Parmesan-breaded Chicken

Parmesan-breaded Chicken Recipe from Italy - Savory Flavors of Italy

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Parmesan-breaded chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. The combination of crispy bread crumbs, savory parmesan cheese, and aromatic herbs creates a flavorful and satisfying meal that is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

History

The origins of Parmesan-breaded chicken can be traced back to Italian cuisine, where breaded and fried chicken cutlets are a popular dish. The addition of parmesan cheese to the bread crumb coating adds a rich and savory flavor that elevates the dish to a whole new level.

Ingredients

0.25 cup of seasoned bread crumbs
0.25 cup of grated parmesan cheese
0.5 tsp of oregano
0.25 tsp of rosemary
0.25 tsp of basil
0.25 tsp of pepper
4 skinned chicken breasts
0.5 cup of buttermilk
1 oil for coating pan

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
In a shallow bowl, combine the spices, bread crumbs, and cheese.
Dip the chicken pieces in the buttermilk, then coat them in the crumb mixture.
Lightly coat a baking pan with oil.
Place the chicken, bone side down, on the pan.
Bake, covered, for 25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.

Variations

You can add garlic powder, paprika, or cayenne pepper to the bread crumb mixture for extra flavor.
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free bread crumbs or almond flour instead of regular bread crumbs.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use skinned chicken breasts for this recipe to ensure that the bread crumb coating adheres properly.

- For extra crispy chicken, you can pan-fry the breaded chicken in a skillet with a little oil before baking it in the oven.

- To prevent the bread crumb coating from becoming soggy, make sure to bake the chicken on a lightly oiled pan and cover it with foil while baking.

Serving Suggestions

Parmesan-breaded chicken pairs well with a side of pasta, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables.

Cooking Techniques

Baking is the preferred cooking technique for this recipe, as it results in a crispy and golden brown crust without the need for frying.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have buttermilk on hand, you can use regular milk or yogurt as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the breaded chicken ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. This is a great time-saving tip for busy weeknights.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Parmesan-breaded chicken on a platter garnished with fresh herbs and lemon wedges for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Parmesan-breaded chicken pairs well with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Parmesan-breaded chicken 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 (177°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Parmesan-breaded chicken contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Parmesan-breaded chicken contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Parmesan-breaded chicken contains approximately 12 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Parmesan-breaded chicken contains approximately 30 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Parmesan-breaded chicken is a good source of calcium, vitamin A, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (parmesan cheese) and wheat (bread crumbs), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Parmesan-breaded chicken is a high-protein dish that is relatively low in carbohydrates and calories. It is a good source of essential nutrients such as calcium, vitamin A, and iron.

Summary

Parmesan-breaded chicken is a delicious and satisfying dish that is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. With a crispy bread crumb coating, savory parmesan cheese, and aromatic herbs, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately captivated. It was a cool autumn day, and I was visiting my friend Margaret's house. Margaret was known for her delicious home-cooked meals, and on that particular day, she was preparing Parmesan-breaded chicken for dinner.

As I watched her expertly coat the chicken breasts in a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and herbs, I knew I had to learn how to make this dish for myself. Margaret noticed my interest and offered to teach me the recipe.

She began by explaining that the key to a perfect Parmesan-breaded chicken lies in the breading mixture. She revealed that she had learned the recipe from her own grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations.

Margaret's grandmother had grown up in Italy and had brought her love of cooking with her when she immigrated to America. She had a knack for creating simple yet delicious dishes that were full of flavor. The Parmesan-breaded chicken was one of her specialties, and Margaret had fond memories of helping her grandmother prepare the dish in her cozy kitchen.

As Margaret guided me through the steps of making the breading mixture, she shared some tips and tricks that she had learned from her grandmother. She emphasized the importance of using fresh ingredients and taking the time to season each component properly.

I watched intently as Margaret carefully coated each chicken breast in the breading mixture, making sure to press it firmly onto the meat to ensure a crispy crust. She then placed the chicken in a hot skillet and let it cook until golden brown and cooked through.

The aroma that filled the kitchen as the chicken sizzled in the pan was mouthwatering. Margaret explained that the Parmesan cheese added a rich, nutty flavor to the dish, while the breadcrumbs created a crunchy texture that contrasted perfectly with the tender chicken.

As we sat down to enjoy our meal, I took my first bite of the Parmesan-breaded chicken and was blown away by the burst of flavors that filled my mouth. The crispy breading gave way to juicy, flavorful chicken that was perfectly seasoned and cooked to perfection.

From that day on, Parmesan-breaded chicken became a staple in my own kitchen. I would often make it for family gatherings and special occasions, always receiving rave reviews from my loved ones.

Over the years, I have continued to perfect the recipe, adding my own twists and variations to make it my own. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, passing on the tradition that Margaret's grandmother started so many years ago.

Every time I make Parmesan-breaded chicken, I am reminded of that fateful day in Margaret's kitchen when I first learned the recipe. It serves as a delicious reminder of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories.

Now, as I prepare to pass down the recipe to my own grandchildren, I am grateful for the culinary heritage that has been passed down to me. I hope that they will find as much joy and satisfaction in making Parmesan-breaded chicken as I have, and that it will become a cherished tradition in our family for generations to come.