Imagine a dish that is so delicious, so tempting, that even your mother-in-law asks you for the recipe. Yes, we’re talking about a dish that has the power to win over the most discerning of palates – my famous, mouth-watering, utterly irresistible chicken parmesan! Let’s delve into the secrets of this coveted dish and unleash the chef within you.
Choosing the Perfect Chicken Breast
First things first, the star of our dish – the chicken. It’s essential to choose fresh, plump, and juicy chicken breasts for this recipe. The quality of your chicken will significantly determine the outcome of your dish.
Remember, a well-cooked chicken breast is succulent and tender, not dry or rubbery. So, don’t rush the cooking process. Let the chicken cook on medium heat to ensure it’s cooked thoroughly without getting burnt.
Tip: Flatten the chicken breasts slightly using a meat mallet for even cooking and better texture.
The Magic of Marinade
Now, let’s talk about the marinade, the secret potion that can turn ordinary chicken into a gourmet delight. An excellent marinade not only imparts flavor but also tenderizes the chicken.
For chicken parmesan, I prefer a simple marinade of olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and a touch of Italian seasoning. The trick is to let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, let it sit overnight in the fridge. Trust me, the flavor is worth the wait!
Tip: Use a zip-lock bag to marinate the chicken. It ensures all parts of the chicken are well-coated with the marinade.
Creating a Crispy Coating
The crispy, golden coating is what sets chicken parmesan apart from other chicken dishes. To achieve that perfect crunch, we will use a combination of breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese.
First, dip the marinated chicken in flour, then beaten eggs, and finally, the breadcrumb-parmesan mixture. Each layer adds a different texture and flavor, making your chicken parmesan a memorable experience.
Tip: For a healthier version, you can bake the chicken instead of frying. It will still be crispy and delicious!
And there you have it! A recipe that has been requested by my mother-in-law and loved by all. So, get into your kitchen and start cooking. Remember, the secret lies in the love and effort you put into it. Enjoy!
Mother-in-Law’s Favorite Chicken Parmesan
Course: DinnerCuisine: Italian4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcalA delicious, mouth-watering chicken parmesan recipe that even your mother-in-law will love!
Ingredients
4 chicken breasts
2 cups of breadcrumbs
1 cup of parmesan cheese
2 eggs
1 cup of flour
4 cloves of garlic
2 tablespoons of olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
Directions
- Marinate the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Leave it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
- Dredge the chicken first in flour, then in beaten eggs, and finally in the breadcrumb-parmesan mixture.
- Fry the chicken on medium heat until it’s golden and crispy.
- Serve the chicken parmesan with a side of pasta or salad.
Notes
- For a healthier version, you can bake the chicken at 375 degrees for about 20 minutes instead of frying.
- You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts if you prefer.
- Feel free to adjust the seasoning according to your taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes, you can use chicken thighs if you prefer. They are juicier and more flavorful than chicken breasts.
Q: Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
A: Absolutely! If you want a healthier version, you can bake the chicken at 375 degrees for about 20 minutes or until it’s cooked and crispy.
Q: How long should I marinate the chicken?
A: The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful it will be. So, if you have time, let it marinate overnight in the fridge. If not, at least 30 minutes will do.
Q: Can I use other types of cheese?
A: Parmesan cheese works best for this recipe. However, you can experiment with other hard cheeses like pecorino or grana padano.
