Chicken Parmigiana on Toast
Introduction
Chicken Parmigiana, often referred to as Chicken Parmesan, is a beloved Italian-American dish known for its crispy breaded chicken cutlets, rich marinara sauce, and melted cheese. This recipe adds a delightful twist by serving the chicken parm on toasted bread, making it a perfect open-faced sandwich that is both hearty and satisfying. Whether you're preparing a special meal for family or friends or simply craving a comforting dish, this Chicken Parmigiana on Toast is sure to please.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Cutlets:
-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
-1 cup all-purpose flour
-2 large eggs
-2 tablespoons water
-1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
-1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
-1 teaspoon garlic powder
-1 teaspoon onion powder
-1 teaspoon dried oregano
-1 teaspoon dried basil
-Salt and black pepper to taste
-1/2 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
-For the Marinara Sauce:
-2 tablespoons olive oil
-1 small onion, finely chopped
-3 cloves garlic, minced
-1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
-1 teaspoon sugar
-1 teaspoon dried basil
-1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and black pepper to taste
-1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (optional)
For the Toast:
-4 thick slices of Italian bread or sourdough bread
-2 tablespoons butter
-1 clove garlic, minced
For Assembling:
-1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
-1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
Equipment Needed
Large skillet
Medium saucepan
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Meat mallet
Shallow dishes for breading
Whisk
Tongs
Oven
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Cutlets
1-Pound the Chicken: Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a meat mallet to pound the chicken to an even thickness, about 1/2 inch thick.
2-Season the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper.
3-Prepare the Breading Stations: In one shallow dish, place the flour. In a second shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and water. In another shallow dish, mix together the breadcrumbs, finely grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and dried basil.
4-Bread the Chicken: Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess. Dip it into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere. Transfer the coated chicken pieces to a plate and continue the process with the rest of the chicken breasts.
5-Fry the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is heated, carefully place the breaded chicken breasts into the pan. Fry for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Move the fried chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any extra oil.
Step 2: Make the Marinara Sauce
1-Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the finely minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant.
2-Add the Tomatoes: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine. Add the sugar, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld together.
3-Finish the Sauce: If using fresh basil, stir it in at the end of the cooking time. Sample the dish and modify the seasoning by adding extra salt and black pepper as needed. Keep the sauce warm over low heat.
Step 3: Prepare the Toast
1-Toast the Bread: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Position the bread slices on a baking sheet that’s been lined with parchment paper. In a small bowl, combine the butter and minced garlic. Evenly spread the garlic butter on both sides of each slice of bread.
2-Bake the Bread: Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Alternatively, you can toast the bread in a skillet over medium heat if you prefer.
Step 4: Assemble the Chicken Parmigiana on Toast
1-Preheat the Oven Broiler: Preheat your oven's broiler to high.
2-Layer the Ingredients: Place the toasted bread slices on the baking sheet. Top each slice with a fried chicken cutlet. Spoon a generous amount of marinara sauce over each chicken cutlet.
3-Add the Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the marinara sauce.
4-Broil the Sandwiches: Place the baking sheet under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. Keep a close eye on the sandwiches to prevent burning.
5-Garnish and Serve: Remove the sandwiches from the oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for Success
Even Chicken Thickness: Pounding the chicken to an even thickness ensures that it cooks evenly and remains tender.
Crispy Breaded Chicken: Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the chicken to achieve a crispy, golden crust.
Flavorful Marinara: Allowing the marinara sauce to simmer helps develop deep, rich flavors.
Perfect Toast: Toasting the bread in the oven or skillet ensures a crispy base that can hold up to the toppings.
Variations
Vegetarian Version: Substitute the chicken with breaded and fried eggplant slices for a delicious vegetarian option.
Spicy Marinara: Stir red pepper flakes into the marinara sauce to add a kick of heat.
Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses like provolone, fontina, or asiago for a unique flavor.
Herb Garlic Butter: Add fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to the garlic butter for extra flavor.
Nutritional Information
Calories: Approximately 600-700 calories per serving, depending on portion size and ingredients used.
Contains a high protein content from the chicken and cheese.
Carbohydrates: Provides a good source of carbohydrates from the bread.
Calcium: High in calcium from the cheese.
Serving Suggestions
Pairing: Serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
Beverages: Pair with a glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Merlot, or a cold beer.
Dips: Offer extra marinara sauce or a garlic aioli for dipping.
Conclusion
Chicken Parmigiana on Toast is a delightful and hearty dish that brings together the comforting flavors of Chicken Parmesan and the satisfying crunch of toasted bread. This recipe provides a detailed guide to creating a delicious meal that is perfect for any occasion. From the crispy breaded chicken to the rich marinara sauce and melted cheese, every component of this dish is designed to provide maximum flavor and enjoyment. Whether you're cooking for family, friends, or yourself, Chicken Parmigiana on Toast is sure to be a hit. Enjoy making and savoring this delicious dish!
Additional Tips
Freezing Chicken Cutlets: You can freeze the breaded and cooked chicken cutlets for up to a month. Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) until heated through and crispy.
Using Store-Bought Marinara: If short on time, you can use store-bought marinara sauce instead of making it from scratch.
Grating Your Own Cheese: For the best melting quality, grate your own mozzarella and Parmesan cheese rather than using pre-shredded cheese.
Creative Twists
Chicken Parm Sliders: Use smaller pieces of chicken and serve on slider buns for a fun, bite-sized appetizer or snack.
Chicken Parm Pizza: Use the breaded chicken cutlets as a pizza base. Top with marinara sauce and cheese, then bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Open-Faced Chicken Parm: Skip the top slice of bread and serve the chicken parmigiana on a single slice for a lighter option.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Parmigiana on Toast is an innovative and delectable take on a classic favorite. This recipe provides everything you need to create a mouthwatering dish that will impress and satisfy anyone who tries it. From the crispy chicken cutlets to the flavorful marinara sauce and melted cheese, each element comes together to create a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Enjoy the process of making this dish and, most importantly, the delicious results!
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