Classic American Chicken Parmesan Recipe

The classic American chicken parmesan recipe has won the hearts of many with its irresistible combination of crispy chicken, savory tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese. This dish, often served with pasta, is a comfort food staple in numerous households and is also a favorite in Italian-American restaurants across the United States.

Ingredients for Classic American Chicken Parmesan Recipe

To perfect the classic American chicken parmesan recipe, you will need a selection of simple yet delicious ingredients. Here's what you'll need to gather before you start cooking:

Chicken Breasts - 4 medium-sized boneless, skinless
Bread Crumbs - 1 cup (preferably Italian seasoned)
Flour - 1/2 cup, all-purpose
Eggs - 2 large
Parmesan Cheese - 1/2 cup freshly grated
Mozzarella Cheese - 1 cup, shredded
Marinara Sauce - 2 cups (homemade or store-bought)
Olive Oil - 1/4 cup for frying
Salt and Pepper - to taste
Fresh Basil - for garnish (optional)

Preparation for Classic American Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Crafting the perfect classic American chicken parmesan recipe requires attention to detail from preparation to cooking. Follow these essential steps to prepare your ingredients:

Pound the Chicken: Begin by placing the chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Gently pound them with a meat mallet, aiming for an even thickness of about 1/2 inch.
Set Up Dredging Station: Arrange three shallow dishes. Fill the first with flour, the second with beaten eggs seasoned lightly with salt and pepper, and the third with a mixture of breadcrumbs and half of the grated parmesan cheese.

Cooking the Classic American Chicken Parmesan Recipe

The classic American chicken parmesan recipe is cooked to perfection when the chicken achieves a perfect golden crispness and the cheese melts beautifully over a rich bed of marinara sauce. Here’s how to cook it:

Coat the Chicken: Start by dipping each chicken breast into the flour, ensuring an even coat. Shake off any excess and then dip into the egg mixture. Finally, press it into the breadcrumb/parmesan mixture, ensuring an even coating on all sides.
Heat the Oil: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil. Once hot, add the chicken breasts, cooking them in batches if necessary, until both sides are golden brown - approximately 4 minutes per side.
Bake the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the browned chicken breasts in a baking dish. Spread an ample amount of marinara sauce over each piece and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Top with remaining parmesan cheese.
Bake: Transfer the dish to the oven and bake for about 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and beginning to brown.
Garnish and Serve: For an authentic touch, garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. Enjoy your classic American chicken parmesan recipe with pasta or a fresh green salad.