Quick & Easy Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Why Make This Recipe

Quick & Easy Chicken Parmesan is a delicious dish that everyone loves. It combines tender chicken cutlets, savory marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese for a perfect meal. This recipe is quick to prepare, making it great for busy weeknights or when you’re in a hurry. Plus, it’s an easy way to impress your family or guests with a homemade meal!

How to Make Quick & Easy Chicken Parmesan

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless (skinless chicken breasts, sliced in half lengthwise to make 4 cutlets)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (Italian seasoned or plain + 1 tsp Italian seasoning)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions:

Prep the Chicken:

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Take the chicken breasts and slice them in half lengthwise to create thin cutlets. Make sure to season both sides with salt and pepper.

Bread the Chicken:

Set up a breading station: place the all-purpose flour on one plate, beat the egg in a bowl, and combine the breadcrumbs with the grated Parmesan cheese on another plate. First, coat each chicken cutlet in flour, then dip it in the egg, and finally coat it with the breadcrumb mixture.

Pan-Fry the Chicken:

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the breaded chicken cutlets to the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. You might need to do this in batches so you don’t overcrowd the pan.

Bake:

After frying, place the chicken cutlets on a baking sheet. Spoon marinara sauce over each cutlet and top with shredded mozzarella cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Garnish & Serve:

Once out of the oven, let the chicken sit for a couple of minutes. You can then garnish with fresh basil or parsley if you like. Serve hot and enjoy!

How to Serve Quick & Easy Chicken Parmesan

This dish is best served hot, right out of the oven. Pair it with a side of spaghetti, garlic bread, or a fresh salad for a complete meal. A simple sprinkle of fresh herbs on top enhances the presentation and flavor.

How to Store Quick & Easy Chicken Parmesan

If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze the cooked chicken for longer storage, just be sure to wrap it tightly to avoid freezer burn.

Tips to Make Quick & Easy Chicken Parmesan

1. Use a Meat Mallet: For thinner cutlets, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
2. Choose Good Quality Cheese: Fresh mozzarella will melt better than pre-shredded cheese which often has anti-caking agents.
3. Customize Your Sauce: Add herbs or spices to the marinara sauce for extra flavor.
4. Ensure Proper Heating: Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying to achieve a nice golden crust.

Variation

You can make this dish even healthier by baking the chicken cutlets instead of frying them. Just spray them lightly with cooking spray and bake them until crispy before adding sauce and cheese.

FAQs

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes, chicken thighs work well and are more flavorful. Just make sure they are boneless and skinless.

Q: Is it necessary to use Italian seasoned breadcrumbs?
A: No, you can use plain breadcrumbs and add more Italian seasoning for flavor.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can bread the chicken and prepare the sauce ahead of time. Just assemble and bake when you’re ready to serve for fresh flavor.