Chicken Parmigiana (Parma)

 Chicken Parmigiana (Chicken Parma) Recipe: A Classic Aussie Pub Favorite

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup all-purpose flour, for dredging
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups breadcrumbs (panko or homemade)
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Olive oil, for frying

For the Tomato Sauce:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For Assembly:

• 4 slices ham
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions:

1. Preparing the Chicken:

a. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

b. Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper.

c. Set up a dredging station: Place flour on one plate, whisked eggs in a shallow bowl, and a mixture of breadcrumbs and Parmesan on another plate.

d. Dredge each chicken breast in flour, dip into the beaten eggs, and coat with the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture, pressing the coating onto the chicken.

e. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken breasts until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Place the cooked chicken on a paper towel to drain excess oil.

2. Making the Tomato Sauce:

a. In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.

b. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.

c. Adjust the seasoning to taste. Remove from heat.

3. Assembling the Chicken Parmigiana:

a. Place the fried chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

b. Spoon a generous amount of tomato sauce over each chicken breast.

c. Top each chicken breast with a slice of ham and sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the ham.

d. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

4. Serving:

a. Garnish the Chicken Parmigiana with fresh basil or parsley.

b. Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side.

c. Optionally, serve over a bed of spaghetti or with a side of salad.

5. Enjoy!

Chicken Parmigiana, or Chicken Parma as it's affectionately known, is a delightful and hearty dish that captures the essence of Australian pub fare. Whether enjoyed with a cold beverage at a local pub or prepared at home, this classic Aussie favorite is sure to satisfy your cravings for comfort food.