It’s a warm evening, and the aroma of bubbling marinara sauce wafts through the air, mingling with the crisp, golden crust of chicken parmesan. If you can close your eyes and picture that cheesy goodness melting into savory bliss, you’re in for a treat. This Easy Chicken Parmesan recipe promises to transform your kitchen into an Italian bistro, minus the flight to Rome. For more inspiration, check out this Amish Country Casserole recipe.
Growing up, my family had a weekly tradition: Sunday dinners filled with laughter, stories, and hearty meals. My mom’s chicken parmesan was always the star of the show. It became a cherished memory filled with love and just the right amount of cheese. hearty chicken soup option Whether it’s a cozy family gathering or a casual weeknight dinner, this dish brings everyone together with its delightful flavors and irresistible charm. Get ready to impress your loved ones!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Easy Chicken Parmesan is incredibly simple to make, making dinner prep a breeze even on busy nights.
- Its irresistible flavor profile combines savory chicken with rich marinara and gooey cheese for a satisfying meal.
- Visually stunning with its golden-brown crust and vibrant sauce, it’s sure to wow guests at any gathering.
- Plus, this dish is versatile enough for variations like adding veggies or swapping pasta types!
Ingredients for Easy Chicken Parmesan
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 chicken breasts, ensuring they are uniform in size for even cooking.
- All-Purpose Flour: This helps create a crispy coating; feel free to substitute with gluten-free flour if needed.
- Eggs: Two large eggs will help the breadcrumbs adhere better to the chicken.
- Italian Seasoned Breadcrumbs: Choose high-quality breadcrumbs for that perfect crunch and flavor.
- Marinara Sauce: A jar of your favorite store-bought sauce works wonders; homemade is even better!
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Opt for whole milk mozzarella for maximum creaminess and stretchiness.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of fresh parmesan adds an extra layer of flavor.
- Fresh Basil Leaves: Chopped fresh basil brightens up the dish with freshness.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Easy Chicken Parmesan
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spray a baking dish generously with nonstick cooking spray to ensure nothing sticks.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them until they’re about half an inch thick. This promotes even cooking and tenderness that will have you singing “That’s Amore!”
Step 3: Breading Station
Set up your breading station. In one bowl, place all-purpose flour seasoned with salt and pepper. In another bowl, beat the eggs until frothy. Finally, pour breadcrumbs into a third bowl.
Step 4: Dredge the Chicken
Take each flattened chicken breast and dip it first into the flour mixture, then into the egg wash, and finally coat it in breadcrumbs until fully covered. Set aside on a plate as you repeat for all pieces.
Step 5: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, sear each breaded chicken piece for about three minutes on each side until golden brown. Transfer them to your prepared baking dish when done.
Step 6: Assemble & Bake
Top each piece of chicken with marinara sauce followed by generous amounts of mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for about twenty minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.
Transfer to plates and drizzle with fresh basil for that perfect finishing touch!
Now you’ve created an Easy Chicken Parmesan that looks as good as it tastes! Serve it hot over spaghetti or alongside a crisp salad—your friends might think you’ve been taking culinary classes! Enjoy every cheesy bite while reminiscing over those sweet Sunday dinners filled with laughter.
You Must Know
- This easy chicken parmesan recipe offers more than just a delicious meal; it simplifies weeknight dinners.
- You can easily adjust the ingredients based on what you have at home.
- The golden crust and gooey cheese will impress anyone at your dinner table.
- Perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve perfection, start by searing the chicken in a hot skillet to lock in flavor. While that sizzles, cook the pasta and whip up a quick marinara sauce. Timing is everything here to ensure everything is ready at once.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap chicken for eggplant or zucchini for a vegetarian twist on this easy chicken parmesan. Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or provolone, and add fresh herbs such as basil or oregano for extra flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop it in the oven until heated through, ensuring that cheesy goodness stays melty and delightful.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
- Use fresh ingredients whenever possible; they really elevate the dish’s flavor.
- Lastly, let the chicken rest after cooking to keep it juicy and tender.
Sometimes I whip up this easy chicken parmesan when friends come over—it’s always met with cheers and happy bellies! Just last week, someone asked for seconds before finishing their first plate; that’s a win in my book!
FAQs :
What ingredients do I need for Easy Chicken Parmesan?
To prepare Easy Chicken Parmesan, you will need boneless, skinless chicken breasts, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, olive oil, and Italian seasoning. These simple ingredients come together to create a delicious dish that is both satisfying and easy to make. Fresh basil can also be added for garnish if desired. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
How long does it take to make Easy Chicken Parmesan?
The total time to make Easy Chicken Parmesan is approximately 30-40 minutes. This includes about 10 minutes for preparation and 20-30 minutes for cooking in the oven. The quick cooking time makes it an excellent choice for busy evenings when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
Can I make Easy Chicken Parmesan ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Easy Chicken Parmesan ahead of time! Assemble the chicken with the sauce and cheese in advance, then cover and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to eat, simply bake it straight from the fridge or let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking. This method saves time and ensures a flavorful meal.
What side dishes pair well with Easy Chicken Parmesan?
Easy Chicken Parmesan pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. Consider serving it with spaghetti tossed in olive oil or garlic butter for a classic touch. A fresh green salad with vinaigrette adds a nice crunch. perfect side dish for chicken You could also try roasted vegetables or garlic bread to round out your meal. These options complement the rich flavors of the chicken perfectly.
Conclusion for Easy Chicken Parmesan :
In summary, Easy Chicken Parmesan is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken with savory marinara sauce and ooey-gooey cheese. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe is perfect for any night of the week. chicken and pasta combination Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with pasta and salad, this meal promises satisfaction for everyone at the table. creamy pasta alternatives Try making it today to experience its deliciousness!
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Easy Chicken Parmesan
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Easy Chicken Parmesan is a comforting dish that brings the flavors of Italy to your kitchen in just 30-40 minutes. With tender, breaded chicken breasts topped with rich marinara sauce and gooey mozzarella cheese, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Serve it alongside spaghetti or a fresh salad for a complete meal that will impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Pound each chicken breast to about half an inch thick for even cooking.
- Set up three bowls: one with seasoned flour, another with beaten eggs, and the last with breadcrumbs.
- Dredge each chicken breast in flour, dip in egg wash, then coat with breadcrumbs.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear each breaded chicken piece for about three minutes per side until golden brown.
- Place seared chicken in the baking dish, top with marinara sauce and cheeses, and bake for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Notes
For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken with eggplant or zucchini slices. Experiment by adding different cheeses or herbs to enhance flavor. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days—reheat in the oven to maintain melty goodness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (200g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
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