chicken parmigiana original recipe

Written BySheba G Updated On
chicken parmigiana original recipe
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The Best chicken parmigiana original recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my family’s favorite chicken parmigiana original recipe. This dish has been a staple in our household for years, and I’m sure it will become a favorite in yours too. The story behind this recipe is quite fascinating – it originated in Italy, where it was known as ‘chicken cacciatora’ or ‘hunter-style chicken.’

Over time, the name was changed to ‘parmigiana’ due to the region’s famous parmesan cheese. The dish itself is a masterclass in simplicity and flavor combination, with breaded chicken breasts, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese coming together to create a truly satisfying meal. As a busy mom, I appreciate how easy this recipe is to make – just breading the chicken breasts takes minutes, and the rest of the preparation is straightforward.

The result is a dish that’s both comforting and elegant at the same time. My kids love helping me prepare this meal, as they get to coat the chicken with breadcrumbs and watch it transform into a golden-brown masterpiece. One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility.

It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion like Sunday lunch. Plus, it’s an excellent way to get your kids to eat more vegetables – just serve it with some steamed broccoli or green beans on the side! In terms of health benefits, this dish is relatively low in calories and fat compared to other meat-based meals.

Of course, you can always adjust the portion sizes and ingredients to suit your family’s dietary needs. I must confess that I’ve tried many variations of this recipe over the years, but I always come back to this original version. There’s something about the way the flavors meld together that just can’t be beat.

Whether you’re serving it at home or taking it to a potluck dinner, I guarantee that everyone will be asking for seconds.

Chicken Parmigiana Original Recipe

Chicken Parmigiana Original Recipe

4.6 from 1572 votes

Chicken Parmigiana is a classic Italian-American dish featuring breaded chicken cutlets topped with tomato sauce, melted cheese, and baked to perfection. This dish is comforting, flavorful, and perfect for a family meal.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Breading

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
2 eggs
2 cups breadcrumbs

For the Sauce

1 cup tomato sauce
1 can crushed tomatoes
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1 tbsp olive oil
salt and pepper to taste

For the Assembly

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp olive oil

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat the oven to 450°F.
2This will ensure the chicken cooks evenly and the cheese melts perfectly.
3Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
4In a shallow bowl, combine flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
5In another bowl, beat the eggs.
6In a third bowl, place the breadcrumbs.
7This will create a breading station for the chicken.
8Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, ensuring it is fully coated.
9Shake off any excess flour.
10Next, dip the chicken into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
11Finally, press the chicken into the breadcrumbs, ensuring it is fully coated.
12Place the breaded chicken on the prepared baking sheet.
13In a skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.
14Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
15Add the tomato sauce and crushed tomatoes, stir well to combine.
16Season with oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
17Simmer the sauce for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
18Drizzle 1 tbsp of olive oil over the breaded chicken.
19Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
20The internal temperature should reach 165°F.
21Remove the chicken from the oven and spoon the tomato sauce evenly over each chicken breast.
22Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the sauce-covered chicken.
23Return the chicken to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
24The top should be lightly golden.
25Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
26This allows the cheese to set slightly and makes it easier to slice.
27Serve the Chicken Parmigiana hot, garnished with fresh basil if desired.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Baking sheet
Oven
Skillet
Tongs

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: You can substitute whole wheat flour for a healthier option. For extra crispiness, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs. To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.

This chicken parmigiana original recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting friends for dinner or just want a delicious meal for your family.

One great thing about this dish is its storage capabilities: once cooled down completely, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 2 months.

When reheating leftovers or serving portions straight from the freezer, simply thaw them first by leaving them at room temperature for about an hour before reheating in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Parmigiana Original

1. What type of cheese should I use for this recipe?

For an authentic Italian flavor, I recommend using Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese – it has a rich, nutty taste that pairs perfectly with the marinara sauce.

2. Can I use boneless chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can definitely use boneless chicken breasts if that’s what you have on hand. However, keep in mind that they might cook slightly faster than thighs.

3. How do I prevent the breadcrumbs from becoming soggy?

To avoid sogginess, make sure to coat the chicken breasts evenly with breadcrumbs before frying them.

4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare all the components (marinara sauce, breading mixture) ahead of time and store them in separate containers in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

5. Why do you recommend using fresh mozzarella instead of shredded mozzarella?

Fresh mozzarella has a creamier texture and a more delicate flavor than shredded mozzarella – it really makes a difference in this recipe!

Hi, I’m Sheba G, the creator behind **Sheba’s Recipe**, where I share my favorite homemade dishes and easy recipes anyone can try. I love experimenting in the kitchen and helping others enjoy simple, flavorful meals with confidence.

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