Irresistible Chicken Parmesan Recipe by Ree Drummond

Are you craving a delicious and mouthwatering dish for dinner tonight? Look no further than this Irresistible Chicken Parmesan Recipe by Ree Drummond! In this article, you will learn how to recreate a homemade version of this classic Italian dish that will leave your taste buds dancing with delight. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or simply want to treat yourself to a comforting meal, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. So, put on your apron, grab your ingredients, and let’s begin this culinary adventure!

Introduction to Chicken Parmesan Recipe by Ree Drummond

Discover the origins and popularity of the chicken parmesan recipe created by Ree Drummond, a renowned home cook and Food Network television personality.

Ree Drummond’s Culinary Background

Ree Drummond, also known as the “Pioneer Woman,” has established herself as a household name in the culinary world. Born and raised in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, Drummond developed a passion for cooking from a young age. Her love for food led her to pursue a degree in journalism at the University of Southern California, where she honed her writing skills and developed a keen interest in food journalism.

After graduating, Drummond moved back to her hometown and met her future husband, Ladd Drummond, a fourth-generation cattle rancher. Together, they built a life on a sprawling ranch and started a family. Drummond’s cooking journey truly began when she started a blog to document her daily life on the ranch and share recipes with her readers.

Driven by her humble personality and down-to-earth approach to cooking, Drummond quickly attracted a wide audience. Her relatability and ability to create delicious yet simple recipes resonated with people from all walks of life. As her blog gained traction, Drummond caught the attention of the Food Network and was offered her own television show, “The Pioneer Woman,” which debuted in 2011.

Why Chicken Parmesan Recipe?

Chicken Parmesan is a classic Italian-American dish that combines breaded chicken cutlets, marinara sauce, and melted cheese. It is a favorite comfort food for many, and Ree Drummond’s version adds her own unique twist.

Drummond’s chicken parmesan recipe stands out for its simplicity and delicious flavors. She understands the importance of using quality ingredients and takes pride in creating meals that are both approachable and satisfying. Her recipe uses pantry staples like breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and dried herbs, making it accessible to home cooks of all skill levels.

By sharing her chicken parmesan recipe, Drummond offers her readers and viewers a taste of her signature style of cooking. Her step-by-step instructions and helpful tips ensure that anyone can recreate this crowd-pleasing dish in their own kitchen.

The Dish’s Enduring Appeal

Chicken Parmesan has remained a staple on dinner tables for decades due to its irresistible combination of flavors and textures. It offers comfort and warmth that is hard to resist. The dish has also evolved and adapted over time, with various regional and personal variations.

Ree Drummond’s chicken parmesan recipe embodies the dish’s enduring appeal by staying true to its traditional roots while adding her own personal touch. The result is a meal that is both nostalgic and exciting.

Whether you’re a fan of Ree Drummond, a lover of Italian-American cuisine, or simply looking for a delicious and satisfying meal, her chicken parmesan recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Give it a try and experience the magic of this timeless dish!

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The Key Ingredients for Chicken Parmesan

When it comes to cooking a mouthwatering and delicious chicken parmesan, Ree Drummond knows exactly what she’s doing. This famous recipe requires a few key ingredients that work together to create a truly irresistible dish. Let’s take a closer look at each component and its role in making Ree Drummond’s chicken parmesan a standout.

High-Quality Chicken Breasts

At the heart of this recipe lies the star of the show: high-quality chicken breasts. It is essential to choose chicken breasts that are fresh, tender, and free from any blemishes or bruises. Ree Drummond recommends opting for boneless, skinless chicken breasts to ensure that the dish remains focused on the flavors of the tomato sauce and cheeses. Remember that using fresh and top-notch ingredients elevates the overall taste and texture of the chicken parmesan.

Rich and Flavorful Tomato Sauce

No chicken parmesan is complete without a rich and flavorful tomato sauce. The tomato sauce is responsible for adding a tangy and savory element to the dish. Ree Drummond’s recipe calls for using a homemade tomato sauce that bursts with fresh flavors. By using ripe tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and a dash of olive oil, the sauce becomes the perfect accompaniment to the tender chicken and cheeses. Emoji:

It is worth noting that the key to a great tomato sauce is simmering it over low heat to allow the flavors to meld together. This helps intensify the taste and creates a velvety texture that coats the chicken breasts perfectly.

Cheese Bliss: Mozzarella and Parmesan

The final touch that takes Ree Drummond’s chicken parmesan to the next level is the perfect combination of mozzarella and parmesan cheeses. These two cheeses work harmoniously to create a gooey and cheesy topping that is absolutely irresistible. Emoji:

Ree Drummond recommends using fresh mozzarella, which adds a creamy texture and a mild flavor to the dish. It melts beautifully and creates those stringy cheese pulls that everyone loves. Additionally, the nutty and salty flavor of parmesan adds depth and complexity to the dish, making each bite a burst of cheesy goodness.

To achieve the ultimate cheese bliss, it’s important to evenly distribute the cheeses on top of the chicken and tomato sauce. This ensures that every forkful is packed with the perfect ratio of cheese, chicken, and sauce.

Ree Drummond’s chicken parmesan recipe is a true winner, and these key ingredients play a crucial role in its success. From the tender and high-quality chicken breasts to the rich tomato sauce and the heavenly combination of mozzarella and parmesan cheeses, each component is carefully selected to create a dish that is truly irresistible. So why not gather the ingredients and give this recipe a try? You won’t be disappointed!

Step-by-Step Preparation of Chicken Parmesan

Follow a comprehensive guide on how to prepare Ree Drummond’s chicken parmesan recipe, from breading the chicken to achieving the perfect golden-brown crust.

Breading and Seasoning the Chicken

To start preparing Ree Drummond’s irresistible chicken parmesan, begin by breading and seasoning the chicken. This crucial step ensures that the chicken is flavorful and has a crispy outer crust.

• Take boneless, skinless chicken breasts and pat them dry with a paper towel. This removes any excess moisture and helps the breading adhere better.
• In a shallow dish, combine breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and your preferred seasonings. Common seasonings include garlic powder, dried oregano, and salt. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
• Coat each chicken breast in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing firmly to make sure the breadcrumbs stick well. This will create a delicious, crunchy coating on the chicken.

Now that the chicken breasts are perfectly breaded and seasoned, it’s time to move on to the next step in the preparation process.

Sautéing the Chicken to Perfection

After breading and seasoning the chicken, it’s time to cook it to perfection. Sautéing the chicken is the key to achieving a beautiful golden-brown crust that is both crispy and flavorful.

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Make sure the skillet is hot before adding the chicken.
2. Carefully place the breaded chicken breasts in the skillet, being mindful not to overcrowd the pan. This allows each piece to cook evenly and ensures a crispy crust.
3. Cook the chicken for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until it is golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

By sautéing the chicken to perfection, you’ll achieve a mouthwatering crispy crust that will take your chicken parmesan to the next level. Now, it’s time for the final step in this delectable recipe.

Layering the Cheese and Sauce

The last step in preparing Ree Drummond’s irresistible chicken parmesan is layering the cheese and sauce. This step adds the finishing touches to the dish, creating a cheesy and flavorful topping.

After sautéing the chicken, remove it from the skillet and place it on a baking sheet or casserole dish. This will allow you to assemble the chicken parmesan without overcrowding or damaging the crispy crust.

Next, spoon marinara sauce over each chicken breast, making sure to cover them completely. You can use store-bought marinara sauce or make your own using Ree Drummond’s homemade recipe.

Finally, top each chicken breast with a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese. This adds a gooey and melty layer of deliciousness to the dish.

Place the chicken in a preheated oven and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

There you have it – a step-by-step guide on how to prepare Ree Drummond’s irresistible chicken parmesan recipe. From breading and seasoning the chicken to sautéing it to perfection and layering the cheese and sauce, each step contributes to the overall deliciousness of this classic Italian dish. Enjoy!

If you’re a fan of Ree Drummond’s chicken parmesan recipe, you might also enjoy this White Castle recipe for a delicious burger alternative.

Baking versus Frying: Choosing the Cooking Method

When it comes to chicken parmesan, one of the first decisions you need to make is whether to bake or fry the chicken. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, and understanding them can help you make an informed decision that suits your preferences and dietary needs.

The Crispy Delight of Frying

If you’re looking for that perfect crispy and golden outer coating on your chicken parmesan, frying is the way to go. Frying allows the chicken to develop a delightful crunch that is hard to resist. The high heat of the oil ensures that the coating becomes irresistibly crispy, adding a textural component to the dish that is truly satisfying.

However, it’s important to note that frying chicken requires a significant amount of oil, which adds extra calories and unhealthy fats to your dish. So, if you’re watching your waistline or have dietary restrictions, frying might not be the best choice for you. But if you’re willing to indulge in a little indulgence, the results can be absolutely worth it!

A Healthier Alternative: Baking

If you’re more health-conscious and prefer a lighter version of chicken parmesan, baking is a great alternative to frying. Baking the chicken eliminates the need for excessive oil, resulting in a dish that is lower in calories and unhealthy fats. By using a hot oven, you can still achieve a crispy coating on the chicken, although it may not be as crunchy as the fried version.

Using the baking method also allows you to control the ingredients and customization of the dish. You can experiment with different coatings and seasonings, ensuring that your chicken parmesan is tailored to your taste. Additionally, baking requires less hands-on attention, allowing you to multitask in the kitchen while your chicken cooks to perfection.

Comparison of Texture and Flavor

When it comes to the texture and flavor of chicken parmesan, both baking and frying have their unique characteristics. Fried chicken parmesan tends to have a more pronounced crunch and a richer, savory flavor due to the oil used in the frying process. On the other hand, baked chicken parmesan has a lighter texture and a more subtle flavor, allowing the other ingredients, such as the marinara sauce and melted cheese, to take center stage.

Ultimately, the choice between baking and frying depends on your personal preferences and dietary needs. If you want a crispy and indulgent experience, frying is the way to go. However, if you prefer a healthier and lighter version of chicken parmesan, baking is the better option. Regardless of your choice, both methods can result in a delicious and irresistible dish that will satisfy your cravings.

Remember to customize the recipe according to your preferences. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and cooking techniques to create your perfect chicken parmesan.

With this information in hand, you can now confidently choose the cooking method that suits you best. Whether you decide to fry or bake your chicken parmesan, one thing is for sure – it will be a delightful and irresistible dish that will leave you craving for more!

Pairing Chicken Parmesan with the Perfect Side Dishes

When it comes to enjoying Ree Drummond’s irresistible chicken parmesan recipe, selecting the perfect side dishes can elevate your dining experience to a whole new level. The right accompaniments not only complement the flavors of the main dish but also add variety and balance to your meal. Whether you prefer classic pasta, vibrant salads, or flavorful bread, there are plenty of options to choose from. Let’s explore some ideas to pair with this delectable chicken parmesan!

Classic Pasta and Marinara Sauce

A classic pasta dish is a timeless choice to serve alongside chicken parmesan. The rich and hearty flavors of the marinara sauce beautifully enhance the flavors of the chicken and cheese. Consider serving spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne pasta, cooked al dente, to ensure a perfect texture. For an extra touch of flavor, you can add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil on top. The combination of tender chicken, melted cheese, and tangy marinara sauce, paired with your favorite pasta, is a true crowd-pleaser!

Fresh and Vibrant Salad Options

Incorporating a fresh and vibrant salad into your meal is an excellent way to balance the richness of the chicken parmesan. A crisp Caesar salad with its creamy dressing and Parmesan cheese shavings is a classic choice. If you prefer something lighter, a mixed greens salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a zesty vinaigrette dressing can provide a refreshing contrast to the savory flavors of the main dish. Feel free to experiment with different combinations of vegetables and dressings to find your perfect match!

Garlic Bread or Herbed Focaccia

No Italian-inspired meal is complete without some delicious bread to accompany it. Whether you opt for garlic bread or herbed focaccia, the warm and aromatic flavors will complement the chicken parmesan perfectly. The crispy exterior and soft interior of garlic bread, brushed with garlic-infused butter and sprinkled with parsley, create a delightful contrast. If you prefer a lighter option, herbed focaccia, topped with fragrant herbs like rosemary and thyme, provides a flavorful alternative. Whichever bread you choose, it’s sure to be a hit!

Remember, the key to choosing the ideal side dishes for your chicken parmesan is to enhance the overall dining experience. Classic pasta dishes, fresh salads, and flavorful bread options all add their own unique touch to this beloved recipe. So next time you’re planning to indulge in Ree Drummond’s chicken parmesan, make sure to select the perfect side dishes that will keep you coming back for more! Bon appétit! ‍

Looking for a healthy option? Try this weight loss recipe to keep you on track while still enjoying flavorful meals.

Thank You for Reading!

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