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Easy Chicken Parmesan: Quick, Homemade, Delicious
Easy Chicken Parmesan is a comforting, satisfying dinner made with crispy breaded chicken, savory marinara sauce, and bubbling melted mozzarella. It is simple enough for a weeknight meal yet delicious enough to serve when you want a crowd-pleasing classic.
Quick Overview
- Prep time: Not provided
- Cook time: Not provided
- Total time: Not provided
- Servings: Not provided
Why Make This Recipe
- Simple ingredients: This recipe uses familiar pantry and refrigerator staples.
- Rich, comforting flavor: Crispy panko breadcrumbs, parmesan, marinara sauce, and mozzarella create a delicious combination.
- Weeknight-friendly: The chicken cooks quickly in a skillet before finishing in the oven.
- Easy to serve: Pair it with pasta or a side salad for a complete meal.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 cup panko 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
How to Make It
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the oven is ready when the breaded chicken is placed inside.
Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Coat both sides evenly to build flavor from the beginning.
In a shallow bowl, beat the egg. In another bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs and grated parmesan cheese. Keep the egg and breadcrumb mixture in separate bowls to make coating the chicken easy.
Dip each chicken breast into the egg, then coat with the panko mixture. Turn the chicken as needed so the coating covers both sides.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes each side. Cook both sides until the coating is crisp and golden.
Place the cooked chicken in a baking dish, spoon marinara sauce over each breast, and sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top. Distribute the sauce and cheese evenly over the chicken.
Bake in the oven for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. The finished topping should be hot, melted, and lightly bubbling.
Serve hot with pasta or a side salad. Serve the chicken while the cheese is warm and melted.
How to Serve It
- Serve with pasta tossed in extra marinara sauce for a classic combination.
- Add a crisp side salad to balance the rich, cheesy chicken.
- Garnish with extra grated parmesan cheese or fresh herbs if desired.
How to Store It
Store leftover chicken parmesan in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat it in the oven until warmed through to help the breadcrumb coating stay crisp and the cheese melt evenly.
For longer storage, place the cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container and freeze it. Thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven. Avoid overheating, which can dry out the chicken and make the cheese rubbery.
Helpful Tips
- Make sure the chicken is coated evenly with the egg and panko mixture so the crust browns consistently.
- Cook the chicken over medium heat to help the breadcrumbs turn golden without burning.
- Add the marinara sauce and mozzarella evenly so every bite has a balanced combination of sauce, cheese, and crispy coating.
Optional Variations
- Use seasoned marinara sauce or add Italian seasoning to the panko and parmesan mixture for extra flavor.
- Replace some or all of the mozzarella with provolone for a slightly different cheesy topping.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for a gentle spicy kick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko breadcrumbs?
Yes. Regular breadcrumbs can be used, although panko breadcrumbs provide a lighter, crispier coating.
Can I prepare the chicken parmesan ahead of time?
You can bread and cook the chicken ahead of time, then add the marinara sauce and mozzarella before baking.
How do I keep the coating crispy?
Avoid covering the chicken while reheating, and use the oven rather than the microwave when possible.
What can I serve with chicken parmesan?
Pasta and a side salad are both excellent choices. You can also serve it with vegetables or crusty bread.
Easy Chicken Parmesan
A comforting dinner made with crispy breaded chicken, savory marinara sauce, and bubbling melted mozzarella, perfect for weeknights or serving guests.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pieces chicken breasts Pounded to even thickness
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs For crispy coating
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese Adds flavor to the coating
- 1 cup marinara sauce Use homemade or store-bought
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese Melted on top
- 1 piece egg For coating the chicken
- to taste Salt and pepper For seasoning the chicken
- as needed tablespoons Olive oil For frying the chicken
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- In a shallow bowl, beat the egg. In another bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs and grated parmesan cheese.
Coating the Chicken
- Dip each chicken breast into the egg, then coat with the panko mixture, ensuring both sides are covered.
Cooking
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Place the cooked chicken in a baking dish, spoon marinara sauce over each breast, and sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serving
- Serve hot with pasta or a side salad.
Notes
Store leftover chicken parmesan in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness. For longer storage, freeze in a container and thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
