The aroma of bubbling marinara sauce fills the kitchen, intertwining with the crispy, golden-brown crust of chicken that promises to deliver a delightful culinary experience. smothered BLT chicken recipe This Easy Chicken Parmesan Recipe for a Delightful Meal is not just a dish; it’s a symphony of flavors that dances on your taste buds and warms your heart.
Picture this: you’re hosting a casual dinner party, and you want to impress without breaking a sweat. This Chicken Parmesan will have your guests singing your praises and asking for seconds. The blend of savory cheese, perfectly seasoned chicken, and that rich tomato sauce creates an irresistible plate that feels like a warm hug after a long day. For more inspiration, check out this Creamy chicken recipes recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The easy preparation allows you to cook like a pro without the stress
- Each bite bursts with flavor, making every meal feel special
- Visually appealing with its vibrant colors, it’s perfect for any occasion
- Great as leftovers or served fresh, it fits seamlessly into any weeknight dinner rotation
Nothing brings the family together quite like a delicious home-cooked meal—this recipe always earns me compliments from my friends when I whip it up!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust based on how many people you’re feeding.
- Fresh Garlic: Choose firm, fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor; they add aromatic goodness.
- All-Purpose Flour: Use this for dredging; it creates a lovely coating that crisps up beautifully.
- Eggs: Lightly beaten eggs help the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken effortlessly.
- Breadcrumbs: Go for Italian-style breadcrumbs for extra herbs and seasonings—yum!
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is best; it melts better than pre-grated varieties.
- Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade sauce for convenience and flavor.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Sliced or shredded mozzarella adds gooeyness; who can resist melted cheese?
- Olive Oil: Essential for frying; choose extra virgin for richer flavor.
- Fresh Basil (optional): Adds freshness and color as a finishing touch; don’t skip it if you can help it!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare the Oven and Chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While waiting, lightly pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness—this ensures juicy results.
Dredge the Chicken: Set up three shallow dishes: one with flour seasoned with salt and pepper, another with beaten eggs, and last with breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese. Dredge each breast in flour first, then dip in eggs, before coating them well in breadcrumbs.
Fry Until Golden Brown: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm some olive oil. Fry the chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan—you want that crispiness!
Add Sauce and Cheese: Transfer the fried chicken into a baking dish. Spoon marinara sauce generously over each piece, then sprinkle mozzarella on top. If you’re feeling adventurous, toss on some extra Parmesan too!
Bake to Perfection: Place your masterpiece in the oven and bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden. Your kitchen will smell heavenly during this time!
Serve It Up!: Once baked, garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. chicken Caesar pasta salad Serve hot alongside pasta or salad for an impressive meal that looks as good as it tastes. avocado chicken salad.
Now you have your Easy Chicken Parmesan Recipe for a Delightful Meal ready to wow everyone at your table! Enjoy every bite! spinach artichoke chicken.
You Must Know
- This easy chicken parmesan recipe is your ticket to a delightful meal
- With simple, accessible ingredients, you can whip this up any night of the week
- The aroma of cheese melting over crispy chicken will make your kitchen feel like an Italian trattoria
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by seasoning and searing the chicken, then prepare the sauce while it cooks. Finally, layer with cheese and bake until bubbly for perfect results.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the mozzarella for provolone or add spinach for extra greens. Experiment with spices like oregano or red pepper flakes to suit your taste.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to maintain crispiness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve a golden crust, ensure the oil is hot before adding the chicken
- Use fresh herbs for vibrant flavor and consider letting the chicken rest before slicing for juiciness
My friend once said this easy chicken parmesan recipe was so good he nearly proposed to it! It’s a crowd-pleaser that turns any dinner into a special occasion.
FAQ
What can I serve with easy chicken parmesan?
Pair it with pasta, garlic bread, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, but thaw it completely before cooking to ensure even cooking.
How do I keep my chicken from drying out?
Avoid overcooking by using a meat thermometer; cook until it reaches 165°F.
Easy Chicken Parmesan
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Savor the incredible flavors of this Easy Chicken Parmesan, a dish that combines crispy, golden-brown chicken with rich marinara sauce and gooey melted cheese. Perfect for impressing guests at dinner parties or enjoying a comforting family meal, this recipe is simple yet delivers restaurant-quality taste. With easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll create a memorable culinary experience that will leave everyone asking for more.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness.
- Set up three shallow dishes: one with flour seasoned with salt and pepper, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese.
- Dredge each chicken breast in flour, dip in eggs, then coat in breadcrumbs.
- In a skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil and fry chicken until golden brown (about 4-5 minutes per side).
- Transfer chicken to a baking dish. Spoon marinara sauce over each piece and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and lightly golden. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying/Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (approx. 170g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 860mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider mixing spices like oregano or red pepper flakes into the breadcrumbs. Swap mozzarella for provolone for a different taste. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days; reheat in the oven at 350°F to maintain crispiness.
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