Chef Gordons Chicken Parmesan

Chicken Parmesan: Breaded and fried chicken cutlets topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese.

Recipe: Chicken Parmesan

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
– 2 large eggs
– 2 cups (200g) bread crumbs (preferably Italian-style)
– 1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 teaspoons dried oregano
– 2 teaspoons dried basil
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– Vegetable oil, for frying

For Assembly:

– 2 cups (480ml) marinara sauce
– 1 1/2 cups (150g) shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
– Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
– Cooked spaghetti or pasta of your choice

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

– Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

– Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides.

2. Create a Breading Station:

– In one shallow bowl, place the flour. In another bowl, beat the eggs. In a third bowl, combine the bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, dried basil, and garlic powder.

3. Bread the Chicken:

– Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to adhere.

4. Fry the Chicken:

– In a large skillet, heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (around 350°F or 175°C), carefully add the breaded chicken breasts. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

5. Assemble the Chicken Parmesan:

– In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce. Place the fried chicken breasts on top of the sauce.

– Spoon more marinara sauce over the chicken, covering each breast. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.

6. Bake in the Oven:

– Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the chicken is heated through.

7. Serve:

– While the Chicken Parmesan is baking, cook your favorite spaghetti or pasta according to the package instructions.

– Serve the Chicken Parmesan hot over a bed of cooked pasta. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.

Cooking Tips:

– Use thin chicken breasts or butterfly thicker ones to ensure even cooking.

– To avoid overcrowding the skillet, fry the chicken in batches if needed.

Serving Suggestions:

– Serve Chicken Parmesan with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete Italian-inspired meal.

– Pair it with a red wine like Chianti or a classic Italian Sangiovese to complement the flavors.