Quick & Easy Chicken Parmesan: A Favorite Family Dinner

Chicken Parmesan is a beloved Italian-American classic that everyone enjoys. It's the perfect dish for busy weeknights when you need something quick yet flavorful. This recipe will guide you through making this popular dish in less than 30 minutes, with just one pan used! You'll be surprised at how simple it can be to prepare.

The key ingredients are chicken breast cutlets, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and parmesan cheese. The dish is baked until the top is golden brown and crispy while the chicken becomes tender. Whether you're a family home chef or looking for something special for your date night, this recipe will impress.

Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Servings: 4 generous portions

Ingredients You Will Need:

Chicken breast cutlets - 4
Mozzarella cheese - sliced, about 1 cup
Parmesan cheese - grated, about 1/2 cup
Bread crumbs - for coating
Marinara sauce - any store-bought or homemade
Olive oil - a tablespoon for sautéing the chicken
Salt and pepper - to taste

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
If you're using store-bought bread crumbs, set aside about a cup. If you have homemade breadcrumbs or panko, that's even better!
Season both sides of the chicken cutlets with salt and pepper.
In a shallow dish, mix your grated parmesan cheese and some freshly ground black pepper (optional). This will give your coating more flavor. Coat each chicken breast in this mixture evenly.
In another bowl, combine your slices of mozzarella cheese and set them aside for later use.
Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish. Once hot, carefully place the coated chicken breasts into the pan without overcrowding. Let each side cook until golden brown (about 3 minutes per side). You can flip using tongs gently.
Add marinara sauce to cover all four pieces of chicken completely. Spoon some extra sauce around them as well so they’re fully submerged in a delicious, red layer.
Top off each piece of chicken with a slice or two of mozzarella cheese and sprinkle more grated parmesan over the top if desired.
Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C), ensuring it's fully cooked.
Once done, let your Chicken Parmesan sit for a few minutes before serving. This allows all flavors to meld together nicely.
Serve hot with pasta or garlic bread if you prefer.

Optional Side Dishes:

Pasta: Freshly made spaghetti works wonderfully here, but any type will do just fine too!
Bread: Garlic bread or crusty French rolls are delicious accompaniments that add extra flavor to this meal.
Salad: A simple green salad tossed with olive oil and balsamic vinegar can balance out the richness of the sauce nicely.

Tips for Success:

Ensure your chicken cutlets are thin enough that they cook through easily without overcooking. You can use a meat mallet to pound them if needed.
The key to getting a perfect crust is coating the chicken thoroughly with bread crumbs first before adding sauce and cheese. Make sure each layer adheres well together while baking.
For extra flavor, add fresh herbs like basil or oregano when making your marinara sauce from scratch.

Conclusion:

p>Chicken Parmesan is a versatile dish that can cater to various tastes and preferences. It’s not only quick but also incredibly delicious. With minimal effort, you can create this comforting meal right at home. Try it out for yourself; your family or friends will love it!