Chicken Parmesan

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 50 minutes

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (Italian seasoned or plain)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
2. In three separate shallow dishes, set up a breading station. Place the flour in one dish, beaten eggs in another, and combine breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in the third dish.
3. Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. Dredge each chicken breast in flour, shaking off any excess. Dip in beaten eggs, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to adhere.
4. Place the breaded chicken breasts in the greased baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the breadcrumbs are golden and crispy.
5. Remove the baking dish from the oven and spoon marinara sauce over each chicken breast. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
6. Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Garnish with chopped fresh basil, if desired, before serving.

History:

Chicken Parmesan, also known as "Chicken Parmigiana" or "Pollo alla Parmigiana" in Italian, is a popular Italian-American dish with roots in Southern Italy. The dish consists of breaded and fried chicken cutlets topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese.

Though its exact origins are debated, Chicken Parmesan's creation is often attributed to Italian immigrants in the United States. It is believed to be an adaptation of the traditional Italian dish "Eggplant Parmesan" ("Melanzane alla Parmigiana"), where breaded and fried eggplant slices are used instead of chicken.

Over time, Chicken Parmesan became a beloved dish in Italian-American cuisine and can be found on the menus of many Italian restaurants in the United States and beyond.

Interesting Facts:

- In Italy, "Parmigiana" typically refers to dishes with layers of fried eggplant, tomato sauce, and cheese, rather than chicken.

- Chicken Parmesan is often served with pasta on the side, such as spaghetti or fettuccine.

- Variations of the dish may use different types of cheese, such as provolone or fontina, in addition to or instead of mozzarella.

- While traditionally breaded and fried, some modern versions of Chicken Parmesan may be baked for a healthier twist.

Note: You can use store-bought marinara sauce or make your own homemade sauce for this recipe.