Easy Chicken Parmesan

Chicken Parmesan is a beloved Italian-American dish that combines juicy chicken breast with a rich tomato sauce and melted mozzarella cheese on top of a crispy breadcrumb coating. This classic recipe is perfect for those looking to recreate the taste at home without the need for fancy ingredients or too much time in the kitchen.

This meal is incredibly versatile and can be served with various sides, such as pasta, rice, or even just a simple salad. With its comforting flavors and satisfying texture, Chicken Parmesan is sure to become one of your go-to recipes when you want something delicious yet easy to prepare.

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients needed for making this delicious dish:

4 chicken breasts (boneless or bone-in)
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
3 large eggs, beaten
2 cups panko breadcrumbs
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 can (28 oz) of crushed tomatoes
2 cups part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Cooking Instructions

The cooking time for this recipe is approximately 45 minutes, and it serves four people generously. Let's get started!

Preparation: Start by preparing all your ingredients before starting the cooking process.
Cut each chicken breast into two halves (or leave whole if you prefer). Sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides of the chicken breasts.
In a shallow bowl, mix flour with some seasoning. In another bowl, beat the eggs well until frothy.
Place the panko breadcrumbs in a separate wide dish or pie tin.
Carefully dip each piece of breaded chicken into the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off any excess flour. Then dip it into the beaten egg and coat both sides thoroughly with the panko breadcrumbs. Place them back on the plate as you work your way through all four pieces.
Heat up a large non-stick skillet or frying pan over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil per batch.
Cook each piece of chicken for about 5 minutes on one side until golden brown, then flip and cook the other side for another 4-5 minutes. Once done, remove them from the pan and place onto a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Assembly and Serving

Mix the crushed tomatoes with salt and pepper in your saucepan. Let it simmer until thickened slightly (about 10 minutes). Pour this sauce over the cooked chicken breasts, covering all parts fully. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of each piece before placing them into an oven dish or individual plates.

Place the dish back in a preheated oven at around 350°F for about 12-15 minutes until the cheese melts completely and becomes slightly golden brown. Remove from heat, garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and serve immediately while still hot.

Tips & Variations

If you prefer a lighter version of Chicken Parmesan, consider using whole wheat panko breadcrumbs or substituting half the amount used here for regular breadcrumbs. You can also reduce the olive oil slightly.
For a bit more flavor, add garlic powder, onion powder, or Italian seasoning to your breadcrumb mixture while cooking.
If you enjoy spicy food, mix in some red pepper flakes into the crushed tomatoes when preparing the sauce.

Conclusion

Chicken Parmesan is not only delicious but also relatively simple to prepare. By following these steps carefully, you will have a perfectly golden and tender chicken breast topped with savory tomato sauce and melted cheese in no time at all.

Enjoy your homemade Chicken Parmesan! This dish can be enjoyed as part of a meal or even as an appetizer when served with crusty bread and a side salad. The versatility of this recipe means there’s always room for creativity, so feel free to experiment and make it your own!