Martha Stewart’s chicken Parmesan is a beloved dish that combines the richness of fried chicken, the tanginess of marinara sauce, and the creaminess of melted mozzarella cheese. This Italian-American classic has been a staple in many households for decades, and with Martha Stewart’s expert guidance, you can create a mouth-watering version that will impress your family and friends. In this article, we will delve into the world of chicken Parmesan, exploring its history, ingredients, and cooking techniques, as well as providing a detailed recipe to make Martha Stewart’s signature dish.
Introduction to Chicken Parmesan
Chicken Parmesan, also known as chicken Parmigiana, is a popular Italian-American dish that originated in the southern region of Italy. The dish typically consists of breaded and fried chicken breasts topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese, served with a side of pasta or a green salad. Over time, chicken Parmesan has evolved, and various variations have emerged, including Martha Stewart’s unique take on the classic recipe.
History of Chicken Parmesan
The history of chicken Parmesan dates back to the early 20th century, when Italian immigrants brought their culinary traditions to the United States. The dish was initially called “Parmigiana di melanzane,” which referred to a Sicilian recipe featuring breaded and fried eggplant slices topped with tomato sauce and cheese. As Italian-American cuisine evolved, chicken became a popular substitute for eggplant, and the dish was renamed chicken Parmesan. Today, chicken Parmesan is a staple in many Italian-American restaurants and households, with various regional twists and interpretations.
Martha Stewart’s Take on Chicken Parmesan
Martha Stewart’s chicken Parmesan recipe is a masterclass in Italian-American cuisine. Her version features thinly sliced chicken breasts that are breaded with a mixture of grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and spices. The chicken is then fried to a golden brown and topped with a rich and tangy marinara sauce and a generous helping of melted mozzarella cheese. Martha Stewart’s recipe is a perfect blend of traditional Italian flavors and modern cooking techniques, resulting in a dish that is both authentic and innovative.
Ingredients and Cooking Techniques
To make Martha Stewart’s chicken Parmesan, you will need a variety of ingredients, including chicken breasts, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese. The cooking techniques involved in this recipe are relatively straightforward, but they require attention to detail and a bit of practice to master.
Ingredients
The ingredients needed for Martha Stewart’s chicken Parmesan recipe include:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
Cooking Techniques
The cooking techniques involved in Martha Stewart’s chicken Parmesan recipe include breading, frying, and baking. The breading process involves coating the chicken breasts with a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and spices, while the frying process involves cooking the breaded chicken in hot oil until it is golden brown. The baking process involves topping the fried chicken with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese and baking it in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Breading and Frying the Chicken
To bread and fry the chicken, you will need to prepare a breading station with flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs. The chicken breasts should be dredged in flour, dipped in beaten eggs, and then coated with breadcrumbs. The breaded chicken should be fried in hot oil until it is golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
Assembling and Baking the Chicken Parmesan
To assemble and bake the chicken Parmesan, you will need to place the fried chicken breasts on a baking sheet and top them with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. The chicken should be baked in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step-by-Step Recipe
Now that we have explored the history, ingredients, and cooking techniques involved in Martha Stewart’s chicken Parmesan recipe, it’s time to dive into the step-by-step instructions. Follow these steps to create a delicious and authentic chicken Parmesan dish that will impress your family and friends.
To start, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is heating up, prepare the breading station with flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs. Dredge the chicken breasts in flour, dip them in beaten eggs, and then coat them with breadcrumbs. Fry the breaded chicken in hot oil until it is golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
Once the chicken is fried, place it on a baking sheet and top it with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Martha Stewart’s chicken Parmesan is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides, including pasta, garlic bread, and green salads. You can also add some fresh basil leaves on top of the chicken for a pop of color and flavor. Some other serving suggestions include:
- Serving the chicken Parmesan with a side of spaghetti or zucchini noodles
- Adding some sautéed spinach or broccoli to the dish for extra nutrition
- Using different types of cheese, such as provolone or ricotta, for a unique flavor profile
Conclusion
Martha Stewart’s chicken Parmesan is a delicious and authentic Italian-American dish that is sure to become a staple in your household. With its thinly sliced chicken breasts, rich marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese, this dish is a perfect blend of traditional Italian flavors and modern cooking techniques. By following the step-by-step recipe and tips outlined in this article, you can create a mouth-watering chicken Parmesan dish that will impress your family and friends. So go ahead, give Martha Stewart’s chicken Parmesan a try, and experience the rich flavors and aromas of Italy in the comfort of your own home.
What are the essential ingredients for making Martha Stewart’s Chicken Parmesan?
To make Martha Stewart’s Chicken Parmesan, you will need several essential ingredients, including boneless, skinless chicken breasts, all-purpose flour, eggs, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. You will also need olive oil for frying, marinara sauce, and shredded mozzarella cheese for the topping. Additionally, you can use fresh basil leaves for garnish, which adds a bright and refreshing flavor to the dish. It is crucial to use high-quality ingredients to achieve the best flavor and texture.
The quality of the ingredients can significantly impact the final result of the dish. For instance, using fresh and flavorful breadcrumbs can make a big difference in the crunch and texture of the chicken cutlets. Similarly, a good-quality marinara sauce can add depth and richness to the dish. Martha Stewart’s recipe emphasizes the importance of using authentic Italian ingredients, such as Parmesan cheese and extra-virgin olive oil, to create an authentic Italian-American flavor profile. By using these ingredients, you can create a delicious and satisfying Chicken Parmesan that is sure to please even the most discerning palates.
How do I prepare the chicken cutlets for breading and frying?
To prepare the chicken cutlets for breading and frying, you need to pound them thinly to an even thickness, usually about 1/4 inch. This helps the chicken cook evenly and prevents it from becoming too thick and bulky. You can use a meat mallet or a rolling pin to pound the chicken cutlets. Once the chicken is pounded, you can season it with salt and pepper to add flavor. Then, you can dredge the chicken cutlets in flour, shaking off any excess, to create a smooth surface for the breadcrumbs to adhere to.
After dredging the chicken in flour, you can dip it in beaten eggs, making sure to coat it completely, and then coat it in breadcrumbs. It is essential to press the breadcrumbs gently onto the chicken to ensure they stick well. You can also use a mixture of grated Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs for extra flavor. Once the chicken cutlets are breaded, you can fry them in hot olive oil until they are golden brown and crispy. It is crucial to not overcrowd the skillet and to fry the chicken cutlets in batches if necessary, to ensure they cook evenly and do not stick together.
What is the best way to fry the breaded chicken cutlets?
To fry the breaded chicken cutlets, you need to heat about 1/2 inch of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, you can add the breaded chicken cutlets and fry them until they are golden brown and crispy, usually about 3-4 minutes on each side. It is essential to not overcrowd the skillet and to fry the chicken cutlets in batches if necessary, to ensure they cook evenly and do not stick together. You can also use a thermometer to check the temperature of the oil, which should be around 350°F for optimal frying.
Once the chicken cutlets are fried, you can remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Then, you can transfer the fried chicken cutlets to a baking dish and top them with marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese. The chicken cutlets can then be baked in a preheated oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This step helps to combine the flavors and textures of the dish, creating a delicious and satisfying Chicken Parmesan. By following these steps, you can achieve a crispy and golden-brown exterior and a juicy and tender interior.
How do I assemble and bake the Chicken Parmesan?
To assemble the Chicken Parmesan, you need to place the fried chicken cutlets in a baking dish and spoon some marinara sauce over each cutlet. Then, you can sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce and top it with grated Parmesan cheese. You can also add some chopped fresh basil leaves on top for extra flavor and color. Once the chicken cutlets are assembled, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
The baking step is crucial in combining the flavors and textures of the dish, creating a delicious and satisfying Chicken Parmesan. During baking, the cheese melts and the sauce simmers, infusing the chicken cutlets with flavor. You can also broil the Chicken Parmesan for an additional 2-3 minutes to get a golden-brown and crispy top. This step adds a nice textural element to the dish and enhances the presentation. Once the Chicken Parmesan is baked, you can remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set and the flavors to meld together, creating a delicious and satisfying Italian-American classic.
Can I make Martha Stewart’s Chicken Parmesan ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Martha Stewart’s Chicken Parmesan ahead of time, which can be convenient for busy weeknights or special occasions. You can prepare the chicken cutlets and bread them up to a day in advance, storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also make the marinara sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months. Additionally, you can assemble the Chicken Parmesan and bake it just before serving, which ensures the cheese is melted and the sauce is hot and bubbly.
To make the Chicken Parmesan ahead of time, you can follow the recipe up to the baking step and then refrigerate or freeze the assembled dish. When you are ready to serve, you can bake the Chicken Parmesan in a preheated oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly. You can also reheat the Chicken Parmesan in the oven or under the broiler if you have already baked it. This makes it easy to serve a delicious and satisfying meal with minimal effort, which is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. By making the Chicken Parmesan ahead of time, you can enjoy a stress-free and enjoyable dining experience.
What are some variations of Martha Stewart’s Chicken Parmesan recipe?
There are several variations of Martha Stewart’s Chicken Parmesan recipe that you can try to add some creativity and flavor to the dish. For instance, you can use different types of cheese, such as provolone or mozzarella, or add some chopped ham or pepperoni to the breadcrumb mixture. You can also use fresh or dried herbs, such as basil or oregano, to add extra flavor to the dish. Additionally, you can serve the Chicken Parmesan with a side of pasta, garlic bread, or a green salad to create a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
Another variation is to use chicken cutlets with different seasonings or marinades, such as Italian seasoning or lemon juice, to add extra flavor to the dish. You can also try using different types of breadcrumbs, such as panko or gluten-free breadcrumbs, to create a lighter and crisper coating. Furthermore, you can add some sautéed vegetables, such as mushrooms or bell peppers, to the marinara sauce to add extra flavor and nutrients. By trying these variations, you can create a unique and delicious Chicken Parmesan that suits your taste preferences and dietary needs. This allows you to enjoy a creative and satisfying Italian-American classic that is tailored to your tastes.