Easy Weeknight Chicken Parmesan

Chicken Parmesan is a beloved Italian-American dish that can be both comforting and satisfying for those looking to enjoy a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. This easy weeknight version of Chicken Parmesan provides a quick and simple recipe suitable for busy days.

The key ingredients include chicken breasts, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and parmesan cheese. You will need about 400 grams of chicken breasts, two cups of marinara sauce, one cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, and half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese for this dish.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts: 400g
• Panko breadcrumbs (optional)
• Mozzarella cheese: 1 cup
• Marinara sauce: 2 cups
• Garlic powder or minced garlic: to taste
• Olive oil for sautéing
• Parmesan cheese, finely grated: 1/2 cup
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional garnish: fresh basil leaves

Steps

1. Cut the chicken breasts into pieces of your desired size. If you like, you can lightly pound them with a mallet or place between two sheets of plastic wrap and use a rolling pin to flatten them slightly.

2. Prepare panko breadcrumbs by mixing with some garlic powder or minced garlic for added flavor (this is optional). You may also just add salt and pepper in this step if you prefer not to use breadcrumbs.

3. Dip the chicken pieces into beaten eggs, then coat them evenly with either panko breadcrumbs or simply salt and pepper. Make sure that each piece gets a good coating to ensure even browning when cooked.

4. Heat some olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it shimmers slightly (do not let the oil smoke). Add chicken pieces carefully, making sure they don't overcrowd the pan as this could lead to steaming rather than searing. Let them cook on one side for about 3-4 minutes or until golden brown before flipping and cooking another 3-4 minutes on the other side.

5. Remove the chicken from heat, place it in an oven-safe baking dish, and spoon over marinara sauce generously so that all pieces are covered. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan evenly across each piece of chicken.

6. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through, the cheese has melted and is bubbling nicely around it. Check periodically to make sure the top doesn’t burn too quickly; if necessary, cover loosely with aluminum foil.

7. Allow the dish to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for an extra touch of freshness. Serve hot directly out of the oven with a side salad or pasta if you wish!

Cooking Time and Servings

This recipe takes approximately 30 minutes to prepare, including cooking time in the oven. It serves four people as a main course.

Why Try This Recipe?

If you are looking for an easy yet impressive meal that can be prepared quickly but still tastes rich and satisfying, then Chicken Parmesan is the perfect choice! The simplicity of this dish allows your taste buds to focus on the flavors of the ingredients themselves – from the tangy tomato sauce to the creamy cheese melting over perfectly cooked chicken. Plus, it’s versatile enough to adapt according to your preferences (try adding more vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms) and can be made ahead for a hassle-free weeknight dinner.

For those who love Italian-American fusion cuisine but don’t have much time on their hands during weekdays, this dish offers the best of both worlds: comfort food that’s still relatively quick to prepare. With minimal effort required in terms of ingredient selection and cooking techniques, you can impress family members or friends while keeping things simple.

Remember, practice makes perfect! If you're new to cooking Chicken Parmesan, start with these straightforward instructions and gradually experiment by adding spices or different types of cheeses based on your personal taste. Enjoy every bite of this classic favorite!