Prep Chicken Parmesan Like A Pro Chef

Chicken Parmesan is a popular Italian-American dish that is often served in restaurants. It is made by breading and frying chicken breasts, topping them with tomato sauce and cheese, and baking them until the cheese is melted and bubbly. The dish can be time-consuming to prepare, but there are several ways to prep Chicken Parmesan ahead of time to save time and effort. One option is to bread and fry the chicken, and then store it in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to bake and serve. This can be done up to 24 hours in advance if the chicken is to be refrigerated, and up to 3-4 months if it is to be frozen.

Bread the chicken and pan-fry ahead of time

Chicken Parmesan is a great dish to prepare ahead of time. The breading seals in the chicken's moisture, making it perfect for meal prep. Here is a detailed guide on how to bread and pan-fry the chicken ahead of time:

Prepare the Chicken

Start by slicing the chicken into 2-3 thinner slices or pounding it to an even thickness of about 1/4 to 1/2 inch. This step ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and is the preferred thickness in restaurants. Pat the chicken slices dry and season generously with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings of your choice to enhance the flavor.

Create a Breading Station

Set up three shallow pans or bowls with the flour, egg, and breadcrumb mixtures separately. For a classic breading, use all-purpose flour. However, if you want to add an extra crunch and flavor, opt for Panko breadcrumbs. You can also add grated Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumbs for an extra layer of flavor. Beat the eggs until they become super frothy and light. This ensures that the breading will be crispy and not too dense.

Dredge the Chicken

First, dredge the chicken slices in the flour, making sure to coat evenly. Tap off any excess flour. Next, dip the floured chicken into the egg mixture until just coated. Use your fingers to slide off any excess egg gently, as too much egg can bleed through the breading and affect crispiness. Finally, coat the chicken thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture.

Pan-Fry the Breaded Chicken

Heat about 1/8 inch of oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Place 5-6 tenders in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Repeat this process with the remaining chicken, adding more oil as needed.

Cool and Store

Once the chicken is cooked, place it on a wire cooling rack or a foil-lined baking sheet to cool. At this point, you can choose to refrigerate the breaded chicken for up to 8 hours or freeze it for later use. For freezing, flash-freeze the chicken on a large plate for 1-2 hours, then wrap individually in foil and store in a labelled freezer bag for up to 3-4 months.

By following these steps, you can efficiently bread and pan-fry chicken for Chicken Parmesan ahead of time, making it easier to assemble and bake the final dish when needed.

Refrigerate or freeze the breaded chicken

Chicken Parmesan is a great dish to prepare ahead of time. It can be made in large batches and frozen, and it reheats well without compromising its quality. The breading seals in the chicken, keeping it moist and tender.

To prep breaded chicken for freezing, first, prepare the chicken by pounding it to an even thickness of about half an inch. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, and dredge it in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs. If you want to add some extra flavour, you can mix Parmesan cheese into the breadcrumbs.

Once the chicken is breaded, you can place it on a lined baking sheet. Cover the chicken and refrigerate for up to 8 hours or freeze for up to 3 months. If you want to freeze the chicken for longer, you can flash-freeze it by placing it on a large plate for 1-2 hours, then wrapping it individually in foil and placing it in a labelled freezer bag. This method will allow you to store the breaded chicken for 3-4 months.

When you're ready to serve the chicken, simply thaw it overnight and bake it in the oven. You can then add the sauce and cheese to the chicken and bake it until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Bake the chicken before serving

Chicken Parmesan is a popular dish in Italian-American restaurants and can be prepared ahead of time. The breaded chicken can be cooked and stored for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator or frozen for 3-4 months. When ready to serve, the chicken is baked in the oven.

To prepare the chicken ahead of time, start by pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, and dredge it in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs. You can also add grated Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumbs for extra flavour and crunch.

After breading, the chicken can be partially cooked by pan-frying or shallow frying until golden brown. Let the chicken cool, then place it in a casserole dish or on a baking sheet. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours or freeze for up to 3 months.

When ready to serve, preheat the oven to 425°F. If using frozen chicken, let it thaw completely overnight. Remove the chicken from the refrigerator or freezer and bake it in the oven for 10-15 minutes to heat it through.

For a crispier chicken, bake the chicken on a baking sheet instead of in a casserole dish with sauce. After baking, top the chicken with warm marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil. Return the chicken to the oven and bake for an additional 5-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

To ensure the chicken is cooked through, use an instant-read thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Serve the chicken parmesan with pasta and garlic bread for a complete meal.

Prepare the sauce and cheese ahead of time

Chicken Parmesan is a versatile dish that can be prepared ahead of time and is ideal for make-ahead meals. Here are some tips to prepare the sauce and cheese components in advance:

Prepare the Sauce:

The sauce can be made ahead of time to save time and streamline the cooking process. Making a large batch of sauce and storing it is a common practice in restaurants. Here are some steps to prepare the sauce:

• Choose the Sauce: Chicken Parmesan is traditionally served with a tomato-based marinara sauce. You can make this from scratch or use a good-quality store-bought option.
• Prepare and Season: If making your own sauce, prepare a large batch by cooking and seasoning it to your liking. Add herbs such as basil or Italian dried herbs to enhance the flavour.
• Store the Sauce: Allow the sauce to cool and then store it in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The sauce can be refrigerated for several days and frozen for longer periods.
• Warm Before Serving: When ready to serve, warm the sauce over low heat. Adjust the seasoning again if needed to ensure the best flavour.

Prepare the Cheese:

The cheese is a crucial component of Chicken Parmesan, adding flavour and texture to the dish. Preparing the cheese ahead of time ensures that it is ready for assembly. Here are the steps:

• Choose the Cheese: A combination of cheeses is often used, such as mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan. You can grate or shred the cheese and store it separately or mix it according to your recipe.
• Store the Cheese: Place the grated or shredded cheese in airtight containers in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for several days.
• Add Cheese Before Baking: When assembling the Chicken Parmesan, add the cheese just before baking. This ensures that the cheese melts evenly and creates the desired gooey texture.

Preparing the sauce and cheese ahead of time for Chicken Parmesan saves time and effort. It allows you to focus on cooking the chicken and assembling the dish efficiently, resulting in a delicious and well-presented meal.

Add sauce and cheese to the chicken before serving

Chicken Parmesan is a popular dish in Italian-American restaurants and is relatively easy to make. It can be prepared ahead of time and reheats well, making it a great option for busy weeknights or special dinners. Here is a step-by-step guide to adding sauce and cheese to the chicken before serving:

Prepare the Sauce and Cheese:

Before adding the sauce and cheese to your chicken, it is essential to prepare these ingredients to ensure they complement the dish. You can use a good-quality jarred tomato sauce or make your own homemade marinara sauce. Warm the sauce and adjust the seasoning to your preference. For a store-bought sauce, a pinch of sugar and fresh basil can enhance its flavour.

For the cheese, a combination of mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan is a classic choice. However, you can experiment with different varieties. Fontina cheese, for example, has a buttery and nutty flavour and stays gooey when melted. Grate or shred the cheese to ensure it melts evenly and creates a mouthwatering, stringy texture.

Assemble the Dish:

Place the breaded chicken in a casserole dish or on a baking sheet. Layer each chicken breast with 2 tablespoons of tomato sauce, ensuring not to add too much to maintain the crispiness of the breading. Sprinkle the mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan cheese over the sauce, creating a generous layer. You can also add fresh basil at this stage for added freshness and colour.

Baking Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F to 425°F. Drizzle each chicken breast with a small amount of olive oil to promote even browning. Bake the chicken for 15 to 20 minutes, keeping a close eye on it. The dish is ready when the cheese is browned and bubbly, and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.

Serving Suggestions:

Chicken Parmesan is typically served with pasta and garlic bread. If you prefer a saucier dish, serve extra sauce on the side. Enjoy your homemade, restaurant-quality Chicken Parmesan!

Frequently asked questions