chicken garlic parmesan with a side of a green salad or roasted vegetables.
In conclusion, cooking chicken garlic parmesan is a simple and delicious process that requires just a few ingredients and some basic cooking skills. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create a mouth-watering dish that is sure to please your family and friends.
What is Chicken Garlic Parmesan?
Chicken Garlic 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 often served with pasta, garlic bread, or a green salad. It is a variation of the classic Italian dish Chicken Parmesan, with the added flavor of garlic.
The garlic flavor in Chicken Garlic Parmesan is typically achieved by mixing minced garlic with the breadcrumbs used for breading the chicken, or by sautéing garlic in butter before adding the marinara sauce. Some recipes may also include garlic powder or garlic salt to enhance the flavor. Overall, Chicken Garlic Parmesan is a delicious and satisfying dish that combines the flavors of Italy with the comfort of American cuisine.
What are the ingredients needed for Chicken Garlic Parmesan?
The ingredients needed for Chicken Garlic Parmesan include boneless, skinless chicken breasts, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Some recipes may also include additional ingredients such as chopped parsley, basil, or oregano for added flavor. The type of breadcrumbs used can vary, with some recipes calling for panko breadcrumbs or Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs.
In addition to the ingredients, you will also need a few kitchen tools, such as a cutting board, a meat mallet or rolling pin, a shallow dish for breading, and a skillet or baking dish for cooking the chicken. A cheese grater or microplane may also be necessary for grating the Parmesan cheese. Overall, the ingredients and tools needed for Chicken Garlic Parmesan are readily available and easy to find.
How do I prepare the chicken for breading?
To prepare the chicken for breading, start by pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin. This will help the chicken cook evenly and prevent it from becoming too thick in the middle. Next, season the chicken with salt and pepper on both sides. If desired, you can also sprinkle the chicken with garlic powder or Italian seasoning for added flavor.
Once the chicken is seasoned, dip each breast in beaten eggs or buttermilk to help the breadcrumbs adhere. Then, coat the chicken in breadcrumbs, pressing the crumbs gently onto the chicken to ensure they stick. Place the breaded chicken on a plate or tray and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the breadcrumbs to set.
How do I cook the chicken for Chicken Garlic Parmesan?
There are two common methods for cooking the chicken for Chicken Garlic Parmesan: pan-frying and baking. To pan-fry the chicken, heat a skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. To bake the chicken, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and cook the chicken for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
Regardless of the cooking method, it’s essential to cook the chicken to an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety. Once the chicken is cooked, top it with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese, and serve hot.
What is the best way to melt the mozzarella cheese?
The best way to melt the mozzarella cheese for Chicken Garlic Parmesan is to place the chicken under the broiler for a few minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Alternatively, you can place the chicken in a hot oven (around 400°F or 200°C) for a few minutes, or until the cheese is melted. Some recipes may also call for melting the cheese in a skillet on the stovetop, but this method can be tricky and may result in burnt cheese.
To ensure the cheese melts evenly, it’s essential to use high-quality mozzarella cheese that is designed for melting. Fresh mozzarella or buffalo mozzarella work well for Chicken Garlic Parmesan, as they have a high moisture content and a smooth texture that melts beautifully.
Can I make Chicken Garlic Parmesan ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Chicken Garlic Parmesan ahead of time, but it’s essential to follow some guidelines to ensure the dish remains fresh and flavorful. To make the dish ahead of time, prepare the chicken and breadcrumbs as instructed, but do not cook the chicken. Instead, refrigerate or freeze the breaded chicken for later use.
When you’re ready to cook the chicken, simply pan-fry or bake it as instructed, and top it with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. You can also prepare the marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese ahead of time, but it’s best to assemble the dish just before serving to ensure the cheese is melted and the sauce is hot.
How do I serve Chicken Garlic Parmesan?
Chicken Garlic Parmesan is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Some popular options include serving the chicken with pasta, such as spaghetti or ziti, and topping it with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. You can also serve the chicken with garlic bread or a green salad for a lighter option.
To add some extra flavor and texture to the dish, consider serving the chicken with some sautéed vegetables, such as broccoli or bell peppers, or some roasted potatoes. Whatever you choose, be sure to serve the chicken hot and enjoy the ooey-gooey melted mozzarella cheese.