Ina Garten’s Perfect Chicken Parmesan: A Foolproof Recipe

Chicken Parmesan, or Chicken Parmigiana as it’s sometimes called, is a classic Italian-American dish that’s loved for its crispy, breaded chicken cutlets smothered in marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. While it might seem intimidating to make at home, Ina Garten’s recipe simplifies the process without sacrificing flavor. This foolproof method ensures perfectly cooked chicken, a vibrant sauce, and a bubbling, cheesy topping every single time. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this restaurant-quality dish that’s surprisingly easy to make!

## Why Ina Garten’s Chicken Parmesan is the Best

Ina Garten, the Barefoot Contessa herself, has a knack for taking classic recipes and making them accessible and approachable for home cooks. Her Chicken Parmesan recipe is no exception. Here’s what makes it so special:

* **Simplified Breaded:** Ina’s method for breading the chicken is efficient and creates a beautiful, even coating that crisps up perfectly.
* **Flavor-Packed Sauce:** The marinara sauce is made from scratch using simple, high-quality ingredients, resulting in a bright and delicious flavor.
* **Perfectly Cooked Chicken:** The chicken is pan-fried until golden brown and then baked in the sauce, ensuring it’s cooked through and incredibly tender.
* **High-Quality Ingredients:** Ina always emphasizes using the best ingredients you can find, and this recipe is no different. Using fresh herbs, good-quality cheese, and flavorful tomatoes will make a huge difference in the final result.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** The components of this dish can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for entertaining or busy weeknights.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start cooking, gather all your ingredients. This will make the process much smoother and ensure you don’t miss anything.

**For the Chicken:**

* 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each)
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
* 2 cups Italian breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crispiness)
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/2 cup olive oil, for frying

**For the Marinara Sauce:**

* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
* 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
* 1/2 cup dry red wine (optional, but adds great flavor)
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 tablespoon sugar (to balance the acidity of the tomatoes)
* Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

**For the Topping:**

* 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these detailed instructions to make Ina Garten’s perfect Chicken Parmesan.

**1. Prepare the Chicken:**

* **Pound the chicken breasts:** Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the chicken to an even 1/2-inch thickness. This ensures even cooking and tenderizes the chicken.
* **Set up the breading station:** In three separate shallow dishes, place the flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumb mixture. For the breadcrumb mixture, combine the Italian breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix well.
* **Bread the chicken:** Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the beaten eggs, making sure it’s fully coated. Finally, dredge it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken. Repeat with the remaining chicken breasts.

**2. Make the Marinara Sauce:**

* **Sauté the aromatics:** In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
* **Add the tomatoes and seasonings:** Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and red wine (if using). Stir in the oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, pepper, and sugar. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
* **Simmer the sauce:** Reduce the heat to low and simmer the sauce for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. If the sauce is too acidic, add a pinch more sugar.

**3. Cook the Chicken:**

* **Heat the oil:** In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot enough to sizzle when a breadcrumb is dropped into it.
* **Fry the chicken:** Carefully place the breaded chicken breasts in the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
* **Drain the chicken:** Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

**4. Assemble and Bake:**

* **Preheat the oven:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
* **Layer the ingredients:** Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in the bottom of a baking dish. Place the fried chicken breasts on top of the sauce. Spoon more marinara sauce over each chicken breast.
* **Add the cheese:** Top each chicken breast with slices of fresh mozzarella cheese and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
* **Bake:** Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the chicken is heated through.

**5. Serve and Enjoy:**

* **Garnish:** Remove the Chicken Parmesan from the oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
* **Serve:** Serve immediately with your favorite sides, such as spaghetti, garlic bread, or a simple green salad.

## Tips for Success

* **Use high-quality ingredients:** As Ina Garten always says, the better the ingredients, the better the dish. Use good-quality tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
* **Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying:** Frying the chicken in batches will ensure that it gets crispy and browns evenly. Overcrowding the pan will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken.
* **Pound the chicken evenly:** Pounding the chicken to an even thickness ensures that it cooks evenly and remains tender.
* **Don’t skip the resting period:** Letting the marinara sauce simmer for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld together and creates a richer, more complex sauce.
* **Make it ahead:** You can prepare the chicken and marinara sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and assemble the dish just before baking.
* **Adjust the seasonings:** Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings to your liking. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes depending on your preferences.
* **Use Panko Breadcrumbs:** Panko breadcrumbs are larger and flakier than regular breadcrumbs, which creates a crispier coating on the chicken.

## Variations and Substitutions

* **Vegetarian Chicken Parmesan:** Substitute the chicken breasts with eggplant slices or thick slices of portobello mushrooms. Bread and fry them using the same method as the chicken.
* **Gluten-Free Chicken Parmesan:** Use gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs. Make sure the tomato sauce and other ingredients are also gluten-free.
* **Spicy Chicken Parmesan:** Add more red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or sprinkle some cayenne pepper into the breadcrumb mixture.
* **Different Cheeses:** Experiment with different cheeses, such as provolone, fontina, or a blend of Italian cheeses.
* **Add Vegetables:** Add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to the marinara sauce.

## Serving Suggestions

Chicken Parmesan is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides.

* **Pasta:** Spaghetti, linguine, or penne are classic accompaniments.
* **Garlic Bread:** Crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious marinara sauce.
* **Salad:** A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the Chicken Parmesan.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts add a healthy and flavorful side dish.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** Creamy mashed potatoes are a comforting and satisfying side dish.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

One of the great things about Ina Garten’s Chicken Parmesan is that you can prepare many of the components ahead of time, making it perfect for entertaining or busy weeknights.

* **Marinara Sauce:** The marinara sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
* **Breaded Chicken:** The chicken can be breaded up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in a single layer on a baking sheet covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator. Fry the chicken just before assembling the dish.
* **Assembled (Unbaked):** You can assemble the entire dish (chicken, sauce, and cheese) up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure the dish is heated through.

## Storage Instructions

* **Leftovers:** Store leftover Chicken Parmesan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the oven or microwave until heated through.
* **Freezing:** Chicken Parmesan can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap each portion individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 600-800 per serving (depending on portion size and ingredients)
* Protein: 40-50 grams
* Fat: 30-40 grams
* Carbohydrates: 40-50 grams

This is just an estimate, and the actual nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

## Conclusion

Ina Garten’s Chicken Parmesan recipe is a winner! It’s easy to follow, uses simple ingredients, and delivers consistently delicious results. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to enjoy a restaurant-quality Chicken Parmesan in the comfort of your own home. Bon appétit!

Here is a detailed table that provides a breakdown of the recipe, including ingredients, quantities, and step-by-step instructions for making Ina Garten’s Chicken Parmesan. This table format allows for easy reference and a clear understanding of the recipe process.

This table provides a clear and concise guide to making Ina Garten’s Chicken Parmesan, making it even easier to follow the recipe and achieve perfect results.

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Tags: Parmesan, Recipe, Recipes, Salad, Sugar

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Ina Garten’s Perfect Chicken Parmesan: A Foolproof Recipe

Ina Garten’s Perfect Chicken Parmesan: A Foolproof Recipe

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Ina Garten’s Perfect Chicken Parmesan: A Foolproof Recipe

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