When you think of comfort food, what comes to mind? For many, it’s the crispy, cheesy goodness of a chicken parmesan recipe easy enough for a weeknight dinner yet fancy enough to impress your in-laws. Imagine biting into golden-brown chicken, perfectly breaded and oozing with melted mozzarella. The aromatic blend of herbs and garlic wafts through the air, making your taste buds dance with anticipation. It’s not just food; it’s a warm hug on a plate.
I remember the first time I made this dish for my family. My little niece took one bite and declared it “the best thing ever!” Kids have a way of keeping it real, don’t they? Now, every Sunday is officially designated as Chicken Parmesan Night at our house. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone together—perfect for cozy family dinners or impressing friends at a casual gathering.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This chicken parmesan recipe is quick to prepare and requires simple ingredients that deliver big flavor
- Its crispy crust offers delightful texture paired with gooey cheese, making every bite irresistible
- The vibrant colors create an appealing presentation that will impress your guests effortlessly
- Plus, it’s versatile; serve it over pasta or on a sub roll for a scrumptious sandwich!
Cooking this easy chicken parmesan recipe brings smiles and satisfaction every time it’s served. It has become a staple in our household because everyone loves it!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount based on how many people you’re feeding.
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Fresh Garlic: Choose firm garlic cloves for the best flavor; minced garlic adds an aromatic kick.
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All-Purpose Flour: This forms the base for breading; ensuring it’s seasoned makes all the difference.
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Eggs: Use large eggs for coating; they help the breadcrumbs adhere beautifully to the chicken.
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Breadcrumbs: I love using Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs for added flavor; panko works great for extra crunch.
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Marinara Sauce: A good quality store-bought sauce saves time; however, homemade sauce can elevate this dish.
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Mozzarella Cheese: Opt for fresh mozzarella if you can; its melting quality is unmatched.
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Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds depth and nuttiness; sprinkle generously over the top before baking!
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Olive Oil: A drizzle enhances flavor and helps achieve that golden-brown crust we all desire.
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Fresh Basil Leaves: Garnish with basil for freshness; it adds color and an aromatic touch.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While that’s heating up, spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray so nothing sticks during baking.
Prepare the Chicken
Place your chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound them until they’re about half an inch thick—this ensures even cooking and tenderness.
Seasoning Station
Set up three bowls: one with seasoned flour (add salt and pepper), another with beaten eggs, and a third with breadcrumbs mixed with Italian seasoning. This breading station will make your life easier!
Breading Time
Dip each chicken breast into the flour first, shaking off any excess. Next, dunk it in the egg wash before finally coating it in breadcrumbs until fully covered—get those hands dirty!
Cook Until Golden
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the breaded chicken breasts—cook until golden brown on both sides (about 4-5 minutes per side). They should be crispy with an alluring aroma.
Assemble and Bake
Transfer your cooked chicken to the prepared baking dish. Top each piece generously with marinara sauce followed by slices of mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan. Bake in the oven for about 20 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.
Serve It Up
Once out of the oven, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and enjoy this delightful meal over pasta or in sandwiches!
Now you’re ready to delight friends and family alike with this easy chicken parmesan recipe! Enjoy every bite—because nothing says “I love you” quite like homemade comfort food!
You Must Know
- This chicken parmesan recipe easy is a crowd-pleaser that combines crispy chicken, rich marinara, and gooey cheese in one delightful dish
- The aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone asking for seconds, or maybe thirds
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by breading the chicken to create a crunchy exterior, then cook it while simmering the sauce. This method ensures everything comes together deliciously without unnecessary waiting.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out breadcrumbs for crushed crackers or add herbs like basil for extra flavor. Experiment with different cheeses for unique taste variations, keeping the dish exciting each time.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover chicken parmesan in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in an oven at 350°F until warm, preserving its crispy texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh mozzarella for a melty texture that beats pre-shredded cheese any day
- Searing chicken properly locks in moisture and enhances flavor
- Pair with spaghetti for a classic Italian experience that never disappoints
Memories of my family gathered around the table enjoying this dish are what truly make cooking worthwhile; their smiles say it all as they devour every bite.
FAQ
How can I make this chicken parmesan recipe easy gluten-free?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour instead of traditional breadcrumbs for a delicious alternative.
Can I bake instead of fry the chicken?
Yes, baking at 400°F for about 25 minutes creates a healthier option while retaining great flavor.
What sides pair well with chicken parmesan?
Serve with a simple green salad or garlic bread to complement this hearty dish beautifully.
Easy Chicken Parmesan
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in this Easy Chicken Parmesan, a delicious weeknight comfort food that combines crispy, golden-brown chicken with rich marinara and gooey mozzarella. Perfect for family dinners or impressing guests, this dish is not only simple to prepare but also packed with flavor. With its aromatic blend of herbs and cheese, every bite feels like a warm hug on a plate. Get ready to savor a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Place chicken breasts between plastic wrap and pound to about ½ inch thickness.
- Set up three bowls: one with seasoned flour (salt and pepper), one with beaten eggs, and one with mixed breadcrumbs and garlic.
- Bread each chicken breast by dipping in flour, then egg wash, and finally coating in breadcrumbs.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat; cook breaded chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Transfer cooked chicken to the baking dish, top with marinara sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for about 20 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.
- Let rest for a few minutes before serving; garnish with basil leaves.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking/Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (180g)
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
