Are you ready to impress your family with a delicious meal? This Simple Chicken Parmesan recipe is both flavorful and easy. You’ll learn how to prepare tender chicken, rich marinara sauce, and melty cheese—all in just a few steps. Whether you’re a busy parent or a cooking newbie, this dish will become a favorite in your home. Let’s dive in and turn your kitchen into an Italian bistro tonight!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients for Simple Chicken Parmesan
To make Simple Chicken Parmesan, you’ll need these main items:
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably seasoned)
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 cup marinara sauce
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
These ingredients work well together. The chicken gets a crispy crust from the breadcrumbs, while the cheese adds a rich flavor. The marinara sauce helps keep the dish moist and adds a nice touch of tomato flavor.
Optional Ingredients for Customization
You can change up the recipe with these optional items:
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish
– Red pepper flakes for heat
– Spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies
– Different types of cheese like provolone or fontina
Feel free to mix in your favorites. Customizing your dish makes it unique to your taste!
Nutritional Information
This recipe serves two people. Each serving offers:
– Calories: About 600
– Protein: 45g
– Fat: 30g
– Carbohydrates: 40g
– Fiber: 2g
The dish provides a good balance of protein and carbs, making it a filling meal. It’s a delightful choice for dinner and pairs well with a side salad or pasta. For more details on how to make this, check the Full Recipe.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
Start by gathering all your ingredients. You need two boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Then, grab a cup of seasoned breadcrumbs and half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Don’t forget the marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. You’ll also need two tablespoons of olive oil.
Next, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is key for getting that perfect melt on your cheese. While the oven heats, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl. This mixture gives your chicken a tasty crust.
Now, take the chicken breasts and flatten them to an even thickness. Use a meat mallet or a rolling pin for this. This helps the chicken cook at the same rate.
Cooking Steps
Heat the olive oil in a large oven-proof skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, dip each chicken breast into the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure to coat both sides well.
Add the coated chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook them for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side. You want them to turn golden brown and crispy. This step adds a great texture to your dish.
Baking Instructions
After the chicken is browned, take the skillet off the heat. Spoon marinara sauce generously over each chicken breast. Then, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce.
Now, you’re ready to bake! Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You want the chicken to be fully cooked and the cheese to be melted and bubbly.
Once done, take it out and let it sit for a few minutes. If you want, garnish it with fresh basil leaves for a nice touch. Enjoy your Simple Chicken Parmesan!
Tips & Tricks
How to Perfectly Cook Chicken Breasts
To cook chicken breasts well, start with even pieces. Use a meat mallet to flatten them. This helps the chicken cook evenly. Heat olive oil on medium heat in a skillet. Add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side. You want a nice golden color. Use a meat thermometer to check the center. It should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe eating.
Best Marinara Sauce Suggestions
A great marinara sauce makes a big difference. You can use store-bought or homemade sauce. If you choose store-bought, look for one with simple ingredients. Brands with no added sugars are best. For a homemade touch, sauté garlic in olive oil. Add crushed tomatoes, salt, and herbs. Simmer for 20 minutes for a fresh taste.
Cheese Options for Extra Flavor
While mozzarella is classic, try mixing cheeses for more flavor. Provolone and fontina add a nice twist. For a stronger taste, sprinkle some gorgonzola or goat cheese on top. Always use fresh cheese for the best melt. You can experiment with different cheese blends to find your favorite. This adds more depth to your Simple Chicken Parmesan. For the full recipe, check the complete ingredient list and instructions.
Variations
Gluten-Free Chicken Parmesan
You can make a gluten-free version using almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs. These options keep the taste and texture while removing gluten. Simply replace the breadcrumbs in the recipe with your choice. This small change allows everyone to enjoy Chicken Parmesan.
Vegetarian Alternatives
For a vegetarian twist, use eggplant or zucchini slices. Slice the veggies into thick rounds and follow the same steps. This gives you a tasty, meat-free dish that still feels hearty. Add a few more spices to bring out the flavors.
Spice It Up: Adding Heat
If you like it spicy, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. Add a dash to the breadcrumb mix for a kick. You can also use spicy marinara sauce to heat things up. This will make your Chicken Parmesan stand out and satisfy your taste buds.
Storage Info
Refrigeration Guidelines
After cooking your Simple Chicken Parmesan, let it cool down. Place it in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to keep it covered to prevent drying out. If you want to save some for later, this method works well.
Freezing Instructions
To freeze your Chicken Parmesan, first, let it cool completely. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped chicken in a freezer bag. It can stay frozen for up to two months. When ready to eat, you can thaw it in the fridge overnight.
Reheating Tips
To reheat, place the chicken in a baking dish. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake it for about 20 minutes. This keeps the chicken moist and the cheese bubbly. You can also use a microwave, but it may not crisp the chicken as well. For best results, I recommend the oven method. Enjoy your tasty dish again!
FAQs
How long does Simple Chicken Parmesan take to prepare?
Simple Chicken Parmesan takes about 15 minutes to prep. After that, it cooks for about 25 minutes in the oven. So, you can enjoy a tasty meal in about 40 minutes total. This makes it great for busy nights when you need something quick.
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just make sure to thaw it first. Thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight or use the microwave. This way, the chicken cooks evenly and stays juicy. Cooking from frozen can lead to uneven cooking.
What to serve with Chicken Parmesan?
You can pair Chicken Parmesan with many sides. Some great options include:
– Spaghetti or pasta
– Garlic bread
– A fresh salad
– Roasted vegetables
These sides complement the flavors and make your meal more filling.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Chicken Parmesan ahead of time. Prepare the chicken and bake it early in the day. Just reheat it in the oven before serving. This keeps the chicken juicy and the cheese melty. For the best taste, add the sauce and cheese just before baking. Check out the Full Recipe for more tips on prep!
In this blog post, we explored how to make Simple Chicken Parmesan. We covered main and optional ingredients, along with important nutritional facts. You learned step-by-step instructions for preparation, cooking, and baking. I shared tips to cook chicken perfectly and select the best marinara sauce. Variations for gluten-free and vegetarian options also featured. Finally, we discussed storage, reheating, and answered common questions.
Now, you’re ready to create a tasty meal for any occasion. Enjoy your cooking journey!
