Ina Garten’s Chicken Parmesan

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Chicken Parmesan has always held a special place in my heart. It reminds me of family dinners gathering around the table, the aroma of melted cheese wafting through the kitchen. Ina Garten’s take on this classic dish not only captures that comforting essence but elevates it with her signature touch of flavor and simplicity. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering with friends, this recipe promises to delight your taste buds and leave you feeling satisfied.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Parmesan

One bite of Ina Garten’s Chicken Parmesan, and you’ll understand why this recipe is a perennial favorite. It’s a dish that beautifully combines crispy, breaded chicken with a rich tomato sauce and a glorious blanket of melted mozzarella. Quick to prepare and utterly satisfying, it’s perfect for a busy weeknight or an impressive yet easy dinner party dish.

“I made this recipe for my family last Sunday, and they couldn’t stop raving about it! The chicken was perfectly crispy, and the sauce had such depth. An absolute hit!” – Home Cook Review

This Chicken Parmesan recipe is not only a delicious way to fuel your family but also a kid-approved favorite. The ingredients are budget-friendly, and the preparation doesn’t require any advanced cooking skills, making it accessible for all levels of home cooks.

Step-by-Step Overview

Creating Ina Garten’s Chicken Parmesan is straightforward, making it perfect for both novice and experienced cooks. Start by making a rich tomato sauce to infuse the dish with layers of flavor. While the sauce simmers, prepare the chicken by pounding, seasoning, and breading it to achieve that coveted crunch. Once fried to golden perfection, layer the chicken with the sauce and cheese before a quick bake in the oven. In under an hour, you’ll have a comforting, flavorful meal ready to serve!

What You’ll Need

Gather These Items:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ cup olive oil (for frying)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 (28-ounce) can of crushed San Marzano tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon sugar (if needed)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped

You can easily swap out the San Marzano tomatoes for other quality crushed tomatoes, but San Marzano is renowned for its sweetness and richness, making it a worthy choice for this recipe.

Ina Garten's Chicken Parmesan

Directions to Follow

  1. In a saucepan, heat ½ cup of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes.
  2. Mix in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  3. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, stirring in oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 20 minutes until thickened, then finish with fresh basil.
  4. Pound the chicken breasts between plastic wrap until about ½ inch thick. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
  5. Set up a dredging station: place flour in one dish, whisk the eggs with water in another, and combine breadcrumbs with Parmesan, dried oregano, and garlic powder in a third.
  6. Dredge each chicken breast in flour, dip it in the egg mixture, and coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
  7. Heat the remaining olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy, then drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
  8. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  9. In a baking dish, spread a layer of tomato sauce, place the fried chicken on top, and spoon more sauce over it. Finish by sprinkling with mozzarella cheese.
  10. Bake for 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  11. Before serving, sprinkle with additional Parmesan and fresh basil.

Best Ways to Enjoy It

When serving this delectable dish, consider pairing it with a simple side salad dressed in olive oil and vinegar to balance the richness. Garlic bread serves as the perfect accompaniment, allowing you to soak up every bit of that delicious sauce. For a refreshing drink, a light red wine or sparkling water with lemon can enhance the meal beautifully.

How to Store and Reheat

Leftovers of this delightful Chicken Parmesan can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes until heated through, ensuring the cheese remains gooey and wonderful.

Helpful Cooking Tips

  • When pounding the chicken, be gentle but firm to maintain its juiciness.
  • If you’re short on time, feel free to use pre-made marinara sauce for a quicker option.
  • Always taste your sauce and adjust the seasoning before serving!

Recipe Variations

For those looking to switch things up, try adding a handful of spinach or kale to your tomato sauce for added nutrients. Alternatively, swapping out the mozzarella for a mix of three cheeses—like provolone and fontina—can make for a deliciously cheesy twist. For a low-carb option, consider using zucchini slices instead of chicken for a vegetarian version.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to prepare?

The total time for this recipe is around 45 minutes, making it an efficient choice for weeknight dinners.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will yield a juicier result due to their higher fat content and will cook well with this recipe.

What if I have leftovers?

Leftover Chicken Parmesan can be stored in the fridge as mentioned above and reheats beautifully, making it a great next-day lunch option!

Ina Garten's Chicken Parmesan


Enjoy cooking this delicious Chicken Parmesan and bringing a taste of comfort to your home! The combination of crispy chicken, rich sauce, and gooey cheese is sure to impress family and friends alike.

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Ina Garten’s Chicken Parmesan

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A comforting classic featuring crispy, breaded chicken in a rich tomato sauce with melted mozzarella cheese.

  • Author: tastysavvy_admin
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking and Frying
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ cup olive oil (for frying)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 (28-ounce) can of crushed San Marzano tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon sugar (if needed)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped

Instructions

  1. Heat ½ cup of olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes.
  2. Mix in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  3. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, stirring in oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 20 minutes until thickened, then finish with fresh basil.
  4. Pound the chicken breasts between plastic wrap until about ½ inch thick. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
  5. Set up a dredging station: place flour in one dish, whisk the eggs with water in another, and combine breadcrumbs with Parmesan, dried oregano, and garlic powder in a third.
  6. Dredge each chicken breast in flour, dip it in the egg mixture, and coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
  7. Heat the remaining olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy, then drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
  8. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  9. In a baking dish, spread a layer of tomato sauce, place the fried chicken on top, and spoon more sauce over it. Finish by sprinkling with mozzarella cheese.
  10. Bake for 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  11. Before serving, sprinkle with additional Parmesan and fresh basil.

Notes

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 150mg

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