Easy Chicken Parmesan Recipe: A Weeknight Dinner Winner
Imagine a dish that brings the flavors of an Italian trattoria right into your kitchen, without the need for a reservation or a long wait. That’s what you get with this Easy Chicken Parmesan recipe. It’s a weeknight dinner winner that’s not only delicious but also surprisingly simple to make. The breaded chicken cutlets are baked with a rich marinara sauce and topped with gooey mozzarella and savory Parmesan cheese. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a kitchen newbie, this recipe is sure to impress your family and guests alike.
The best part? You can have this mouthwatering meal on the table in just 40 minutes. The combination of crispy breaded chicken, tangy marinara, and melted cheese makes for a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying. Plus, it’s a great way to make a weeknight dinner feel a bit more special. So, let’s dive into what makes this Easy Chicken Parmesan a must-try recipe.
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Key Ingredients for Easy Chicken Parmesan
To make this delicious dish, you’ll need a few key ingredients:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The main protein of the dish, pounded to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
- All-purpose flour: Used for dredging the chicken, which helps the egg wash adhere.
- Large eggs, beaten: Acts as a binder for the breadcrumbs.
- Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs: Adds flavor and a crispy texture to the chicken.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Mixed with breadcrumbs for an extra layer of cheesy flavor.
- Olive oil: Used for pan-frying the breaded chicken until golden brown.
- Marinara sauce: Provides a rich, tomato-based sauce that complements the chicken and cheese.
- Mozzarella cheese, sliced: Melts beautifully on top of the chicken, adding a creamy, gooey texture.
- Fresh basil leaves (optional): Adds a fresh, aromatic garnish that enhances the overall flavor.
How to Make Easy Chicken Parmesan
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray.
- Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch.
- Season flour with salt and pepper. Set up three shallow dishes for flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese.
- Dredge each chicken breast in flour, dip in the egg, and then coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet and cook the breaded chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Place the cooked chicken in the baking dish, top with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the chicken is cooked through.
- Garnish with fresh basil if desired and serve.
Variations
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour.
- Spicy Chicken Parmesan: Add red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture or use a spicy marinara sauce.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with eggplant slices for a delicious Eggplant Parmesan.
Pairings and Serving Suggestions
This Easy Chicken Parmesan pairs wonderfully with a side of spaghetti or a fresh green salad. For a complete Italian meal, try serving it alongside a Classic Caesar Salad or Garlic Bread. Another great pairing is a light, crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
✖ Not pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness: This can result in uneven cooking where some parts are overcooked while others are undercooked.
✖ Skipping the pan-frying step: While it might be tempting to bake the breaded chicken directly, pan-frying first ensures a crispy, golden crust.
✖ Overloading with sauce and cheese: While it might be tempting to add a lot of sauce and cheese, too much can make the dish soggy. A moderate amount is key.
Tips and Tricks
✔ Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the chicken breasts evenly.
✔ For extra crispy chicken, let the breaded chicken rest for a few minutes before pan-frying.
✔ If you want a more intense cheese flavor, add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top before baking.
✔ Make sure your oil is hot enough before adding the chicken to the skillet to ensure a nice golden crust.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Chicken Parmesan recipe is a fantastic way to bring a taste of Italy to your dinner table. It’s a dish that’s both comforting and impressive, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The combination of crispy breaded chicken, tangy marinara sauce, and melted cheese is simply irresistible.
Try this recipe tonight and let us know how it turns out! Share your experience in the comments below or tag us on social media with your delicious creations. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more weekly recipe ideas that make weeknight dinners a breeze.
Easy Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 2 cups Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese sliced
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray.
- Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them to an even thickness (about 1/2 inch).
- Season the flour with salt and pepper. Place the flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs (mixed with Parmesan cheese) in three separate shallow dishes.
- Dredge each chicken breast in flour, then dip in the egg, and finally coat with the breadcrumbs, pressing to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the breaded chicken breasts for about 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown.
- Place the cooked chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Top each with a generous amount of marinara sauce, followed by mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the chicken is cooked through. Garnish with fresh basil, if desired, and serve.
Notes
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- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
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- Freezing: You can freeze the breaded chicken (before pan-frying) for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before cooking.
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- Marinara Sauce: Homemade marinara sauce can be used for a fresher taste, but a high-quality store-bought sauce works well too.
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- Cheese Alternatives: If you prefer, you can use provolone instead of mozzarella for a slightly different flavor.
- The exact calorie count can vary based on the specific brands and ingredients used, the size of the chicken breasts, and the amount of oil absorbed during cooking.
- Using a lighter mozzarella or less olive oil could reduce the calorie count.
🛒 Recommended Kitchen Must-Haves
- Meat Mallet: For pounding chicken breasts to an even thickness.
- Baking Dish: A good quality baking dish for baking the chicken.
- Large Skillet: For pan-frying the breaded chicken until golden brown.
- Cheese Grater: For freshly grated Parmesan cheese if you prefer not to use pre-grated cheese.
Chicken Parmesan FAQ’s
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can bread the chicken and store it in the refrigerator for a few hours before pan-frying and baking. However, for the best texture, it’s best to cook the chicken just before serving.
Q: What can I use instead of Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs?
A: If you don’t have Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs, you can use plain breadcrumbs and add your own Italian seasoning (such as dried basil, oregano, and garlic powder).
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A: Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used, but they may require a slightly longer cooking time.
Q: How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
A: The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear.
Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour for a gluten-free version of this recipe.
Q: What should I serve with Chicken Parmesan?
A: Chicken Parmesan pairs well with pasta, a green salad, or garlic bread. A light, crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio also complements the dish well.
Loved the crispy, cheesy goodness of our Easy Chicken Parmesan? Then you’ll savor the rich, mushroom-infused sauce of our Chicken Marsala Recipe.
