Smashed Chicken Parmesan on Texas Toast: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Recipe

Discover how to make Smashed Chicken Parmesan on Texas Toast with this easy and flavorful recipe. Perfect for a quick dinner, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends!

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Introduction

Smashed Chicken Parmesan on Texas Toast is a delightful twist on the traditional Chicken Parmesan. This recipe combines the crispy, buttery goodness of Texas Toast with a juicy, smashed chicken breast smothered in marinara sauce and topped with melty cheese. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a casual get-together, this dish is not only delicious but also simple to prepare.

In this blog post, we’ll take you through a step-by-step guide to making Smashed Chicken Parmesan on Texas Toast, along with tips for perfecting the dish and answers to some frequently asked questions. Let’s dive in!

Ingredients

Before we begin, let’s gather our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (Italian seasoned preferred)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Olive oil, for frying

For the Toppings:

• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

For the Texas Toast:

• 4 slices of Texas Toast
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Tenderize the chicken: Put each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound the chicken until it reaches a thickness of about ½ inch.
2. Season the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Breading the Chicken

1. Set Up Breading Stations: Prepare three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and the third with a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
2. Bread the Chicken: Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess. Dip it into the beaten eggs, then coat it thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture.

Step 3: Cooking the Chicken

1. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat about ¼ inch of olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Fry the Chicken: Once the oil is hot, carefully add the breaded chicken breasts. Cook for approximately 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked. Once done, place the chicken on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.

Step 4: Prepare the Texas Toast

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the Toast: In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with garlic powder and chopped parsley. Spread the mixture generously over each slice of Texas Toast.
3. Bake the Toast: Place the slices on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 5-7 minutes, or until golden and crispy.

Step 5: Assemble the Dish

1. Layer it Up: On each slice of Texas Toast, place a piece of the fried chicken. Spoon marinara sauce over the chicken and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.
2. Melt the Cheese: Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and melted.

Step 6: Serve

1. Garnish and Enjoy: Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and serve immediately. This dish pairs perfectly with a fresh side salad or some steamed vegetables.

Tips for Perfect Smashed Chicken Parmesan

• Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensure your chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety.
• Make it Ahead: You can bread the chicken a day in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to cook.
• Customize Your Sauce: Feel free to use store-bought marinara or make your own for a fresh taste. Adding red pepper flakes can give it an extra kick!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

Yes, but it’s best to thaw them completely before cooking to ensure even cooking.

2. What can I substitute for Texas Toast?

If you can’t find Texas Toast, any thick-sliced bread will work. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold the toppings.

3. Can I make this dish healthier?

Certainly! You can bake the chicken instead of frying it, and use whole wheat bread for the toast.

4. How do I store leftovers?

Reheat in the oven for best results.

5. Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled dish before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When ready to eat, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Conclusion

Smashed Chicken Parmesan on Texas Toast is a fun and flavorful dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Its crispy texture and rich flavors make it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just for yourself, this recipe is a winner. Try it out and enjoy the deliciousness!

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Feel free to adapt this recipe and share your experiences in the comments below. Happy cooking!

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