Hey everyone, Jason Griffith here from Chef Maniac! If there’s one dish that epitomizes comforting Italian-American cuisine, it’s Chicken Parmesan. That perfect combination of crispy, tender chicken, rich marinara, and gooey melted cheese is simply irresistible. But often, it seems like a restaurant-only treat. Not anymore! Today, I’m sharing my go-to recipe for Easy Chicken Parmesan that delivers all that incredible flavor and texture with surprising simplicity, making it totally achievable for any weeknight.
Why I Love This Recipe
This Easy Chicken Parmesan recipe is a total winner in my kitchen, and I know it will be in yours too. I love it because it’s a dish that truly satisfies everyone, from the pickiest eaters to the most discerning foodies. It feels incredibly indulgent and comforting, yet the steps are streamlined enough to make it a reality even on a busy evening. Plus, the layers of flavor – from the seasoned breading to the tangy sauce and melty cheese – come together in perfect harmony. It’s a classic for a reason, and this simplified version ensures you can enjoy it whenever the craving strikes!
List of Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this fantastic Easy Chicken Parmesan:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 – 2 pounds total)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 1/2 cups plain breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
- 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 cup olive oil, plus more if needed for frying
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil, chopped, for garnish (optional)
- Cooked spaghetti or other pasta, for serving (optional)
Swaps and Notes
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal here. If they are very thick, pound them lightly to an even 1/2 to 3/4-inch thickness for quicker and more even cooking. Chicken cutlets are also a great option.
- Breadcrumbs: Plain breadcrumbs give you control over seasoning. You can use Panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy texture.
- Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese offers the best flavor for the breading. For the topping, low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella melts beautifully without releasing too much water. Provolone or a blend of Italian cheeses also works.
- Marinara Sauce: Use a good quality jarred marinara sauce to save time. If you have homemade, even better!
- Seasoning: Adjust the Italian seasoning and garlic powder to your taste. A pinch of red pepper flakes can be added for a subtle kick in the sauce or breading.
List of Steps for the Recipe
- Prepare Chicken: If chicken breasts are thick, place them between two pieces of plastic wrap and pound lightly with a meat mallet or rolling pin to an even 1/2 to 3/4-inch thickness. Season both sides of the chicken with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
- Set Up Breading Station: Set up three shallow dishes:
- Dish 1: All-purpose flour.
- Dish 2: Lightly beaten eggs.
- Dish 3: Combine breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, dried Italian seasoning, garlic powder, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Stir well.
- Bread Chicken: Dredge each chicken breast first in the flour, shaking off excess. Then dip in the egg, letting excess drip off. Finally, coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure a good coating.
- Fry Chicken: In a large skillet (cast iron or heavy-bottomed pan works best), heat 1/4 cup olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully place 1-2 breaded chicken breasts in the hot oil (do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary). Fry for 3-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F or 74°C). Remove chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Assemble & Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Pour about 1/2 cup of marinara sauce into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange the fried chicken breasts in a single layer over the sauce. Spoon more marinara sauce evenly over each chicken breast. Top generously with shredded mozzarella cheese and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden, and the sauce is heated through. If you like a browner cheese, you can briefly place it under the broiler for the last minute or two (watch carefully to prevent burning).
- Serve: Remove from oven. Garnish with fresh chopped basil if desired. Serve hot, either on its own or over cooked spaghetti.
Tips for Success
- Even Thickness: Pounding the chicken ensures it cooks evenly and quickly, preventing dry spots.
- Pat Chicken Dry: Dry chicken breasts allow the breading to adhere better and get crispier.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in batches if necessary to maintain oil temperature and ensure crispy chicken. Crowding leads to steaming.
- Freshly Grated Parmesan: For the best flavor and melt in the breading, always use freshly grated Parmesan.
- Don’t Overbake: Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, it’s ready. Overbaking can dry out the chicken.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Easy Chicken Parmesan is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with:
- Pasta: Serve over a bed of classic spaghetti with extra marinara sauce. My Classic Spaghetti Recipe with Homemade Sauce would be perfect.
- Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken.
- Garlic Bread: Crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.
- Vegetables: Steamed or roasted broccoli, asparagus, or green beans make a great side.
- Other Chicken Dishes: If you love chicken, you might also enjoy my Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter for an appetizer, or my Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole for another family-friendly meal.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Leftover Chicken Parmesan can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, the oven is best for maintaining crispness. Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, covering loosely with foil if the cheese is browning too quickly. You can also reheat in an air fryer for a crispy result. The chicken may not be as crispy as fresh, but it will still be delicious.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you loved the comfort and ease of this Chicken Parmesan, you’ll definitely want to explore some of my other hearty and family-favorite recipes:
- For another comforting and easy baked dish, my Instant Pot Lasagna is a fantastic shortcut.
- And for another go-to chicken meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd, these Chicken Enchiladas are always a huge hit!
Final Thoughts
Easy Chicken Parmesan is a testament to the fact that classic, comforting dishes don’t have to be complicated. With a few simple steps, you can create a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen that will impress everyone at your table. It’s a true weeknight hero!
What are your favorite Italian-American comfort food dishes? Share your ideas in the comments below! And for more delicious, easy recipes that bring joy to your kitchen, be sure to follow Chef Maniac.
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