Chicken Parmesan Recipe: Easy, Delicious, and Restaurant-Quality at Home
This easy chicken parmesan recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor without the restaurant hassle. It's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. This recipe focuses on simplicity and maximizing flavor, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced cooks. Get ready to impress!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, ensuring a smooth and stress-free cooking experience.
- For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs (panko recommended for extra crispiness)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- For the Sauce:
- 24 ounces jarred marinara sauce (choose your favorite!)
- For the Cheese:
- 8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 ounces grated Parmesan cheese (optional, but adds fantastic flavor!)
- For Serving:
- Spaghetti or your favorite pasta
- Fresh basil (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Follow these simple steps for perfectly cooked chicken parmesan every time.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Pound the chicken: Gently pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness (about 1/2 inch). This ensures even cooking.
- Season the chicken: Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Bread the chicken: Set up a breading station with flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs. Dredge each chicken breast in flour, then dip in the egg, and finally coat thoroughly in breadcrumbs.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Pan-fry or bake: You have options here! For pan-frying, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. For baking, preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place breaded chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through. Using a meat thermometer, ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 3: Assemble and Bake (or Simmer)
- Layer and bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) if baking. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in a baking dish. Place the cooked chicken breasts in the dish. Top with remaining marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese (if using). Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Simmer (alternative): If you prefer, you can skip baking after cooking the chicken. Simply top the cooked chicken breasts with sauce and cheese in an oven-safe skillet and heat through on the stovetop over low heat, allowing the cheese to melt.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your delicious chicken parmesan over a bed of spaghetti, and garnish with fresh basil. A side salad completes this perfect meal.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumbs or marinara sauce for a little heat.
- Cheese variations: Experiment with different cheeses, such as provolone or fontina.
- Make it ahead: You can bread the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
- Leftovers: Chicken parmesan reheats well, making it perfect for meal prepping.
This easy chicken parmesan recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy! Remember to share your culinary creations with us! #chickenparm #easyrecipe #dinnerideas #homecooking #comfortfood
