Chicken parm is a delicious Italian-American dish that combines breaded chicken cutlets with tangy marinara sauce and melted cheese. It’s a classic comfort food that is loved by many. Whether you’re cooking chicken parm for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, knowing how long it takes to cook is essential to ensure that the chicken is juicy and cooked through.
The cooking time for chicken parm can vary depending on a few factors, such as the thickness of the chicken cutlets and the temperature of your oven. Typically, it takes about 20-25 minutes to cook chicken parm at 375°F (190°C), but it’s always a good idea to use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure that it’s safe to eat.
When preparing chicken parm, it’s important to remember that the chicken needs to be breaded and fried before it’s baked in the oven. This can add some extra time to the cooking process. You’ll need to bread the chicken, fry it until golden brown, and then assemble it with the marinara sauce and cheese before baking it. All these steps can take a bit of time, but the end result is well worth it.
Cooking a Delicious Chicken Parmesan Dish
If you’re in the mood for a hearty and flavorful meal, chicken Parmesan is the perfect choice. This classic Italian dish combines breaded chicken cutlets with tangy marinara sauce and melted cheese, resulting in a mouthwatering combination of flavors.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
Start by preheating your oven to ensure it reaches the proper temperature for baking.
2. Prepare the chicken.
Pound the chicken breasts until they are an even thickness. In a shallow bowl, mix together the bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Dip each chicken breast into the mixture, pressing firmly to coat both sides.
3. Cook the chicken.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Cook the chicken for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Transfer the chicken to a baking dish.
4. Add the marinara sauce and cheese.
Pour the marinara sauce over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are fully covered. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, evenly distributing it across the chicken.
5. Bake in the oven.
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the chicken is cooked through.
6. Serve and enjoy!
Once the chicken Parmesan is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired, and serve with a side of pasta or a green salad.
Chicken Parmesan is a crowd-pleasing dish that is sure to impress your family and friends. With its crispy breaded chicken, savory marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese, it’s a perfect meal for any occasion. Give this recipe a try and discover why chicken Parmesan is a classic favorite.
Preparing Ingredients for Chicken Parmesan
Before you start cooking chicken parmesan, it is important to gather and prepare all the necessary ingredients. Here are the ingredients you will need:
1. Chicken Breast
Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe. You will need one chicken breast per serving. Trim any excess fat or tendons from the chicken breast and pat it dry with a paper towel.
2. Flour Mixture
To coat the chicken breasts, you will need a mixture of all-purpose flour, salt, and pepper. In a shallow bowl, combine 1 cup of flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Mix them together with a fork or whisk.
3. Egg Mixture
Next, you will need an egg mixture to help the breading stick to the chicken. In another shallow bowl, beat 2 eggs with a fork or whisk until well combined.
4. Breadcrumbs
For the breading, you will need breadcrumbs. You can use store-bought breadcrumbs or make your own by processing stale bread in a food processor until you have fine crumbs. Place the breadcrumbs in a separate shallow bowl.
5. Parmesan Cheese
Grate fresh Parmesan cheese to sprinkle on top of the breaded chicken. You will need about 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
6. Marinara Sauce
Lastly, you will need marinara sauce to serve with the chicken parmesan. You can make your own marinara sauce or use a store-bought one. Heat the marinara sauce in a separate saucepan while the chicken is baking.
By preparing all the ingredients beforehand, you can ensure a smooth cooking process and delicious chicken parmesan at the end!
Gathering the Necessary Cooking Tools
Before you start cooking chicken parm, it’s important to gather all the necessary tools to ensure a smooth cooking process. Here is a list of the essential cooking tools you will need:
- Medium-sized mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Large frying pan
- Shallow dish
- Meat tenderizer
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Plate
- Tongs
- Paper towels
- Baking dish
- Foil
Make sure to clean and prepare these tools beforehand. Having all the necessary cooking tools ready will help you easily follow the recipe and make the cooking process more efficient.
Coating and Searing the Chicken
To make chicken parm, you first need to coat the chicken breasts in breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. This creates a crispy, flavorful coating that pairs perfectly with the marinara sauce and melted cheese.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to coat and sear the chicken:
Step | Description | Time |
1 | Start by pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness. This helps them cook more evenly and ensures a tender result. Use a meat mallet or the bottom of a heavy pan to flatten the chicken. | 5 minutes |
2 | In a shallow dish, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and any additional seasonings or herbs you prefer. Mix well to evenly distribute the flavors. | 3 minutes |
3 | Dip each chicken breast into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing firmly to adhere the coating. Make sure to coat both sides of the chicken evenly. | 5 minutes |
4 | In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the breaded chicken breasts in the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. | 8-10 minutes |
Once the chicken breasts are seared to perfection, they are ready to be topped with marinara sauce and cheese before baking in the oven to achieve that deliciously melty, cheesy result that chicken parm is known for.
So, to summarize, coating and searing the chicken for chicken parm takes approximately 21-23 minutes.
Baking the Chicken Parmesan
Once you have prepared the chicken and assembled all the necessary ingredients, it’s time to bake the Chicken Parmesan. Follow these steps to achieve a deliciously crispy and flavorful dish:
Preheating the Oven
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and becomes golden brown.
Breading and Baking the Chicken
Next, take each seasoned chicken cutlet and coat it in breadcrumbs, making sure to press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to ensure they adhere well. Place the breaded cutlets onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
In order for the chicken to achieve a crispy texture, you can choose to drizzle a small amount of olive oil over each cutlet. However, this step is optional and can be omitted if you prefer a healthier version.
Place the baking sheet with the breaded chicken cutlets into the preheated oven. Bake them for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the breadcrumbs turn golden brown.
Adding the Sauce and Cheese
After the chicken has finished baking, remove it from the oven and switch the oven to broil mode. Spoon a generous amount of marinara sauce over each chicken cutlet, making sure to cover the entire surface.
Next, sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce, making sure to cover the chicken evenly. You can also add some grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
Broiling the Chicken Parmesan
Place the baking sheet with the sauced and cheesed chicken back into the oven, this time on the top rack. Let it broil for approximately 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and starts to turn golden brown on the edges.
Watch the chicken closely during the broiling process to prevent it from burning. Once done, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the Chicken Parmesan cool for a few minutes before serving.
Now your Chicken Parmesan is ready to be enjoyed! Serve it with pasta, a side of salad, or in a sandwich – the choice is yours. Bon appétit!
Ingredients | Instructions |
---|---|
Chicken cutlets | 1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). |
Seasoned breadcrumbs | 2. Coat each chicken cutlet with breadcrumbs. |
Olive oil (optional) | 3. Drizzle olive oil over the breaded cutlets (optional). |
Marinara sauce | 4. Bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes. |
Shredded mozzarella cheese | 5. Spoon marinara sauce over each chicken cutlet. |
Grated Parmesan cheese | 6. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top. |
7. Broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes. |
Q&A
How long does it take to cook chicken parm?
Chicken parm typically takes about 25-30 minutes to cook in the oven.
What temperature should I cook chicken parm at?
You should cook chicken parm at a temperature of 375°F (190°C) in the oven.
Can I cook chicken parm on the stovetop instead of in the oven?
Yes, you can cook chicken parm on the stovetop, but it will typically take longer to cook compared to cooking it in the oven. You will need to cook the chicken on both sides until it is golden brown and then top it with sauce and cheese before covering the pan and cooking it until the cheese is melted and the chicken is cooked through.
Do I need to preheat the oven before cooking chicken parm?
Yes, it is important to preheat the oven before cooking chicken parm. Preheating the oven ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and at the right temperature.