Chicken Parmigiano with Marinara Sauce

Chicken Parmigiano with Marinara Sauce: a delicacy that combines tradition with comfort food

Welcome to my kitchen, where today we will prepare a delicious and comforting recipe: Chicken Parmigiano with Marinara Sauce. This recipe will not only bring you the authentic flavors of lovingly cooked dishes but also unforgettable moments with your loved ones. I will tell you how to achieve juicy chicken, covered with a crispy parmesan crust, served with a flavorful marinara sauce that will transform your meal into an unforgettable culinary experience.

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:
For the chicken:
- 4 chicken breasts (approximately 600 g)
- 50 g grated parmesan
- 2-3 slices of bread (ideally a bit stale)
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Olive oil (for greasing)
- Salt and pepper to taste

For the marinara sauce:
- 1 kg ripe tomatoes (or 800 g canned tomatoes)
- 4 cloves of garlic
- A few fresh basil leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

1. Preparing the marinara sauce:
- Start by peeling the tomatoes. You can blanch them for a few minutes in boiling water, then plunge them into cold water to make peeling easier.
- Cut the tomatoes into small cubes, and peel and finely chop the garlic.
- Heat 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until it begins to release its aroma, being careful not to burn it.
- Add the chopped tomatoes and mix well. Let the sauce simmer over medium heat for about 40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens.
- Finally, season with salt, pepper, and fresh basil. You can blend it lightly with an immersion blender for a finer texture or leave it rustic.

2. Preparing the Chicken Parmigiano:
- Start by pounding the chicken breasts with a meat mallet between two sheets of plastic wrap until they are thin and evenly distributed. This step not only helps cook the meat evenly but also makes it more tender.
- In a food processor, add the torn pieces of bread, grated parmesan, and oregano. Blend until you have a homogeneous mixture that will form the delicious crust for the chicken.
- Prepare three deep plates: one with flour, one with beaten egg (you can add a tablespoon of water to make it more fluid), and a third with the bread mixture.
- Dip each piece of chicken in the flour, shaking off the excess, then in the egg, and finally in the bread and parmesan mixture.

3. Baking the chicken:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C. Prepare a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper, greased with a little olive oil.
- Place the chicken pieces on the baking sheet, making sure they do not overlap. This will allow the crust to form evenly.
- Bake the chicken in the oven for 20-25 minutes until golden and crispy. You can turn it halfway through for even browning.

4. Assembly:
- Once the chicken is ready, take it out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This step is essential to keep the meat juicy.
- Serve the chicken warm, covered with marinara sauce, sprinkled with fresh basil leaves, and, if desired, with an extra drizzle of grated parmesan.

5. Serving suggestions:
- This Chicken Parmigiano recipe pairs perfectly with a side of fresh pasta or a crisp green salad for a pleasant contrast of textures.
- A bottle of dry white wine can perfectly complement the meal, adding elegance and refinement.

Useful tips:
- Use high-quality chicken breast, preferably from naturally raised birds.
- If you wish, you can also add other dried herbs to the bread mixture, such as thyme or rosemary, for added flavor.
- Instead of fresh tomatoes, you can use canned tomatoes for a quicker sauce, but make sure they are of good quality.

Nutritional information:
This recipe provides a balanced portion, rich in protein from the chicken breast and vitamins from the tomatoes and basil. The parmesan adds a boost of calcium. One serving contains approximately 400-500 calories, depending on the quantities used and how it is served.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other types of cheese instead of parmesan?
- Of course! You can try mozzarella or a blend of cheeses for a different texture.

2. What other side dishes can I serve alongside?
- Rice or roasted potatoes are excellent options, as well as grilled or fried vegetables.

3. How can I store the marinara sauce?
- The marinara sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for later use.

Personal story:
This recipe has become a tradition in our family, with each preparation being an opportunity to gather around the table and enjoy shared moments. Each bite reminds us of the most beautiful memories, and the aroma of the marinara sauce transports us back in time to Grandma's Sunday dinners.

I wish you much success in preparing this recipe and enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen! Bon appétit!