Soulful Chicken Parmigiana

Ingredients

While the original Italian-American Chicken Parmigiana is typically made with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese, our soul food adaptation adds a touch of Southern flair. We incorporate a rich and tangy homemade barbecue sauce, along with a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, to create a unique flavor profile that pays homage to the soulful traditions of Southern cooking. We alse have the original recipe for Chicken Parmigiana, so you can check it out.

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs / 680g) 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs / 680g)
• 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
• 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (120g) cornmeal 1 cup (120g) cornmeal
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a spicy kick) 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a spicy kick)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying
• 1 cup (240ml) homemade barbecue sauce 1 cup (240ml) homemade barbecue sauce
• 1 cup (100g) shredded cheddar cheese 1 cup (100g) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup (100g) shredded Monterey Jack cheese 1 cup (100g) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories: 450 kcal / 1880 KJ
• Fat: 18g (Saturated Fat: 9g)
• Carbohydrates: 38g (Sugar: 12g)
• Protein: 34g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   In a shallow dish, pour the buttermilk and add a pinch of salt and black pepper. Stir to combine.
3. 3.
   In a separate shallow dish, mix together the flour, cornmeal, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), and salt and black pepper to taste.
4. 4.
   Dip each chicken breast into the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off, then coat it in the flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere. Repeat with all the chicken breasts.
5. 5.
   In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken breasts until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. Transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
6. 6.
   In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of barbecue sauce. Place the fried chicken breasts on top, then pour the remaining barbecue sauce over them.
7. 7.
   Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses evenly over the chicken.
8. 8.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. 9.
   Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chicken breasts — Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before dipping them in the buttermilk and coating them with the flour mixture. This will ensure even cooking and a tender result.
• Homemade barbecue sauce — If you prefer a sweeter or spicier barbecue sauce, feel free to adjust the ingredients accordingly. You can also use store-bought barbecue sauce if desired.
• Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses — For a more pronounced Southern flavor, you can use smoked cheddar or pepper jack cheese instead.

Tips & Tricks

• For extra crispy chicken, you can double coat the chicken breasts by dipping them in the buttermilk and flour mixture twice.
• Serve the Soulful Chicken Parmigiana with a side of creamy mashed potatoes or buttery cornbread to complete the soul food experience.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, add a few dashes of hot sauce to the barbecue sauce before pouring it over the chicken.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
• Feel free to customize the seasoning blend in the flour mixture to suit your taste preferences. Add herbs like thyme or oregano for an extra layer of flavor.

Serving advice

Serve the Soulful Chicken Parmigiana hot, straight from the oven. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or coleslaw on the side.

Presentation advice

To present the Soulful Chicken Parmigiana, place a chicken breast on each plate and drizzle some of the melted cheese and barbecue sauce over the top. Sprinkle with additional fresh parsley for an appealing touch. Serve with the suggested side dishes and drinks for a complete soul food experience.