Chicken Parmesan Recipe: Easy, Delicious, and Family-Friendly
This easy chicken parmesan recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner. It's quick, simple, and delivers all the cheesy, saucy goodness you crave in a classic Chicken Parmesan. This recipe prioritizes ease of preparation without sacrificing flavor, making it ideal for even beginner cooks. Let's get started!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, ensuring a stress-free cooking experience.
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For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 ½ cups breadcrumbs (panko recommended for extra crispiness)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
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For the Sauce:
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce (or your homemade favorite!)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
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For the Cheese:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Preparing the Chicken:
- Pound the Chicken: Gently pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness. This ensures even cooking.
- 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. Season with salt and pepper.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat about ½ inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the breaded chicken breasts in the hot oil and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Assembling and Baking:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Sauce: While the chicken cooks, heat the marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the oregano, basil, and garlic powder.
- Assemble the Chicken Parmesan: Place the cooked chicken breasts in a baking dish. Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the chicken. Sprinkle generously with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve your Chicken Parmesan immediately with a side of your favorite pasta (spaghetti is a classic choice!), a simple green salad, or some crusty bread for dipping in the delicious sauce.
Tips and Variations:
- For extra crispy chicken: Use panko breadcrumbs.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
- Add vegetables: Sauté some mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers and add them to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Make it ahead: You can bread the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook.
This easy Chicken Parmesan recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy! Remember to share your culinary creations using #EasyChickenParmesan. We'd love to see your delicious results!