Delicious Chicken Parmesan Recipe for February 684 Likes

The Ultimate Chicken Parmesan Recipe for February
Looking for a cozy, comforting meal to enjoy this February? Look no further than our Chicken Parmesan! It’s the perfect dish for those chilly evenings when you want something crispy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying. Packed with flavor and easy to make, this recipe serves 8 people—ideal for family dinners or entertaining guests.

Prep Time: 25 minutesCook Time: 30 minutesServes: 8How to Make the Best Chicken Parmesan1. Butterfly the Chicken Breasts

Start by cutting the chicken breasts in half horizontally to create 8 thin (but not too thin) cutlets. This ensures they cook quickly and evenly.

2. Marinate for Flavor

Marinate the chicken in a garlic, lemon, and olive oil mixture for about 15 minutes. This quick marinade infuses the chicken with zesty, fresh flavor, keeping it juicy when fried.

3. Set Up the Breading Stations

To get that irresistible crunch, set up your breading stations. You’ll need three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with eggs (whisked with onion and garlic powder), and one with panko breadcrumbs. Dip each chicken cutlet into the flour, then the egg mixture, and finally the breadcrumbs. For the best texture, let the breaded chicken rest in the fridge on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes—this helps the breading stick perfectly during frying.

4. Fry the Chicken

Heat up your canola oil in a large skillet to 400°F. Fry the chicken in batches for about 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan to ensure even frying.

5. Broil to Melt the Cheese

Now comes the fun part—topping the fried chicken with marinara sauce, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheese. Place the sauced-up chicken under the broiler for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, with those delightful brown spots.

6. Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle chopped parsley on top of the cheesy chicken for a pop of color and freshness. Serve with spaghetti or your favorite pasta and extra marinara sauce on the side.

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:

  • 4 cloves garlic, finely grated
  • 1 to 2 medium lemons (for juice)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds total)
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • 3 to 5 cups canola oil (for frying)

• For the Cheese & Sauce:

  • 12 ounces low-moisture mozzarella cheese, grated (about 3 cups)
  • 4 ounces Parmesan cheese, freshly grated (about 1 3/4 cups or 1 cup pre-grated)
  • 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)

• For Garnish & Serving:

  • 6 sprigs parsley, chopped
  • Cooked pasta (spaghetti works best)
  • Extra marinara sauce for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Marinade:
   In a 9×13-inch baking dish, combine the grated garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, 2 teaspoons kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir well and add the chicken breasts, flipping them to coat. Let the chicken marinate at room temperature for about 15 minutes.

2. Set Up Your Breading Stations:

• In one shallow dish, combine 1 cup flour and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt.
• In another shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, onion powder, garlic powder, and water.
• In a third dish, add the panko breadcrumbs.

1. Bread the Chicken:
   One piece at a time, dip the chicken into the flour mixture, then into the egg mixture, and finally coat it in the panko breadcrumbs. Make sure the breadcrumbs stick well by gently pressing them into the chicken. Place each breaded chicken on a wire rack and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

2. Fry the Chicken:
   Heat the canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 400°F. Fry the chicken in batches, cooking each piece for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Transfer the chicken to a baking sheet lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

3. Assemble & Broil:
   Preheat your broiler and arrange the fried chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet. Spoon about 1/4 cup marinara sauce on each chicken cutlet, leaving the edges uncovered. Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese mixture evenly over each piece. Broil for 4 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden.

4. Garnish & Serve:
   Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a touch of color and flavor. Serve the Chicken Parmesan with cooked pasta and extra marinara sauce for dipping.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Parmesan:

• Rest the Chicken: Allowing the breaded chicken to rest in the fridge before frying ensures the breading sticks better and gets that perfect crispy texture.

• Use a Thermometer: If you’re not sure if the chicken is cooked through, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F for safe consumption.

• Customize the Marinara: For a deeper flavor, consider using homemade marinara sauce or adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to your store-bought sauce for a little heat.

This Chicken Parmesan recipe is an easy, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for February! Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining friends, it’s sure to become a favorite. Enjoy every bite of the crispy, cheesy goodness!