I have always had a soft spot for Italian cuisine, and one dish that never fails to impress is the Easy Chicken Parmesan Recipe. This dish combines crispy breaded chicken with a rich marinara sauce and gooey melted cheese. It has become a staple in my kitchen, and I love sharing it with family and friends. The best part is that it is simple to make, even on busy weeknights.
Ingredients for Easy Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Servings: 4
Chicken Ingredients:
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-style)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Sauce Ingredients:
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
How to Make Easy Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
First, I start by preparing the chicken breasts. I like to pound them to an even thickness. This helps them cook evenly and ensures they stay juicy. Place the chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap and gently pound them with a meat mallet or rolling pin until they are about ½ inch thick.
Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station
Next, I set up my breading station. I use three shallow dishes: one for the flour, one for the beaten eggs, and one for the breadcrumb mixture. In the breadcrumb dish, I mix the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This step adds great flavor to the chicken.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken
Now comes the fun part! I dip each chicken breast into the flour, coating it completely. Then, I shake off the excess flour before dipping it into the beaten eggs. Finally, I coat the chicken with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to make sure the breadcrumbs stick well. I repeat this for all the chicken breasts.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
In a large skillet, I heat a generous amount of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, I carefully add the breaded chicken breasts. I fry them for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and cooked through. The aroma fills my kitchen and makes my mouth water.
Step 5: Assemble the Dish
After frying the chicken, I transfer them to a baking dish. I pour the marinara sauce over the chicken, making sure to cover each piece. Then, I sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top. The combination of marinara and cheese is what makes this dish so comforting.
Step 6: Bake the Chicken Parmesan
I preheat my oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the baking dish in the oven. I bake it for about 20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. The anticipation builds as I wait for the cheese to melt to perfection.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once the chicken is done baking, I take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. I like to garnish it with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor. This dish pairs well with spaghetti, garlic bread, or a fresh salad. My family loves it, and I can’t wait to dig in!
Tips for the Best Chicken Parmesan Recipe
To make sure your Chicken Parmesan turns out perfectly, here are some tips I’ve learned over the years:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken and homemade marinara sauce elevate the dish. If you have the time, consider making your sauce from scratch.
- Don’t Skip the Pounding: Pounding the chicken to an even thickness prevents uneven cooking and keeps the chicken juicy.
- Let the Chicken Rest: After frying, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before baking. This helps retain moisture.
- Experiment with Cheese: While mozzarella is classic, feel free to mix in provolone or fontina for added flavor.
Variations of Chicken Parmesan Recipe
There are many ways to put a twist on the classic Chicken Parmesan. Here are some variations I enjoy:
- Eggplant Parmesan: Substitute eggplant for chicken for a delicious vegetarian option. The same breading and sauce work beautifully.
- Spicy Chicken Parmesan: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy kick.
- Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches: Serve the chicken on a toasted bun with marinara and cheese for a hearty sandwich.
How to Make Chicken Parmesan Ahead of Time
This dish is great for meal prep. Here’s how I do it:
- Bread the Chicken: You can bread the chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a few hours before frying.
- Freeze for Later: Cooked Chicken Parmesan freezes well. Just allow it to cool, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
- Reheat Properly: To reheat, bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-25 minutes.
What to Serve with Chicken Parmesan
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides. Here are my favorites:
- Pasta: A side of spaghetti with marinara sauce is a classic pairing.
- Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
- Salad: A fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the chicken.
Storing Leftover Chicken Parmesan
If you have any leftovers (which is rare in my house), here’s how I store them:
- Refrigerate: Store any leftover Chicken Parmesan in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Gently reheat in the oven or microwave. The oven helps maintain the crispy texture better than the microwave.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
While Chicken Parmesan is indulgent, it can fit into a balanced diet. Here’s a rough estimate of its nutritional content:
- Calories: Approximately 450 kcal
- Protein: 40g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
This Easy Chicken Parmesan Recipe has become a go-to in my kitchen for a reason. It brings comfort, flavor, and satisfaction in every bite. Whether I’m cooking for my family or entertaining friends, this dish never disappoints. I hope you give it a try and enjoy it just as much as I do.