Chicken Parmesan with Marinara and Mozzarella

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can rival the heartwarming allure of Cheesy Chicken Parm Heaven. This culinary masterpiece combines crispy, breaded chicken with a rich and savory marinara sauce, all topped off with a generous layer of gooey melted cheese. It's a dish that not only satisfies the taste buds but also evokes feelings of warmth and nostalgia, making it a beloved choice for family dinners and gatherings.

Chicken Parmesan with Marinara and Mozzarella

Discover the ultimate comfort food with Cheesy Chicken Parm Heaven, a delightful dish that beautifully combines crispy, breaded chicken, rich marinara sauce, and a gooey layer of melted cheese. This recipe not only satisfies your taste buds but also brings families together, creating lasting memories around the dinner table. With its Italian roots, this classic dish is perfect for any gathering. Learn to prepare a mouthwatering meal that everyone will love.

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Ingredients

For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 large eggs

1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian seasoned)

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

Olive oil, for frying

For the Marinara Sauce:

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 small onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

Salt and pepper, to taste

For Assembly:

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Fresh basil leaves, for garnishing

Instructions

Prepare the Marinara Sauce:

- In a large saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent (about 5 minutes).

- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, but not browned.

- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried basil, sugar (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat, and let it cook gently for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Prepare the Chicken:

- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

- Set up a breading station: one bowl for flour seasoned with salt and pepper, one for lightly beaten eggs, and one for a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.

- Dredge each chicken breast in flour, shaking off excess, then dip in the egg, and finally coat in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure it sticks.

Fry the Chicken:

- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add enough olive oil to cover the bottom. Once hot, fry the breaded chicken breasts in batches, about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Assemble the Chicken Parmesan:

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

- Pour more marinara sauce over each piece of chicken, then generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top.

Bake:

- Place the assembled Chicken Parmesan in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.

Serve:

- Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. This dish pairs wonderfully with spaghetti or a simple side salad.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 50 minutes | 4 servings