The Ultimate Chicken Parmigiana

If there's one dish that resonates with comfort food lovers, it’s Chicken Parmigiana. This Italian-American classic features crispy breaded chicken, savory marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese—what’s not to love? While traditional recipes are delightful, today, we’re elevating this beloved dish with a unique twist: Pesto Chicken Parmigiana! By incorporating fresh basil pesto into the recipe, we’ll add a burst of flavor that takes this dish to new heights.

Get ready to impress your family and friends with this delectable variation that combines the best of both worlds!

Prep Time

- Prep Time: 20 minutes

- Cooking Time: 25 minutes

- Total Time: 45 minutes

- Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

- Salt and black pepper, to taste

- 1 cup all-purpose flour

- 2 large eggs

- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-style)

- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

- 1 teaspoon garlic powder

- 1 teaspoon onion powder

- Olive oil, for frying

For the Pesto Sauce:

- 1 cup fresh basil leaves

- 1/4 cup pine nuts (or walnuts)

- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

- 2 cloves garlic

- Salt and pepper, to taste

- Juice of 1 lemon

For Assembly:

- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)

- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pesto

1. In a food processor, combine the fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

2. Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped.

3. With the processor running, gradually add the extra-virgin olive oil until the pesto reaches a smooth consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and black pepper.

3. Set up a breading station:

- Place the flour in one shallow dish.

- In another dish, whisk the eggs.

- In a third dish, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

1. Dredge each chicken breast in flour, shaking off any excess.

2. Dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated.

3. Finally, coat the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

1. In a large skillet, heat about 1/2 inch of olive oil over medium-high heat.

2. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the breaded chicken breasts in batches, cooking for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

3. Transfer the cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 5: Assemble the Chicken Parmigiana

1. In a baking dish, spread about 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom.

2. Place the fried chicken breasts on top of the sauce.

3. Spoon generous amounts of pesto over each chicken breast, followed by the remaining marinara sauce.

4. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.

Step 6: Bake

1. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

2. For an extra touch, you can broil it for an additional 2-3 minutes to achieve a golden top.

Step 7: Serve

1. Once out of the oven, let the dish cool for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh basil leaves.

2. Serve the Pesto Chicken Parmigiana with a side of pasta, garlic bread, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

This Pesto Chicken Parmigiana offers a delightful twist on a classic recipe, combining the rich flavors of traditional Chicken Parm with the fresh, vibrant taste of basil pesto. It’s a fantastic way to impress your dinner guests or treat yourself to a comforting meal at home. With relatively quick prep and cooking times, this dish is perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to savor every cheesy, flavorful bite of this ultimate Chicken Parmigiana! Enjoy!