Chicken Parmesan Flavorful Journey (Printable Version)
# What You'll Need:
→ Protein
01 -
500 grams boneless chicken breasts, trimmed and pounded to even thickness
→ Sauce
02 -
400 grams tomato sauce with garlic and herb infusion
03 -
3 garlic cloves, finely minced
04 -
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend (oregano, basil, thyme)
05 -
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
06 -
15 milliliters olive oil
→ Cheese
07 -
150 grams shredded mozzarella cheese, freshly grated from block
08 -
50 grams aged Parmesan cheese, finely grated
→ Garnish
09 -
Fresh basil leaves, torn by hand (optional)
10 -
Red pepper flakes (optional)
11 -
Drizzle of olive oil (optional)
# Step-by-Step Directions:
01 -
Trim and pound chicken breasts to uniform thickness for even cooking. Arrange all ingredients near your workspace for efficient assembly, including mixing shredded cheeses and seasoning garlic with Italian herbs in a small bowl.
02 -
In a saucepan, combine tomato sauce, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer over low heat to meld flavors without burning, stirring occasionally for approximately 10 minutes.
03 -
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil. Sear chicken breasts until golden brown and Maillard crust forms, approximately 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
04 -
In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of simmered tomato sauce. Layer browned chicken pieces evenly, then cover with the remaining sauce. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
05 -
Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 25 minutes. Halfway through, uncover and check for caramelization and bubbling sauce. If edges are browning too quickly, tent dish with foil. For extra crust, broil for 1-2 minutes watching carefully.
06 -
Verify chicken is fully cooked by ensuring juices run clear when pierced at the thickest part. If not, bake for an additional 5 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to rest for 10 minutes to let juices redistribute.
07 -
Scatter torn fresh basil leaves over the casserole. Optionally, add red pepper flakes and a light drizzle of olive oil. Serve alongside a green salad or garlic bread for a balanced meal.
# Helpful Notes:
01 -
Allowing the chicken to rest after baking ensures moist, tender slices by redistributing internal juices.
02 -
For leftovers, reheat gently in a low oven to preserve Maillard crust and prevent rubbery cheese.
03 -
Using a slow simmer for the sauce develops depth and prevents watery consistency.