Chicken Parmesan

### Instructions:

#### Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. **Pound the Chicken**:
Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound the chicken to an even thickness (about 1/2 inch). This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and remains tender.

2. **Season the Chicken**:
Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.

#### Step 2: Breading the Chicken

1. **Prepare the Breading Station**:
Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls:
– In the first bowl, add the flour.
– In the second bowl, whisk together the eggs and water.
– In the third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and oregano.

2. **Coat the Chicken**:
Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, making sure it’s fully coated. Dip it into the egg wash, allowing any excess egg to drip off, and then coat it with the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to ensure the breadcrumbs stick well to the chicken.

#### Step 3: Fry the Chicken

1. **Heat the Oil**:
In a large skillet, heat about 1/4 inch of olive oil or vegetable oil over medium-high heat.

2. **Fry the Chicken**:
Once the oil is hot (you can test by dropping a breadcrumb into the oil—it should sizzle), carefully place the breaded chicken breasts in the pan. Fry for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. You may need to fry the chicken in batches depending on the size of your skillet.

3. **Drain the Chicken**:
After frying, transfer the chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

#### Step 4: Assemble the Chicken Parmesan

1. **Preheat the Oven**:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. **Top with Marinara Sauce and Cheese**:
In a baking dish, arrange the fried chicken breasts. Spoon a generous amount of marinara sauce over each piece of chicken, and then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.

3. **Bake the Chicken Parmesan**:
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

#### Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. **Garnish with Fresh Herbs**:
Once out of the oven, garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

2. **Serve**:
Serve the Chicken Parmesan hot with your favorite side dishes. It’s commonly paired with pasta, a side of garlic bread, or a simple salad.

### Tips for Perfect Chicken Parmesan

– **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan**: Fry the chicken in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and becomes crispy.
– **Use Panko Breadcrumbs**: Panko breadcrumbs create an extra crispy coating. If you prefer a more traditional texture, you can use regular breadcrumbs.
– **Make It Ahead**: You can prepare the chicken cutlets in advance, bread them, and store them in the fridge for a few hours before frying. This saves time when you’re ready to cook.
– **Extra Flavor**: For even more flavor, add a little garlic or onion powder to the breadcrumb mixture, or try using fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary.
– **Customize the Sauce**: If you’re feeling adventurous, you can make your own marinara sauce at home using fresh tomatoes, garlic, and basil for a rich, homemade touch.

### Variations on Chicken Parmesan

While the classic Chicken Parmesan is a fan favorite, there are plenty of ways to mix it up:

– **Eggplant Parmesan**: Replace the chicken with slices of breaded and fried eggplant for a vegetarian option.
– **Chicken Parmesan Sub**: Make a Chicken Parmesan sandwich by placing the breaded, sauced, and cheesy chicken on a toasted sub roll. Top with extra marinara and melted cheese for a delicious twist.
– **Spicy Chicken Parmesan**: Add a little heat by mixing red pepper flakes into the marinara sauce or using a spicy pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella.

### Why You’ll Love This Recipe

– **Crispy Yet Tender**: The breaded chicken is crispy on the outside while remaining juicy and tender inside.
– **Comforting and Satisfying**: This dish is the epitome of comfort food, with the perfect balance of rich tomato sauce, melted cheese, and golden chicken.
– **Versatile**: Whether you’re serving it with pasta, a salad, or bread, Chicken Parmesan is a versatile dish that pairs well with almost anything.
– **Easy to Make**: While it sounds fancy, Chicken Parmesan is actually quite easy to make, even for beginners. You don’t need any special skills or equipment—just a few simple ingredients and a love for good food.

### Final Thoughts

Chicken Parmesan is a dish that never goes out of style. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this hearty, cheesy meal is sure to please. With a crispy chicken cutlet, savory marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella, it’s a winning combination that will satisfy your taste buds every time.

So next time you’re in the mood for a comforting, delicious meal, give this Chicken Parmesan recipe a try—it’s simple, flavorful, and guaranteed to be a hit!