Romantic Chicken Parmesan Dinner is the perfect way to say "I love you" without saying a word. This isn't just any chicken parmesan, it's a dish that evokes warm memories of my Nonna's kitchen, filled with the aroma of simmering tomatoes and the comforting sound of laughter. As Valentine's Day approaches, why not create your own romantic memory with this unbelievably delicious and surprisingly easy Romantic Chicken Parmesan Dinner?
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Why You Will Love This Romantic Chicken Parmesan Dinner Recipe
This recipe is not only incredibly delicious but also designed for a stress free cooking experience. Imagine sinking your fork into tender, juicy chicken coated in crispy breadcrumbs, smothered in a rich, homemade tomato sauce, and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. It's comfort food elevated to a romantic masterpiece.
What makes this recipe so special? It's all about the layers of flavor and texture, from the savory chicken to the sweet and tangy sauce. Plus, it's much easier to make than you might think! This Romantic Chicken Parmesan Dinner will become a staple in your Valentine’s Day dinners.
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Ingredients Needed for This Romantic Chicken Parmesan Dinner Recipe
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each)
- 1/2 cup all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Cooked spaghetti or your favorite pasta
How to Make This Romantic Chicken Parmesan Dinner Recipe
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
Prepare the chicken: Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound to 1/2 inch thickness. This ensures even cooking and tenderness.
In a shallow dish, combine flour, salt, and pepper. In another shallow dish, beat the eggs. In a third dish, combine breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, then dip in the beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure the breadcrumbs adhere well for a crispy crust.
Heat olive oil in a large oven safe skillet over medium heat.
Cook the chicken breasts for 3 4 minutes per side, until golden brown. They don't need to be cooked through completely at this point.
Prepare the sauce: While the chicken is cooking, heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Pour the tomato sauce over the chicken in the skillet.
Top each chicken breast with shredded mozzarella cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the chicken is cooked through. A meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken should register 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. Serve immediately and enjoy your Romantic Chicken Parmesan Dinner!
How to Serve This Romantic Chicken Parmesan Dinner Recipe
This Romantic Chicken Parmesan Dinner is best served hot, right out of the oven. Serve it over a bed of perfectly cooked spaghetti or your favorite pasta.
Pair it with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish. A glass of Chianti or other light bodied red wine complements the flavors beautifully.
For an extra touch of elegance, drizzle a little balsamic glaze over the top before serving.
How to Store This Romantic Chicken Parmesan Dinner Recipe
Leftover Chicken Parmesan can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken parmesan. Wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) until heated through.
Tips to Make This Romantic Chicken Parmesan Dinner Recipe
- For extra crispy chicken, try using panko breadcrumbs instead of regular Italian breadcrumbs.
- If you don't have fresh basil, dried basil can be used in a pinch. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried basil for every tablespoon of fresh basil.
- Don't overcook the chicken, it will become dry. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it's cooked to the correct temperature.
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Helpful Notes for This Romantic Chicken Parmesan Dinner Recipe
Using high quality crushed tomatoes makes a big difference in the flavor of the sauce. San Marzano tomatoes are a great choice.
An oven safe skillet is ideal for this recipe because it allows you to sear the chicken on the stovetop and then transfer it directly to the oven for baking. If you don't have an oven safe skillet, you can transfer the chicken to a baking dish after searing.
Variation of This Romantic Chicken Parmesan Dinner Recipe
For a lighter version, you can bake the chicken instead of frying it. Simply place the breaded chicken breasts on a baking sheet and bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for 20 25 minutes, or until cooked through.
Add a layer of sliced provolone cheese along with mozzarella for added flavor.
Spice things up with a pinch of cayenne pepper in the breadcrumb mixture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes chicken parmesan a romantic dinner?
Chicken parmesan is a comfort food classic that’s relatively easy to prepare. Sharing a homemade dish like Romantic Chicken Parmesan Dinner shows effort and care, setting a warm and intimate atmosphere.
How can I make chicken parmesan extra special for a romantic dinner?
Use high-quality ingredients, such as fresh mozzarella and homemade tomato sauce. Also, personalize the dish with your partner’s favorite herbs or spices to make the Romantic Chicken Parmesan Dinner a unique experience.
What side dishes pair well with Romantic Chicken Parmesan Dinner?
Consider serving a light salad with a vinaigrette dressing to balance the richness of the chicken parmesan. Garlic bread or roasted asparagus are also excellent choices for a well-rounded and romantic meal.
Can I prepare chicken parmesan ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the chicken parmesan earlier in the day and bake it just before serving. This allows you to spend more time with your partner and less time in the kitchen before your Romantic Chicken Parmesan Dinner.
What wine should I serve with Romantic Chicken Parmesan Dinner?
A medium-bodied red wine, such as Chianti or Merlot, pairs well with the acidity of the tomato sauce and the richness of the cheese. Alternatively, a crisp Pinot Grigio can also be a refreshing choice.
Conclusion
This Romantic Chicken Parmesan Dinner is more than just a meal; it's an expression of love, a shared experience, and a delicious way to celebrate Valentine's Day or any special occasion. It is the perfect meal for a romantic night indoors. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a beginner cook, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. So gather your ingredients, put on some romantic music, and prepare to create a memorable Romantic Chicken Parmesan Dinner! Share this Valentine’s Day chicken parmesan recipe with your friends and family if you enjoyed this post.
Romantic Chicken Parmesan Dinner: Easiest Recipe Ever!
Tender chicken breasts coated in crispy breadcrumbs, covered in rich tomato sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. The perfect romantic dinner!
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 2 servings
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition:
Protein: 45g
Carbs: 50g
Fat: 35g
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6 ounces each)
- 1/2 cup all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sauce)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste (for sauce)
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Cooked spaghetti or your favorite pasta, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Pound chicken breasts to ½ inch thickness.
- Combine flour, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish.
- Beat eggs in another dish.
- Combine breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese in a third dish.
- Dredge chicken in flour, then egg, then breadcrumb mixture.
- Heat olive oil in an oven safe skillet over medium heat.
- Cook chicken 3 4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Heat olive oil in a saucepan, add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Pour tomato sauce over chicken in the skillet.
- Top with mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 15 20 minutes, or until cheese is melted and chicken is cooked through (165°F).
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve over pasta.
Notes
- For extra crispy chicken, use panko breadcrumbs.
- Using high quality crushed tomatoes makes a big difference. San Marzano tomatoes are recommended.
- If you don’t have an oven safe skillet, you can transfer the coated chicken to a smaller baking dish after searing.