Indulge in the timeless flavors of Chicken Parmesan with Homemade Tomato Sauce! This beloved Italian-American dish features perfectly crispy chicken cutlets smothered in a rich, homemade tomato sauce and topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Whether you’re preparing a hearty weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe promises to deliver comfort and satisfaction with every bite.
Makes 4 Servings
Ingredients
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 large yellow onion, grated (about 3/4 cup)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 medium garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes (Muir Glen recommended)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Pinch of red pepper flakes
- Pinch of sugar
For the Chicken:
- 4 chicken breast cutlets (1 1/4 to 1 1/2 pounds total)
- Salt, to taste
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (homemade from stale French bread)
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, sliced
Instructions
1. Prepare the Sauce
Start by heating olive oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Sauté the grated onion for 2-3 minutes until it begins to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity. Let the sauce simmer uncovered for 10-12 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. For more on making a perfect tomato sauce, refer to this guide.
2. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Preheating ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and the cheese melts beautifully. Learn more about preheating your oven correctly.
3. Pound the Chicken
Place each chicken cutlet between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound them to an even thickness of 1/4 to 1/2 inch. This helps the chicken cook uniformly and remain tender. Season both sides generously with salt. For tips on pounding chicken breast evenly, check out this resource.
4. Prepare for Dredging
In a shallow bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese. In another bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth. These steps prepare the chicken for a crispy, flavorful coating.
5. Fry the Chicken
Heat 1/4 cup olive oil in a sauté pan over medium-high heat. Dip each seasoned chicken cutlet first into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off, then coat it thoroughly with the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture. Fry the cutlets until they are golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Ensure the chicken is cooked through but still juicy. For more on frying techniques for chicken, visit this guide.
6. Assemble the Dish
Spread a generous layer of the homemade tomato sauce in a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Arrange the browned chicken cutlets over the sauce. Spoon additional sauce over each cutlet, then top with sliced basil, mozzarella slices, and the remaining Parmesan cheese. This layering ensures every bite is packed with flavor and gooey cheese.
7. Bake
Place the assembled dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the mozzarella begins to brown and bubble. This final step melds the flavors together and creates a beautiful, cheesy finish.
8. Serve
Remove the Chicken Parmesan from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional fresh basil if desired. Serve hot alongside your favorite side dish for a complete, satisfying meal. For ideas on pairing sides with Chicken Parmesan, explore these suggestions.
Tips
- Garlic Sauce: If you roast a whole head of garlic along with the chicken, you can squeeze the roasted garlic out of the cloves to create a delicious garlic sauce. Learn how to make roasted garlic sauce here.
- Cleanup: Using parchment paper on the baking sheet helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Cheese Selection: Experiment with different cheeses like provolone or fontina for varied flavors and textures.
Serving Suggestion
Serve your Chicken Parmesan with Homemade Tomato Sauce with a side of garlic bread and a crisp green salad for a complete and balanced meal. For more side dish ideas, check out these suggestions to complement your main course perfectly.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
- Calories: 600
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
- Sodium: 900mg
- Potassium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 35g
- Vitamin A: 20%
- Vitamin C: 15%
- Calcium: 25%
- Iron: 15%
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Chicken Parmesan with Homemade Tomato Sauce is a true comfort food classic that brings together crispy chicken, rich tomato sauce, and melted cheeses in a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The homemade sauce made from fresh ingredients elevates the dish, making it superior to store-bought versions. Whether you’re cooking for family dinners or hosting a special occasion, this recipe is both impressive and easy to prepare, ensuring that you can enjoy a delicious meal without excessive effort.
Try It Today!
Ready to savor a classic dish that never fails to please? Prepare this Chicken Parmesan with Homemade Tomato Sauce tonight and enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal that brings the taste of Italy to your dining table. Whether paired with pasta, vegetables, or your favorite side dish, this Chicken Parmesan is sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen. Don’t forget to share your cooking successes and let us know how much you love this delicious comfort food recipe!