Easy Chicken Parmesan

$To make easy chicken parmesan, gather these main ingredients: - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko gives extra crunch) - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1 egg, beaten - 1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade) - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - Olive oil for frying These ingredients make up the heart of this dish. The chicken provides protein, while the cheese and sauce add flavor. You can enhance your chicken parmesan by adding these optional ingredients: - Red pepper flakes for heat - Fresh garlic for a stronger taste - Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for freshness These additions can give you a unique twist. Feel free to mix and match based on your taste. If you need substitutions, here are some ideas: - Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier result. - Swap the breadcrumbs for crushed cornflakes for a gluten-free option. - Try using low-fat cheese for a lighter meal. These substitutions can help you fit the recipe to your needs. Always remember to adjust cooking times based on what you choose. For the full recipe, check the earlier section! Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Take the two boneless, skinless chicken breasts and place them between two sheets of plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet to pound them to a thickness of about 1/2 inch. This step helps the chicken cook evenly. In a shallow dish, mix the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Beat one egg in another bowl. Dip each chicken breast into the egg, letting excess egg drip off. Then, coat the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to help the crumbs stick well. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the breaded chicken breasts. Cook each side for about 3-4 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy. Place the cooked chicken on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any extra oil. In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Place the crispy chicken on top of the sauce. Spoon more marinara over each chicken breast and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese bubbles and turns slightly golden. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. You can find the full recipe for this dish above. To get that perfect crispy chicken, start with panko breadcrumbs. They give a nice crunch. Make sure to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness. This helps them cook evenly. When breading, press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken. This ensures they stick well. Fry the chicken in hot olive oil. This creates a golden crust quickly. One common mistake is not seasoning the breadcrumb mix. Always add salt, pepper, and spices for flavor. Another error is overcrowding the pan while frying. This can lead to steaming instead of crisping. Do not skip the baking step. It melts the cheese and warms the sauce. For a great meal, serve chicken parmesan with spaghetti. Toss the pasta in marinara sauce for added flavor. You can also add a side salad. A fresh salad pairs well and adds crunch. Drizzle a little olive oil over everything. This adds a nice finish to your dish. For more details on making this dish, check the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} You can mix things up with the cheese. Instead of mozzarella, try provolone. Provolone melts well and adds a nice flavor. Another option is fontina, which is creamy and rich. If you want a stronger taste, use sharp cheddar. Each cheese brings its own flair to the dish. Want to make it healthier? Add veggies to your Chicken Parmesan! Sauté some spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms. These not only boost nutrition but also add color and flavor. You can layer the veggies under the chicken or mix them into the marinara sauce. It’s a tasty way to sneak in more greens. For a gluten-free version, swap breadcrumbs for crushed almonds or gluten-free panko. This keeps the crunch without the gluten. If you follow a low-carb diet, use zucchini or eggplant slices instead of chicken. Bake them with the same sauce and cheese for a delicious alternative. These options keep the spirit of Chicken Parmesan while meeting your dietary needs. For the full recipe, check out the complete guide for making this dish! After you enjoy your chicken parmesan, store any leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure to let the dish cool down first. This helps keep it fresh. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Label the container with the date. This way, you know when to eat it. To reheat your chicken parmesan, use the oven for the best taste. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 15 minutes, or until it feels warm. You can also use a microwave, but it may not stay as crispy. Heat it in short bursts to avoid overcooking. You can freeze chicken parmesan for later meals. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap first. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag. Make sure to squeeze out any air to prevent freezer burn. It will last about three months in the freezer. To reheat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, then follow the reheating techniques above. Enjoy your easy chicken parmesan anytime! For the full recipe, check out the section above. Cooking Chicken Parmesan takes about 35 minutes. This includes 15 minutes for prep and 20 minutes in the oven. The key is to ensure the chicken is crispy and the cheese is melted. Yes, you can prepare Chicken Parmesan ahead of time. Cook the chicken, then store it in the fridge. When you are ready to eat, add sauce and cheese. Bake it until hot and bubbly. This makes meal prep easy and fun. The best side dish for Chicken Parmesan is spaghetti. Toss it with marinara sauce for balance. You can also serve a simple salad or garlic bread. These sides complement the dish well and add more flavor. For the full recipe, check out the Crispy Chicken Parmesan Delight! In this post, we covered the key ingredients for Chicken Parmesan, preparing it step-by-step, and tips for the best results. You learned about ingredient substitutions and variations, including healthy options and storage tips. Remember, sticking to the basics will give you great taste, but don't hesitate to experiment for your own twist. Chicken Parmesan is simple, but it can be unique with your choices. Enjoy your cooking and share your tasty results!$

Delight your taste buds with this Crispy Chicken Parmesan recipe! Made with juicy chicken breasts coated in crunchy breadcrumbs and topped with gooey mozzarella and rich marinara, it's a dish everyone will love. Perfect for a cozy dinner or impressing guests, this recipe takes just 35 minutes from prep to plate. Ready to whip up a delicious meal? Click through to explore the full recipe and tips for serving!

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Ingredients

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 egg, beaten

1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Olive oil for frying

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch using a meat mallet. This helps them cook evenly.

In a shallow dish, mix together the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Dip each chicken breast into the beaten egg, allowing the excess to drip off, and then coat them thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure adherence.

In a large skillet, heat a generous amount of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the breaded chicken breasts and cook them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Place the cooked chicken breasts on top of the sauce.

Spoon more marinara sauce over each chicken breast, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top.

Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.

Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 2

- Presentation Tips: Serve the chicken parmesan with a side of spaghetti tossed in marinara sauce, and sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top for an elegant touch!