Master the art of chicken parmesan with our foolproof marinara sauce recipe

Chicken parmesan, a beloved Italian-American dish, is a culinary delight that combines crispy chicken with rich marinara sauce and melted cheese. If you’re craving this classic, here’s a comprehensive guide on how to make chicken parmesan with marinara sauce at home:

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced into thin cutlets)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg, beaten

For the Marinara Sauce:

• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Assembly:

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

• Season the chicken cutlets with salt and pepper.
• In a shallow dish, combine the flour, Parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs.
• Dip the chicken cutlets into the flour mixture, coating them evenly.
• Dip the coated cutlets into the egg, then back into the flour mixture.

2. Fry the Chicken:

• Heat 1/4 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add the chicken cutlets and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
• Remove the chicken from the skillet and drain on paper towels.

3. Make the Marinara Sauce:

• In a medium saucepan, combine the crushed tomatoes, onion, garlic, oregano, basil, sugar, salt, and pepper.
• Bring to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until thickened.

4. Assemble the Chicken Parmesan:

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce.
• Top with the fried chicken cutlets.
• Spread the remaining marinara sauce over the chicken.
• Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
• Top with the grated Parmesan cheese.

5. Bake:

• Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Remove from the oven and let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

• Serve the chicken parmesan with your favorite sides, such as pasta, breadsticks, or a side salad.

Tips for the Perfect Chicken Parmesan:

• Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
• Don’t overcrowd the skillet when frying the chicken.
• Cook the marinara sauce until it has thickened to prevent a watery dish.
• Use a generous amount of cheese for a rich and flavorful dish.
• Let the chicken parmesan stand before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Variations:

• Add a layer of cooked spinach or mushrooms to the dish for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Use a different type of cheese, such as provolone or Asiago, for a different flavor profile.
• Serve the chicken parmesan over a bed of spaghetti or linguine for a complete meal.

“The Finishing Touch”:

• Top the chicken parmesan with a sprinkle of fresh basil or oregano for a vibrant and aromatic touch.

Popular Questions

1. Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can use veal or eggplant instead of chicken.

2. Can I make the marinara sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the marinara sauce up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator.

3. How do I reheat chicken parmesan?
You can reheat chicken parmesan in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes per serving.