Easy Chicken Parmesan: Ready in 30 Minutes

by cmosher16
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Chicken Parmesan may be one of the most famous Italian-American dishes out there. It is not hard to make. This easy step-by-step recipe will show you how to make it without all the fuss or spending all day in the kitchen. Easy Chicken Parmesan will be your go-to choice for a delicious, quick meal.

Easy Chicken Parmesan

Why I Love Easy Chicken Parmesan

When it comes to tasty and easy meals, Chicken Parmesan is at the top of my list. You can have this dish on your table in less than 30 minutes. As a result, it can be enjoyed as a quick weeknight meal or as a special occasion dish.

Although it is simple to make, it is full of flavor. The chicken is tender and juicy, and the tomato sauce is zesty with a touch of sweetness. The cheese is bubbly, and the flavors of parmesan and herbs are perfectly balanced.

The best part about this dish is that it is versatile. Customize it to your tastes. Add different herbs to the breading or vegetables to the marinara sauce.

Is there a downside to Chicken Parmesan? Yes, the temptation to eat it might be too strong for you to wait for your guests. Give it a try. You will not be disappointed.

Ingredients for Easy Chicken Parmesan

Marinara:

  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • ¼ cup minced garlic
  • 1 tsp. pepper flakes
  • 2-26 oz. cans of crushed tomato
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1 tsp. black pepper
  • 1 tbsp. Italian seasoning

Chicken:

  • 4- boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • ¼ cup olive oil

First Dredging Station:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  •  2 tbsp. Italian seasoning
  • 1 tbsp. salt
  • 1 tsp. black pepper

Second Dredging Station:

  • 4-large eggs
  • 2 tbsp. of water
  • ½ tbsp. garlic powder
  •  ½ tbsp. onion powder

Third Dredging Station:

  • 4 cups breadcrumbs
  • 1 tbsp. Italian seasoning

Topping:

  •  8 oz. mozzarella cheese
  •  4 oz. grated parmesan cheese

How to Make Easy Chicken Parmesan

Make the Sauce:

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
  2. Sauté the garlic for 1 minute.
  3. Add the pepper flakes and turn the heat to low.
  4. Cook for another minute. The garlic will brown but should not burn.
  5. Add two cans of crushed tomatoes, salt, and Italian seasonings.
  6. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
  7. Partially cover the pot.
  8. Simmer over low heat for 30 minutes.

Prepare the Chicken:

  1. Place a skinless, boneless chicken breast on a cutting board.
  2. Cut a long slice along the middle of the breast to create a slit.
  3. Continue to cut through the breast, stopping ½ inch from the other side.
  4. Open the chicken like a book and place it between 2 sheets of wax paper or plastic wrap.
  5. Use a meat mallet or a rolling pin and pound until 1/4 inch thick.
  6. Prepare the rest of the chicken breasts.

Dredging:

  1. Set up a dredging station of three shallow bowls.
  2. First, whisk the eggs, water, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
  3. Second, place bread crumbs and Italian seasoning.
  4. Third, combine flour, Italian seasoning, and salt.
  5. Working with one cutlet at a time, dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, knocking off the excess.
  6. Dip into the egg wash, letting excess drip back into the bowl.
  7. Dredge in the breadcrumb and seasoning mixture, pressing firmly to cover the chicken.
  8. Place cutlets in the refrigerator to chill for 15 minutes.

Cook the Chicken:

  1. Place a large pot over high heat.
  2. Add olive oil.
  3. Once the oil is hot, cook the breaded cutlets for 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown.
  4. Set cooked cutlets on a wire rack on a baking sheet.

Assembly:

  1. Preheat the broiler.
    Arrange cutlets side by side in large baking dishes.
  2. Cover the cutlets with mozzarella and parmesan, and broil until the cheese is bubbly.
  3. Remove the chicken from the broiler and sprinkle with parsley.

Serving:

  1. Place a chicken cutlet on top of the sauce.
  2. Top with parsley.

Tips and Tricks for Making Easy Chicken Parmesan

Whether you are a novice in the kitchen or a seasoned cook, making a delicious and easy Chicken Parmesan can be a game-changer. There are tips and tricks to create a perfect Chicken Parmesan. 

Thin Chicken Cutlets: 

Using thin chicken cutlets is essential to achieving a tender and juicy Chicken Parmesan. If pre-sliced cutlets are not available, butterfly a chicken breast. Cut it horizontally, then pound it gently until it is an even thickness.

Make a Homemade Sauce:

There are many good store-bought brands available. Try making a homemade sauce.  My recipe for Meatballs in a Spicy Marinara provides all the details.

Season Generously:  

Seasoning the chicken properly before breading is crucial to enhance the flavors. Sprinkle both sides of the chicken with salt, black pepper, and any additional herbs or spices you prefer.

Create a Breading Station: 

Set up a breading station with three separate bowls. Fill the first bowl with all-purpose flour, the second with beaten eggs, and the third with breadcrumbs. Dredge each chicken cutlet in flour, dip it into the beaten eggs, and then coat it thoroughly with the breadcrumb. Press the breadcrumbs gently into the chicken for better adherence.

Pan-fry for a Delightful Crust:

Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the breaded chicken cutlets in the pan. Do not overcrowd it. Pan-fry them until they turn golden brown on both sides.

Choose the Right Cheese: 

While mozzarella is the most common cheese for Chicken Parmesan, try other alternatives. Incorporate Italian cheeses like provolone, fontina, or mozzarella and Parmesan blend. Remember to grate or slice the cheese and place it on each cooked chicken cutlet.

Bake to Perfection: 

Transfer the chicken to a baking dish or sheet. Spoon your favorite sauce over each piece. Sprinkle some additional Parmesan cheese. Bake in a preheated oven until the cheese becomes bubbly and slightly browned.

Serve with Flavorful Accompaniments: 

Chicken Parmesan is often served over spaghetti or alongside garlic bread. However, don’t limit yourself to these options. You can also serve it with roasted vegetables, Tomato Jam Crostini, or even on a sandwich for a delicious twist.

Chicken Parmesan is a versatile and satisfying dish that can please the whole family. Follow these tips and tricks to create a flavorful and impressive meal.

Chicken Parmesan Alternative Recipes

How about other delicious, cheesy, savory recipes? Here are a few creative and mouth-watering Chicken Parmesan alternatives. They will satisfy your taste buds and impress your dinner guests.

Eggplant Parmesan:

Skip the chicken entirely and opt for pan-fried, breaded eggplant rounds. Cover them in melted mozzarella and marinara sauce. It is a flavorful vegetarian option as satisfying as its chicken counterpart.

Zucchini Parmesan:

How about a lighter and healthier take on Chicken Parmesan? Try using thinly sliced zucchini. Top it with flavorful tomato sauce and shredded cheese. Add a sprinkle of seasoned breadcrumbs for crunch.

Turkey Parmesan:

Do you want a leaner protein source? Try substituting chicken for ground turkey in your classic parmesan recipe. Serve it over whole-grain pasta or mixed greens for a healthier take on this dish.

Cauliflower Parmesan:

This low-carb alternative is a delicious twist on the traditional recipe. Roast cauliflower florets until crispy, then smother them in marinara sauce. Top them with melted mozzarella and parmesan cheese.

Meatball Parmesan:

Serve traditional meatballs topped with sauce and cheese. Serve them on a bed of pasta or as a sandwich for a hearty and flavorful meal. Follow my recipe, Meatballs in a Spicy Marinara, to make some of the best meatballs. 

Whichever recipe you choose, chicken parmesan fans will be delighted. Next time you’re craving this classic Italian dish, try something different. Experiment with these delicious parmesan alternatives.

Store Bought Hacks and Shortcuts

Chicken Parmesan is an easy Italian dish that will impress family and friends. But, if you are short on time, there are shortcuts you can take to make it easier.

Baked Easy Chicken Parmesan:

Bake the chicken in an ovenproof pan sprayed with cooking spray for 45 minutes at 350 degrees.

Pre-made Chicken Cutlets:

Rather than using fresh chicken, buy pre-made fresh or frozen breaded chicken cutlets.

Store-bought Sauces:

Instead of making your tomato sauce, use your favorite store-bought marinara.

Easy Chicken Parmesan

Easy Chicken Parmesan

Serves: 4 Prep Time: Cooking Time:
Nutrition facts: 200 calories 20 grams fat
Rating: 5.0/5
( 1 voted )
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Ingredients

Marinara:

  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • ¼ cup minced garlic
  • 1 tsp. pepper flakes
  • 2-26 oz. cans of crushed tomato
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1 tsp. black pepper
  • 1 tbsp. Italian seasoning

Chicken:

  • 4- boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • ¼ cup olive oil

First Dredging Station:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  •  2 tbsp. Italian seasoning
  • 1 tbsp. salt
  • 1 tsp. black pepper

Second Dredging Station:

  • 4-large eggs
  • 2 tbsp. of water
  • ½ tbsp. garlic powder
  •  ½ tbsp. onion powder

Third Dredging Station:

  • 4 cups breadcrumbs
  • 1 tbsp. Italian seasoning

Topping:

  •  8 oz. mozzarella cheese
  •  4 oz. grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

Make the Sauce:

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
  2. Sauté the garlic for 1 minute.
  3. Add the pepper flakes and turn the heat to low.
  4. Cook for another minute. The garlic will brown but should not burn.
  5. Add two cans of crushed tomatoes, salt, and Italian seasonings.
  6. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
  7. Partially cover the pot.
  8. Simmer over low heat for 30 minutes.

Prepare the Chicken:

  1. Place a skinless, boneless chicken breast on a cutting board.
  2. Cut a long slice along the middle of the breast to create a slit.
  3. Continue to cut through the breast, stopping ½ inch from the other side.
  4. Open the chicken like a book and place it between 2 sheets of wax paper or plastic wrap.
  5. Use a meat mallet or a rolling pin and pound until 1/4 inch thick.
  6. Prepare the rest of the chicken breasts.

Dredging:

  1. Set up a dredging station of three shallow bowls.
  2. First, whisk the eggs, water, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
  3. Second, place bread crumbs and Italian seasoning.
  4. Third, combine flour, Italian seasoning, and salt.
  5. Working with one cutlet at a time, dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, knocking off the excess.
  6. Dip into the egg wash, letting excess drip back into the bowl.
  7. Dredge in the breadcrumb and seasoning mixture, pressing firmly to cover the chicken.
  8. Place cutlets in the refrigerator to chill for 15 minutes.

Cook the Chicken:

  1. Place a large pot over high heat.
  2. Add olive oil.
  3. Once the oil is hot, cook the breaded cutlets for 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown.
  4. Set cooked cutlets on a wire rack on a baking sheet.

Assembly:

  1. Preheat the broiler.
  2. Arrange cutlets side by side in large baking dishes.
  3. Cover the cutlets with mozzarella and parmesan, and broil until the cheese is bubbly.
  4. Remove the chicken from the broiler and sprinkle with parsley.

Serving:

  1. Place a chicken cutlet on top of the sauce.
  2. Top with parsley.
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