Indulge in the rich, comforting flavors of this classic Italian dish that's a favorite across the globe. Made with succulent chicken breasts, smothered in a robust tomato sauce and topped with melty parmesan, our classic Chicken Parmigiana is sure to please your palate.
Most of these ingredients are likely already in your pantry; however, make sure to have crushed tomatoes on hand as they form the base of the hearty sauce in this recipe. You'll also need thin linguine, which serves as the perfect bed for our chicken parmigiana, and fresh parsley that adds a delightful, bright contrast. Don't forget to pick up chicken breasts and parmesan cheese, the stars of the show.
Ingredients for Classic Chicken Parmigiana
Flour: A staple ingredient used to lightly coat the chicken, giving it a beautiful golden-brown crust when fried.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the other ingredients.
Chicken breasts: The main protein in this dish, which is made tender and juicy by pounding flat before cooking.
Linguine: Thin pasta that pairs perfectly with the robust tomato sauce and succulent chicken.
Olive oil and Butter: Used to fry the chicken and sauté the garlic, creating a rich base flavor.
Garlic: Adds a distinct, aromatic flavor that permeates the sauce.
Onion powder: Provides a subtle sweetness and depth of taste to the sauce.
Chicken stock: Enhances the savory flavor of the sauce.
Crushed tomatoes: The primary ingredient of the sauce, lending a rich and hearty taste.
Sugar: Used to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
Parsley: Freshly chopped parsley adds a pop of color and a refreshing taste that complements the rich sauce perfectly.
Parmesan cheese: The key ingredient that gives this dish its name, it's grated and melted over the chicken for a gooey, cheesy finish.
One reader, Chickie Blanchard says:
This classic chicken parmigiana recipe is a winner! The chicken turned out tender and flavorful, and the sauce was rich and delicious. The combination of crispy chicken, savory sauce, and melted cheese was simply divine. It's definitely a family favorite now!
Mastering the Techniques for Classic Chicken Parmigiana
How to pound chicken breasts: Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound them to an even thickness, about 1/2 inch thick. This helps the chicken cook evenly and tenderizes the meat.
How to fry chicken breasts: Heat the oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
How to make tomato sauce: After removing the chicken from the skillet, add garlic and onion powder to the remaining oil and butter. Then, add chicken stock and cook for 2-3 minutes. Add the crushed tomatoes and sugar to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook on low for 25-30 minutes. Add parsley in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
How to assemble chicken parmigiana: Once the sauce is ready, add the chicken breasts back to the skillet and top them with grated parmesan cheese. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook until the cheese is melted and the chicken is heated through. Serve the chicken over cooked linguine, spooning the sauce over the top, and garnish with additional parsley and parmesan cheese if desired.
How To Make Chicken Parmigiana
A classic pasta dish, chicken parmigiana is breaded chicken fried until crispy and served on top of pasta with rich tomato sauce.
Serves:
Ingredients
- ½cupflour
- salt and pepper
- 8chicken breasts,trimmed and pounded flat
- 1lbthin linguine
- ½cupolive oil
- 2tbspbutter
- 4tspgarlic,minced
- 1tsponion powder
- ¾cupschicken stock
- 43½oztomatoes,crushed
- 1tbspsugar
- ½cupparsley,freshly chopped, plus more for serving
- 1½cupsparmesan cheese,grated
Instructions
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Mix flour, salt and pepper on a plate.
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Dip chicken breasts in flour mixture until coated on the front and back. Set aside.
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Cook linguine as instructed on box.
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In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter on medium heat.
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Fry chicken breasts in the oil and butter mixture for 3 to 4 minutes on each side. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
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Add garlic and onion powder to the remaining oil and butter mixture. Add chicken stock and cook for 2 to 3 minutes.
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Add the crushed tomatoes and sugar to the skillet. Add salt and pepper to taste. Cook on low for 25 to 30 minutes.
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With 5 minutes left, add parsley.
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Add chicken breasts to the sauce and cover with grated Parmesan cheese. Put on the lid to the skillet and cook until the cheese starts to bubble. Simmer until the cheese is melted and the chicken is cooked through.
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Add noodles to a plate and pour sauce over the noodles. Place a chicken breast over the top. Add more parsley and Parmesan Cheese if desired.
Nutrition
- Calories: 842.03kcal
- Fat: 41.27g
- Saturated Fat: 13.20g
- Trans Fat: 0.30g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 19.64g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 5.65g
- Carbohydrates: 59.39g
- Fiber: 4.43g
- Sugar: 7.80g
- Protein: 56.78g
- Cholesterol: 138.63mg
- Sodium: 1089.51mg
- Calcium: 394.85mg
- Potassium: 981.31mg
- Iron: 3.29mg
- Vitamin A: 204.89µg
- Vitamin C: 26.66mg
Expert Advice for Perfecting Your Chicken Parmigiana
When frying the chicken breasts, ensure that your pan is hot enough before adding the chicken. This will help to seal in the juices and give the chicken a nice golden color. However, be careful not to have the heat too high as this can cause the chicken to burn on the outside before it is fully cooked on the inside. A medium heat is usually best. Also, do not overcrowd the pan. Cook the chicken in batches if necessary. Overcrowding the pan can lower the temperature and cause the chicken to steam rather than fry, preventing that desirable crispy coating.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Chicken Parmigiana
Prep ahead: Chop vegetables, measure ingredients, and prepare what you can in advance to streamline the cooking process.
One-pot wonders: Look for recipes that allow you to cook everything in a single pot or pan to minimize cleanup and save time.
Batch cooking: Make larger portions and freeze the extra for quick and easy meals on busy days.
Kitchen organization: Keep your kitchen tidy and organized to easily find ingredients and tools, saving time during meal preparation.
Efficient multitasking: Plan your cooking process to maximize efficiency, such as chopping vegetables while something is simmering on the stove.
Substitute Ingredients For Chicken Parmigiana Recipe
flour - Substitute with almond flour: Almond flour can be used as a gluten-free alternative to regular flour, and it adds a nutty flavor to the dish.
linguine - Substitute with spaghetti squash: Spaghetti squash can be used as a low-carb, gluten-free alternative to pasta, adding a different texture and flavor to the dish.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a mild flavor, making it a suitable substitute for olive oil in this recipe.
butter - Substitute with ghee: Ghee is clarified butter and can be used as a substitute for butter, adding a rich, nutty flavor to the dish.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a convenient substitute for fresh garlic, providing a milder flavor.
chicken stock - Substitute with vegetable stock: Vegetable stock can be used as a vegetarian alternative to chicken stock, adding depth of flavor to the dish.
crushed tomatoes - Substitute with tomato sauce: Tomato sauce can be used as a smoother alternative to crushed tomatoes, providing a different texture to the dish.
parmesan cheese - Substitute with pecorino Romano: Pecorino Romano is a suitable substitute for Parmesan cheese, offering a similar salty and tangy flavor.
Plating Ideas for Chicken Parmigiana
Elevate the chicken parmigiana: Carefully layer the linguine on the plate, creating a nest-like base for the chicken. Place the chicken breast on top, ensuring it is positioned at a slight angle for visual appeal.
Garnish with fresh parsley: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the chicken parmigiana to add a pop of color and a hint of freshness to the dish.
Drizzle with olive oil: Just before serving, drizzle a small amount of high-quality olive oil over the chicken parmigiana to enhance the flavors and add a touch of elegance.
Sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese: Generously sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the dish, allowing it to cascade down the sides of the chicken for a visually stunning presentation.
Serve with a side of linguine: Place a small portion of the cooked linguine next to the chicken parmigiana, ensuring it is neatly arranged to complement the main dish.
Use a fine dining plate: Select a pristine, white, fine dining plate to showcase the vibrant colors and textures of the chicken parmigiana.
Add a touch of microgreens: Garnish the dish with a delicate scattering of microgreens to add a subtle, sophisticated touch to the presentation.
Create a sauce swirl: Using a spoon, carefully create a decorative swirl of the tomato sauce on the plate, framing the chicken parmigiana beautifully.
Incorporate edible flowers: Introduce a few carefully placed edible flowers to the plate for a touch of elegance and a visually stunning finish.
Use a minimalist approach: Embrace a minimalist plating style, allowing the vibrant colors and textures of the dish to take center stage, creating a visually striking presentation.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Chicken Parmigiana
- Flour: Used to coat the chicken breasts before frying, adding a crispy texture to the dish.
- Skillet: A large, flat-bottomed pan used for frying the chicken and preparing the sauce.
- Plate: Used for coating the chicken breasts in the flour mixture before cooking.
- Tongs: Used for flipping and removing the chicken breasts from the skillet.
- Lid: Used to cover the skillet while the chicken parmigiana simmers, helping to melt the cheese and cook the chicken through.
Storing and Freezing Chicken Parmigiana for Later
- Let the chicken parmigiana cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent the sauce from becoming watery and the breading from getting soggy.
- To store in the refrigerator, place the cooled chicken parmigiana in an airtight container. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days.
- If you want to freeze the chicken parmigiana, follow these steps:
- Wrap each piece of chicken individually in plastic wrap, making sure it's tightly sealed.
- Place the wrapped chicken pieces in a freezer-safe container or a resealable freezer bag. If using a bag, remove as much air as possible before sealing.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
- To reheat frozen chicken parmigiana:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove the desired number of chicken pieces from the freezer and unwrap them.
- Place the frozen chicken in a baking dish and cover with foil.
- Bake for about 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. The exact time will depend on the thickness of the chicken and the efficiency of your oven.
- If you want a crispier breading, remove the foil for the last 5-10 minutes of baking.
- Alternatively, you can reheat the chicken parmigiana in the microwave, but the breading won't be as crispy. Place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
Reheating Chicken Parmigiana for Optimal Taste
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover chicken parmigiana in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. This method helps to retain the moisture in the chicken and prevents it from drying out.
If you have a microwave-safe dish, you can reheat the chicken parmigiana in the microwave. Place the chicken in the dish and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the cheese is melted. Be careful not to overheat the chicken, as it can become rubbery.
For a crispy texture, you can reheat the chicken parmigiana in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and place the chicken in the basket. Cook for 3-5 minutes or until the chicken is heated through and the breadcrumbs are crispy.
If you have a stovetop grill pan, you can reheat the chicken parmigiana on the grill. Preheat the grill pan over medium-high heat and place the chicken on the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until the chicken is heated through and the cheese is melted. This method adds a nice smoky flavor to the dish.
For a quick and easy method, you can reheat the chicken parmigiana in a skillet on the stovetop. Place the chicken in the skillet and cover it with a lid. Cook over medium heat for 3-5 minutes or until the chicken is heated through and the cheese is melted. You can add a splash of chicken broth or water to the skillet to prevent the chicken from drying out.
Interesting Trivia About Chicken Parmigiana
The classic Chicken Parmigiana recipe is a popular Italian-American dish that originated in the United States, not Italy. It is a variation of the traditional Italian dish, Eggplant Parmigiana. The dish is also known as Chicken Parmesan and typically consists of breaded chicken cutlets topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese. Despite its Italian-sounding name, Chicken Parmigiana is a product of Italian immigrants adapting their traditional recipes to American ingredients, making it a beloved comfort food in the United States.
Budget-Friendly: Making Chicken Parmigiana at Home
The cost-effectiveness of this chicken parmigiana recipe largely depends on the availability and cost of ingredients in your area. Chicken, flour, and tomatoes are generally affordable, but the use of parmesan cheese and olive oil may increase the overall cost. Considering the portion size and the fact that it serves 4 people, the approximate cost for a household of 4 would be around $25-$30. As for the overall verdict, this classic chicken parmigiana recipe rates a solid 8. Its delicious flavors and hearty portions make it a great choice for a family meal.
Is Chicken Parmigiana Healthy or Unhealthy?
This classic chicken parmigiana recipe, while undeniably delicious, leans more towards the unhealthy side due to several factors:
- The chicken is coated in flour and fried in a mixture of olive oil and butter, which adds extra calories and unhealthy fats.
- The sauce contains a significant amount of crushed tomatoes and sugar, potentially increasing the overall sugar content of the dish.
- With 1 1/2 cups of parmesan cheese, the recipe is high in saturated fats and sodium.
- The serving size of the chicken breasts is not specified, but 8 chicken breasts for 4 servings could be considered a large portion, leading to overconsumption of calories.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Instead of frying the chicken, try baking it in the oven with a light coating of olive oil cooking spray. This will reduce the amount of oil needed and cut down on extra calories and unhealthy fats.
- Reduce the amount of sugar in the sauce or opt for a sugar-free alternative to lower the overall sugar content of the dish.
- Use a reduced-fat parmesan cheese or decrease the amount used to minimize the saturated fat and sodium content.
- Specify a reasonable serving size for the chicken breasts, such as 4-6 ounces per person, to promote portion control and prevent overconsumption of calories.
- Increase the vegetable content by adding sautéed spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to the sauce or as a side dish to boost the nutritional value of the meal.
Our Editor's Opinion on This Chicken Parmigiana Recipe
This classic chicken parmigiana recipe is a delightful combination of crispy chicken, flavorful tomato sauce, and tender linguine. The dish offers a satisfying balance of textures and tastes, with the chicken breasts being perfectly cooked and coated in a rich, savory sauce. The addition of garlic, onion powder, and fresh parsley elevates the flavors, while the generous sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese adds a delightful finish. This recipe is a timeless favorite that is sure to impress and satisfy anyone looking for a comforting and delicious meal.
Enhance Your Chicken Parmigiana Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Appetizer and Dessert Ideas to Complement Your Chicken Parmigiana
Why trust this Chicken Parmigiana Recipe:
This classic chicken parmigiana recipe is a timeless favorite, guaranteed to satisfy your cravings for a hearty and flavorful meal. The combination of tender chicken breasts coated in a crispy flour mixture, paired with a rich and savory tomato sauce infused with aromatic garlic and onion powder, creates a truly irresistible dish. The addition of parmesan cheese and fresh parsley elevates the flavors to perfection. Trust in the traditional cooking techniques and quality ingredients used in this recipe to deliver a delicious and comforting dining experience.
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