Amish Recipe for Chicken Parmesan

Chicken Parmesan Recipe

This Amish Baked Chicken Parmesan recipe offers a delightful twist on the traditional Italian-American dish, highlighting Amish cuisine's rustic simplicity and wholesome flavors. The focus is on the natural goodness of the ingredients, without the need for sauce.

Start by taking tender chicken breasts and dipping them in butter, then coat them in a light and crispy breading. The breading consists of breadcrumbs, grated or shredded Parmesan cheese, and a hint of Italian seasoning, garlic, and paprika.

Once the chicken is breaded, bake it in the oven until it reaches golden perfection. The breading forms a delicious crust, sealing in the juicy goodness and preserving the moistness of the chicken. The result is succulent and tender chicken with a satisfying crunch that adds a delightful texture to each bite.

Without the addition of sauce, the chicken takes center stage, allowing the subtle nuttiness of the Parmesan cheese to shine through. Every mouthwatering bite showcases the perfect harmony of seasoned breadcrumbs and savory chicken, complemented by the complex and slightly salty notes of the Parmesan.

Ingredients

Chicken

Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts is recommended. This cut is versatile, easy to work with, and ensures even cooking. Without bones and skin, the attention stays on the tasty breading and flavors.

If you prefer darker meat, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used as an alternative. However, take note that thighs require longer cooking time.

For lack of better options, I typically buy large packages of boneless chicken breasts at Walmart. And some of the breasts are really huge. So, I pound the breasts (with a meat mallet) to tenderize them and then cut the huge ones in half before dipping them.

Parmesan Cheese

When it comes to Parmesan cheese, it is recommended to choose either freshly grated or store-bought shredded varieties. However, I would steer clear of canned grated Parmesan, which can resemble powdery sand and lacks the desired flavor.

To truly enhance the flavor of your chicken, it is advisable to opt for fresh cheese. However, if fresh Parmesan is not readily available, using already shredded cheese can be a convenient alternative. (I often choose the pre-shredded option, simply because I don't typically keep fresh Parmesan in my refrigerator.)

Bread Crumbs

Personally, I prefer the crispiness of Panko bread crumbs. And this is what I recommend using to make the best Panko Parmesan Chicken.

However, you can use either plain or seasoned bread crumbs for this recipe.

Plain bread crumbs create a neutral base, allowing the flavors of Parmesan cheese and other seasonings to shine. Seasoned bread crumbs, on the other hand, add extra flavor since they are infused with herbs, spices, and sometimes even Parmesan cheese.

Both types of bread crumbs are readily available at most grocery stores (although it's not hard to make homemade bread crumbs either). You can choose based on personal preference and the desired taste profile you want for your baked Parmesan chicken.

However, it's worth noting that if you opt for seasoned bread crumbs, you may want to omit the salt and pepper that are included in the recipe, as the seasoned bread crumbs already provide additional seasoning.

Butter

Dipping chicken breasts in butter before coating them with a crumb mixture serves multiple purposes.

Firstly, it acts as a binding agent, ensuring that the breading sticks to the chicken during cooking.

Secondly, the butter adds richness and enhances the overall flavor of the chicken, providing a buttery taste that complements the seasonings and ingredients in the crumb mixture.

Lastly, the butter helps in browning the chicken as it bakes, resulting in a beautiful golden color and a delightful texture.

Tips for Creating Juicy Chicken Breasts

To achieve juicy chicken breasts, follow these steps:

1. Marinate: Marinating chicken breasts in buttermilk is a great option. The acidic nature of buttermilk helps to tenderize the chicken, resulting in a more juicy and tender chicken breast.
2. Ensure Evenness: Pound the thicker parts of the chicken breasts to create a consistent thickness. This way, the chicken will cook more evenly, preventing the thinner sections from drying out while the thicker parts cook through.
3. Cook at a high temperature: Use a high cooking temperature to lock in the juices and seal the chicken's moisture.
4. Do not overcook: Be cautious not to overcook the chicken, as it can result in dryness. To ensure doneness, use a meat thermometer and confirm that the meat reaches an internal temperature of 160 - 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Remember that the chicken will continue to cook as it rests after being removed from the oven.
5. Let it Rest: Allow the cooked chicken to rest before slicing into it. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, helping to retain moisture and keep the chicken tender.

By following these steps, you'll be on your way to preparing succulent and juicy chicken breasts.

What Can I Serve with Parmesan Chicken?

Amish Chicken Parmesan can be served as a standalone dish or accompanied by a variety of side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, buttery mashed potatoes, broccoli salad, or a lettuce salad. Its simple yet satisfying flavors make it a versatile and comforting choice for any meal.

And, of course, this recipe for chicken parmesan can also be served with spaghetti sauce over a bed of cooked pasta, such as spaghetti or linguine. The pasta serves as a base, absorbing the flavors of the sauce and providing a hearty foundation for the chicken.

More Amish Chicken Recipes

Homemade Shake and Bake Chicken

Oven-Baked Chicken Breasts

Grilled BBQ Chicken

Rice Krispy Chicken

Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Embracing the principles of simplicity and quality, Amish Baked Chicken Parmesan captures the essence of Amish cooking. This dish celebrates the beauty of uncomplicated ingredients, allowing the flavors to speak for themselves and creating a culinary experience that is both hearty and wholesome.

I hope you get to try this recipe. And if you do, I would love it if you left a comment and star rating below.