How to Bake Chicken Parmesan?

Chicken Parmesan, otherwise known as Chicken Parmigiana, is a rich and flavorful meal consisting of breaded chicken covered in tomato sauce and cheese that’s incredibly easy to cook. This dish has its origins in the early 20th century and has since become a staple in Italian-American cuisine. In this article, we will be going over the steps to create this wonderful spread.

How to Prepare Chicken Parmesan?

Before you get started, you’ll want to have a few items around the kitchen to help you prepare the Chicken Parmesan. Along with a 9” x 13” baking pan, a skillet, and a couple of bowls to mix your breading ingredients, you’ll find that a digital meat thermometer an absolutely indispensable tool both for this dish and many more! ThermoPro has an excellent selection of styles and designs, suitable for novices and maestros alike. It’s intuitive and easy to use design makes cooking this and practically any dish you prepare a simple and hassle-free process.

When using a ThermoPro digital thermometer, simply take the metal probe and stick it halfway into the thickest part of the meat, towards the center. When you place your meat in the oven, place the digital readout outside to allow you to read the internal temperature without opening the oven and disrupting the cooking process. Additionally, their wireless models give you a secondary readout device that you can keep on your person, allowing you the freedom to be anywhere in your home while you wait.

The consumption of raw or under cooked meat can be incredibly risky. Chicken and other poultry should never be consumed if the internal temperature has not met at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit (or 74 degrees Celsius). ThermoPro’s easy-to-use thermometers will give you an accurate reading of the internal temperature of the meat and takes out all of the guess work.

Their line of thermometers helps monitor temperatures and humidity, in both the kitchen and throughout the home. Their dedicated customer service team listens and provides a friendly and hassle-free experience. Not only that, but they are constantly trying to improve their existing and new products based on customer feedback on their customer service line and their many positive reviews on Amazon. ThermoPro is a leading brand in food thermometers, with over 3 million satisfied customers. Their robust product warranty is one of the best in the industry because they are confident in their fine, quality products. If you haven’t registered for the warranty for your brand new unit, you can do it here.

Chicken Parmesan pairs well with a wide variety of sides that are equally just as easy to prepare. You can boil spaghetti, angel hair pasta, or any of your favorite pastas. For an individual watching their carbohydrate intake, you can even use zucchini noodles or any other vegetable-based pasta. In American and Canadian restaurants, this dish is often served with a side of pasta or even inside a sandwich. In Australia, it is a common dish served in pubs alongside a salad or an order of chips (otherwise known as French fries).

A simple, overlooked side that goes well with Chicken Parmesan can be made with freshly chopped garlic, onions, and mushrooms sautéed in olive oil together for ten to fifteen minutes. Serve under the Chicken Parmesan for a flavorful meal.

Additionally, steamed vegetables can bring an extra crunch to your plate. You can grab whatever may be in season at your local grocer, and add a little salt for a simple and nutritious addition to your meal. Some highly recommended vegetables include zucchini, summer squash, or broccoli. The possibilities are absolutely endless!

Chicken Parmesan Recipe

The following recipe yields an incredibly crispy Chicken Parmesan that is also a healthy and delicious meal the whole family can enjoy. It’s also an unbelievably delicious dish that’s simple to make.

Ingredients:

• 6 chicken breasts
• 6 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided into two equal portions
• ¾ cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 4 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
• ¾ cup flour
• ½ cup milk
• 2 eggs
• 1 jar (or 3 ½ cups) of your favorite marinara sauce or Filetto di Pomodoro

To begin, on a 9” x 13” baking sheet, use a cooking oil spray to prevent sticking.

In a large bowl, fully combine flour, Panko breadcrumbs, thyme, basil, paprika, oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and 3 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese. Set this bowl aside. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs and milk.

Take a chicken breast and dip it in the egg mixture. Dunk this breast into the flour mixture, evenly coating it. Shake off the excess and re-dip it in the egg mixture. Dunk the breast once more in the flour mixture, again shaking off the excess, and place it onto the baking sheet. Repeat this for the other five breasts.

Fried Chicken Parmesan Oil Temperature

In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Oil temperature should be no more than 248 degrees Fahrenheit (120 degrees Celsius). Fry each chicken breast about 4 to 5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.

Baked Chicken Parmesan Oven Temperature

For a healthier option, instead of pan-frying the chicken breasts, you can bake them. To start, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (120 degrees Celsius). Follow the above breading instructions, placing chicken breasts on your oil-sprayed baking sheet.

At this point, stick your ThermoPro thermometer into the thickest chicken breast, sliding it in until the tip of the probe has reached the center of the breast. Set the baking sheet in the oven and place the digital readout device outside of the oven. Bake until the chicken breasts for about 40 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove chicken breasts from the oven.

After you have either pan-fried or backed your chicken breasts, it’s time to add the sauce and cheese. If you haven’t already, place your ThermoPro thermometer into your chicken breast, do so now.

Generously cover the chicken breasts with marinara sauce, mozzarella, and the remaining Parmesan cheese. Place the chicken into the oven for another 15 to 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked all the way through. Your ThermoPro thermometer’s digital interface should read 165 degrees Fahrenheit for a fully cooked chicken breast.

What Temperature to Reheat Chicken Parmesan in the Oven?

When you have a near endless pile of work, between the office and the family, meal planning can often fall to the wayside. Like many, you probably end up eat last night’s dinner for lunch the next day, if you even remember your lunch at all! Takeout can be expensive and adds up fairly quickly, resulting in devastation to your wallet and your waistline. The good news is, Chicken Parmesan makes excellent leftovers to enjoy the day after, and reheating your leftover Chicken Parmesan is even easier than preparing it.

Simply preheat your oven or toaster oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the Chicken Parmesan on an oven-safe tray or rack with tin foil, folding the foil loosely over the Chicken Parmesan. Pop it into the oven or toaster oven to warm it up for 15 to 20 minutes, or at least until the cheese on top gets nice and melted.

Conclusion

Chicken breast, as used in the recipe, is a particularly healthy part of an and already incredibly nutritious bird. It is low in fat and an excellent source of protein.

The ingredients in a typical serving of Chicken Parmesan are chock-full of vitamin A, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6 and B12, vitamin C, selenium, and many more vitamins, minerals, and nutrients required for a healthy diet.

At 300 calories a serving, it’s a satisfying and healthy meal for anyone to enjoy.

Overall Chicken Parmesan is highly nutritious and is certain to please the entire family. It is an Italian-American classic, beloved throughout the Western world, and with a handy ThermoPro thermometer by your side, you can easily make this beloved dish in your own home.