Easy Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Looking for a quick and delicious chicken dish that can be prepared in a short amount of time? Chicken Parmesan is the perfect choice if you're looking to satisfy your cravings for Italian-American cuisine without spending too much time in the kitchen.

This classic recipe combines tender, breaded chicken with tangy tomato sauce and melted cheese. You can serve it over a bed of pasta or simply on its own. The preparation time for this dish is approximately 30 minutes, and the total cooking time including baking, is around 45-50 minutes depending upon your oven temperature.

To make Chicken Parmesan, you will need the following ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup of all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup of panko breadcrumbs (for a crunchier coating)
• 2 eggs beaten with 1 tablespoon of water
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 jar (about 28 ounces) of your favorite marinara sauce or tomato sauce
• Cheese: mozzarella, Parmesan, and provolone (for a melty topping)
• Pasta (optional for serving over the chicken)

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating up, start preparing the chicken. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season them lightly with salt and pepper. It's important not to overcrowd the pan when breading the chicken; you can work in batches if necessary.

In a shallow dish, combine flour and panko breadcrumbs. In another smaller bowl, mix the eggs with water until well combined. Dredge each chicken breast first into the seasoned flour, then dip it in beaten egg mixture, and finally coat it generously in panko crumbs. Tap off any excess crumbs before placing the breaded chicken on a plate.

Heat the olive oil over medium heat in your skillet. Cook each piece of breaded chicken until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Make sure to turn them carefully so they don't fall apart. Once cooked, place them onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil.

While the chicken is frying, you can start assembling your sauce and cheese topping. Pour the marinara sauce into an oven-safe dish that will hold all four pieces of chicken comfortably. Arrange the fried chicken breasts over the sauce in overlapping layers for maximum coverage. Sprinkle evenly with shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, and provolone cheeses.

Transfer this dish to your preheated oven and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly on top, about 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on it towards the end of baking time; you may need to add more heat if necessary or cover loosely with foil if you find the top browning too quickly.

Once done, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes before slicing into portions. Serve immediately accompanied by your favorite pasta (if used) on the side. Garnish generously with fresh basil leaves and extra grated Parmesan to enhance flavors further.

This Chicken Parmesan makes a wonderful dinner party dish or family meal due to its versatility and appeal across generations. It can be paired with a variety of sides such as garlic bread, salad greens dressed in vinaigrette, or even some Caesar dressing for dipping pieces of chicken into.

The nutritional information per serving is approximately:

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Fat: 28g (saturated fat 9g)
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Protein: 40g
• Sodium: 1,700mg
• Fiber: 4g

Chicken Parmesan is not only a mouth-watering meal but also a heart-warming one that brings families together. Whether you're having it at home or sharing with friends, this recipe promises to impress and satisfy everyone's taste buds.

Tips for perfecting your Chicken Parmesan:

1. Always let the chicken rest before slicing so it stays juicy inside.
2. Use high-quality ingredients like fresh marinara sauce rather than canned ones if possible.
3. If you're making this dish ahead of time, cover and refrigerate it. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes before serving.

Enjoy your Chicken Parmesan experience!