Easy Chicken Parmesan
Why make this recipe
Easy Chicken Parmesan is a classic dish that brings comfort and deliciousness to the dinner table. It’s a simple and straightforward meal, ideal for busy weeknights or a special occasion. With tender, juicy chicken coated in a crunchy breadcrumb crust and smothered in cheese and marinara sauce, it’s hard not to love it. Plus, this recipe is quick to prepare and can be made with ingredients you likely already have at home!
How to make Easy Chicken Parmesan
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for frying
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Flatten the chicken breasts to an even thickness.
- In a shallow bowl, beat the egg and season it with salt and pepper.
- In another bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
- Dip each chicken breast in the egg, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing to adhere.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Fry the breaded chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Place the chicken in a baking dish, cover each piece with marinara sauce, and top with mozzarella cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh basil if desired and serve.
How to serve Easy Chicken Parmesan
Easy Chicken Parmesan is best served hot and fresh from the oven. Pair it with a side of spaghetti, a green salad, or garlic bread for a complete meal. You can also serve it as a sandwich in a hoagie roll for a fun twist!
How to store Easy Chicken Parmesan
If you have leftovers, let them cool down first. Then, store the chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze Chicken Parmesan, but it’s best to freeze it without the sauce and cheese. To reheat, bake it again in the oven until warmed through.
Tips to make Easy Chicken Parmesan
- Make sure to flatten the chicken breasts evenly for even cooking.
- Use fresh breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
- Try using different types of cheese, like provolone or fontina, for a unique flavor.
- For a healthier version, bake the breaded chicken without frying.
Variation
You can turn this recipe into a baked version by skipping the frying step altogether. Simply place the breaded chicken on a baking sheet, spray with cooking oil, and bake until golden, then add sauce and cheese before finishing in the oven.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just make sure to fully thaw them before cooking.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free option.
What can I substitute for marinara sauce?
You can use alfredo sauce or a homemade tomato sauce if you prefer a different flavor.
Easy Chicken Parmesan
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Flatten the chicken breasts to an even thickness.
- In a shallow bowl, beat the egg and season it with salt and pepper.
- In another bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
- Dip each chicken breast in the egg, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing to adhere.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Fry the breaded chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Place the chicken in a baking dish, cover each piece with marinara sauce, and top with mozzarella cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh basil if desired and serve hot. Pair it with spaghetti, a green salad, or garlic bread.
