Sandra's Classic Chicken Parmigiana
This Chicken Parmigiana recipe is a cherished tribute to my dear Australian friend Sandra Woodhouse, who introduced me to its delightful flavors back in 1981. As we celebrate Australia Day, I fondly remember the warmth and joy she brought into our kitchen. This dish features tender, breaded chicken breasts smothered in a rich tomato sauce, topped with two types of cheese, and baked to perfection. It may appear a bit complex with its variety of ingredients, but trust me—it's simple and incredibly rewarding. Serve it with a side of pasta or a fresh salad for a complete meal that's sure to impress family and friends alike.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
large eggs
2 (slightly beaten)
salt
1 teaspoon
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon
boneless skinless chicken breasts
3 (split)
breadcrumbs
3/4 cup
vegetable oil
1/2 cup
tomato sauce
15 ounces (puree or crushed Italian tomatoes)
basil
1/2 teaspoon
garlic clove
1 (crushed)
butter
1 tablespoon
parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (grated)
mozzarella cheese
8 ounces (sliced thin and cut into triangles)
Instructions
1
Place the chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap and gently flatten them with a mallet to an even thickness.
2
In a large frying pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
3
In a mixing bowl, combine the slightly beaten eggs, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until well blended.
4
Dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture, ensuring it's fully coated. Then, dredge it in breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere the breadcrumbs.
5
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
6
Once the oil is hot, add the breaded chicken breasts to the pan in a single layer. Brown each side for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Drain the fried chicken on paper towels to remove excess oil.
7
Arrange the browned chicken breasts in a single layer in a baking dish.
8
Carefully drain the oil from the frying pan, reserving about 1 teaspoon in the pan.
9
In the same pan, sauté the crushed garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then, add the tomato sauce and basil. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in the butter until melted and well combined.
10
Pour the tomato sauce evenly over the chicken breasts, ensuring each piece is well coated. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
11
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
12
After 30 minutes, remove the foil and layer the thinly sliced mozzarella cheese over each chicken piece.
13
Return to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
14
Remove from the oven, let it rest briefly, and then serve warm. Enjoy this classic dish that resonates with love and cherished memories.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the original inspiration for this Chicken Parmigiana recipe?
The recipe is a tribute to Sandra Woodhouse, an Australian friend of the author.
When did the author first receive this recipe?
The author was introduced to this dish back in 1981.
What holiday is mentioned in relation to this dish?
The recipe is fondly remembered and shared in celebration of Australia Day.
What type of chicken should I use for this recipe?
You should use 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, split.
How should the chicken breasts be prepared before cooking?
Place them between plastic wrap and gently flatten them with a mallet to an even thickness.
What is the purpose of flattening the chicken?
Flattening the chicken ensure it has an even thickness for uniform cooking.
What ingredients are used for the egg wash?
The egg wash consists of 2 slightly beaten large eggs, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
How do I coat the chicken breasts?
Dip each breast into the egg mixture until fully coated, then dredge in breadcrumbs, pressing gently.
What kind of oil is recommended for frying the chicken?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of vegetable oil.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350 F (175 C).
How long should I brown the chicken in the frying pan?
Brown each side for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown.
What should I do after browning the chicken?
Drain the fried chicken on paper towels to remove excess oil before placing them in a baking dish.
How much oil is needed to sauté the garlic?
Reserve about 1 teaspoon of oil in the frying pan.
How long should the garlic be sautéed?
Saut the crushed garlic for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant.
What goes into the tomato sauce mixture?
The sauce includes 15 ounces of tomato sauce, 1/2 teaspoon of basil, and the sautéed garlic.
How long should the sauce simmer?
The sauce should simmer for 10 minutes after being brought to a boil.
Is butter used in the sauce?
Yes, stir in 1 tablespoon of butter at the end of simmering until it is melted and well combined.
How do I assemble the dish for baking?
Pour the tomato sauce evenly over the chicken breasts and sprinkle with 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
Should the baking dish be covered in the oven?
Yes, cover the baking dish with foil for the first 30 minutes of baking.
What is the first baking duration?
The initial baking time is 30 minutes at 350 F.
When do I add the mozzarella cheese?
Add the mozzarella cheese after the first 30 minutes of baking once the foil is removed.
How should the mozzarella cheese be prepared?
The recipe uses 8 ounces of mozzarella, thinly sliced and cut into triangles.
How long is the second baking period?
Bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes.
How do I know when the Chicken Parmigiana is finished?
The dish is ready when the mozzarella cheese is melted and bubbly.
Should the dish rest before serving?
Yes, let it rest briefly after removing it from the oven.
What are the suggested side dishes for this meal?
It is recommended to serve this dish with a side of pasta or a fresh salad.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 12 ingredients.
Is this recipe considered difficult to make?
The description notes that while it may appear complex, it is actually simple and rewarding.
What kind of tomato sauce is best?
The recipe suggests using tomato puree or crushed Italian tomatoes.
What are the main flavors of this dish?
The dish features tender breaded chicken, rich tomato sauce, garlic, basil, and melted mozzarella and parmesan cheeses.