Indulge in the rich, comforting flavors of this classic Chicken Parmesan, featuring tender, breaded chicken smothered in a robust homemade tomato sauce and melted cheeses. A perfect blend of savory and herby tones makes this dish a heartwarming meal for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This: This recipe elevates the traditional Chicken Parmesan with its homemade tomato sauce, bringing a depth of flavor you can’t find in store-bought versions. The crispy exterior of the chicken, coupled with the luscious, cheesy topping and aromatic herbs, creates a delightful texture and taste combination. It’s an ideal dish for both casual family dinners and impressive gatherings.
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 diced medium yellow onion
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 28 oz crushed San Marzano tomatoes
- 1 ¼ tsp salt, plus more to taste
- 1 tsp dried or 1 tbsp fresh oregano
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh basil
- 1 tsp sugar
- ¼ tsp garlic salt
- ½ cup water or chicken broth
For the Chicken:
- 3 large or 4 small chicken breasts
- Seasonings: 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp ground pepper, ½ tsp garlic salt
- 1 cup panko or Italian breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup flour
For Assembly:
- Frying oil
- Mozzarella (fresh or shredded)
- Fresh basil
- Shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
- Sauce Preparation:
- Sauté onions in olive oil until soft. Add garlic, cook for a minute. Stir in tomatoes, herbs, sugar, salt, and garlic salt. Add water or broth. Simmer until thickened.
- Prepare Chicken:
- Slice and pound chicken to ¼” thickness. Season both sides. Dredge in flour mixed with garlic salt, then in beaten eggs with salt and pepper, and finally in breadcrumbs.
- Fry Chicken:
- Fry in hot oil until golden and crispy. Drain on a rack.
- Bake Chicken:
- Preheat oven to 450F. Place fried chicken on a baking sheet, top with sauce, Parmesan, mozzarella, and basil. Bake until cheese melts.
- Serve:
- Enjoy with pasta or as a sandwich with toasted bread, more sauce, and fresh basil.
Note: Enhance the breadcrumbs with Italian seasonings if unseasoned. For a sandwich version, add arugula between toasted bread slices.
