Easy Chicken Parmesan

$- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - Marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade) - Shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 2 large eggs, beaten - 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - Salt and pepper, to taste In this recipe, we focus on fresh, simple ingredients. The chicken gives a nice base for flavor. Marinara sauce adds tang and richness. Mozzarella cheese melts beautifully, adding creaminess. For the coating, all-purpose flour helps the egg stick. Eggs bind the breadcrumbs to the chicken. The Italian-style breadcrumbs add a crispy crunch that everyone loves. Seasoning is key. Grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor. Garlic powder gives a warm taste, while dried oregano and basil add depth. Just a pinch of salt and pepper helps bring all the flavors together. You can find the full recipe for this dish online. Understanding these ingredients helps you make this dish perfect every time. Enjoy cooking! 1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is key for even cooking. 2. Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, pound the chicken to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This helps the chicken cook evenly and stay juicy. 1. Set up three shallow dishes in a line. Fill the first dish with all-purpose flour. Beat the eggs in the second dish. In the third dish, mix the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. This mix gives flavor. 2. Coat one chicken breast at a time. First, dredge it in flour and shake off excess flour. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, letting extra egg drip back. Finally, press the chicken into the breadcrumb mixture, covering it well on both sides. 1. In a large skillet, pour olive oil to cover the bottom. Heat over medium heat. To test if the oil is hot, drop in a small piece of breadcrumb; it should sizzle. 2. Carefully add the coated chicken breast. Fry for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until golden brown. If needed, cook in batches to avoid crowding the skillet. Once done, transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. 1. In a baking dish, spread 1/3 cup of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom. Lay the fried chicken breasts over the sauce in a single layer. 2. Spoon additional marinara sauce over each chicken breast. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top. 3. Carefully place the baking dish into the preheated oven. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). For a full recipe, check the detailed instructions. Enjoy making this easy chicken parmesan! To make the best chicken parmesan, start with even chicken breasts. This helps them cook evenly and stay juicy. Place the chicken between two sheets of plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet to gently pound them to about 1/2 inch thick. This small step makes a big difference in cooking. Next, frying oil temperature is key. Heat olive oil over medium heat until it's hot. You can test this by dropping in a small piece of breadcrumb. If it sizzles, the oil is ready. This ensures a crispy and golden crust. Pair your chicken parmesan with tasty side dishes. Pasta is a classic choice, but a fresh salad works great too. The bright flavors of salad balance the rich cheese and sauce. For presentation, serve the chicken directly from the baking dish. This gives a cozy, rustic look. If you want something fancier, plate the chicken on individual dishes. Add a sprinkle of extra parmesan and a sprig of basil on top. It makes the dish look beautiful and inviting. Using the right skillet can change your cooking game. A cast-iron skillet is perfect for frying chicken. It heats evenly and helps create a nice crust. For baking, any medium-sized baking dish will do. Glass or ceramic dishes are great options. They hold heat well and look nice on the table. With these tips and tricks, you can make a chicken parmesan that impresses everyone. For the full recipe, check the earlier section to get started! {{image_4}} You can change a few ingredients for a fresh twist. Instead of marinara sauce, try pesto. It adds a bright, herby flavor. You can also use a white sauce for a creamy touch. For cheese, mozzarella is great, but you can use provolone or gouda. Both melt well and add a unique taste. Mixing cheeses can create a richer flavor profile. If you want a lighter dish, bake the chicken instead of frying it. This method cuts down on oil and fat. Just brush the chicken with olive oil and bake until golden. Using whole wheat breadcrumbs is another great option. They add fiber and nutrients. Gluten-free breadcrumbs work too, making this dish friendly for those with gluten sensitivities. Boost the flavor by adding vegetables. Spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers make tasty additions. You can sauté them and layer them with the chicken. For extra spices, consider red pepper flakes for heat or fresh herbs for depth. Toppings like olives or sun-dried tomatoes add a lovely texture and taste. They bring a Mediterranean flair to your Chicken Parmesan. For more details on making this dish, check out the Full Recipe. To keep your Chicken Parmesan fresh, cool it first. Place the leftovers in an airtight container. I recommend using glass or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. This way, you can enjoy the flavors later without losing quality. For reheating, you can use either the oven or microwave. The oven gives the best results. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the Chicken Parmesan on a baking sheet. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until warm. If you use the microwave, place a piece on a microwave-safe plate. Heat it for about 1-2 minutes, checking often. To keep the crispy texture, I suggest adding a paper towel over the chicken. This helps absorb moisture. You can freeze baked Chicken Parmesan easily. Allow it to cool completely first. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. You can freeze it for up to three months. To thaw, move the chicken to the fridge overnight. When you’re ready to cook, reheat it in the oven as mentioned before. This way, you’ll enjoy a delicious meal without much fuss. For more details, check out the Full Recipe. It takes about 45 minutes to make Easy Chicken Parmesan. You will spend around 15 minutes on prep. Cooking the chicken and baking it takes about 30 minutes. Yes, you can make Chicken Parmesan ahead of time! You can prepare the chicken and coat it. Store the coated chicken in the fridge for up to a day. You can also make the sauce ahead of time. Just reheat the sauce when you are ready to cook. If you want alternatives, you can use turkey or pork. For a vegetarian option, try eggplant or zucchini. Both work well and taste great with the sauce and cheese. Chicken Parmesan goes well with many sides. You can serve it with spaghetti or a fresh salad. Garlic bread or roasted vegetables make great choices too. Yes, you can make Chicken Parmesan gluten-free! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. You can also use almond flour for a different texture. Just make sure your marinara sauce is gluten-free too. You now know how to make Easy Chicken Parmesan from start to finish. We covered the main ingredients, crucial tips for perfecting your dish, and even variations to suit different tastes. Remember, the key lies in even chicken thickness, the right frying temperature, and good storage practices. This dish brings flavor and joy to any meal. With this knowledge, you can impress family and friends with your cooking skills. Enjoy your delicious creation and don’t hesitate to customize it to make it your own!$

Indulge in the irresistible Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Delight that’s as delicious as it is easy to make! This mouthwatering recipe features crispy, golden chicken, rich marinara sauce, and gooey mozzarella cheese baked to perfection. Perfect for family dinners or impressing guests, it's sure to become a favorite. Click through to explore the step-by-step guide and elevate your mealtime with this cheesy delight!

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Ingredients

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 large eggs, beaten

1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Olive oil, for frying

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound the chicken to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch, ensuring it cooks evenly.

Set Up Dredging Stations: Arrange three shallow dishes in a line: place the all-purpose flour in the first dish, the beaten eggs in the second dish, and combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper in the third dish. Mix well to ensure even seasoning.

Coat the Chicken: Start with one chicken breast at a time. First, dredge it in the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any surplus egg to drip back into the dish. Finally, press the chicken into the breadcrumb mixture, making sure it is thoroughly coated on both sides.

Fry the Chicken: In a large skillet, pour in enough olive oil to cover the bottom and heat over medium heat. Once the oil is hot (you can test this by dropping in a small piece of breadcrumb, which should sizzle), carefully add the coated chicken breast. Fry for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the skillet. Transfer the fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Assemble the Bake: In a baking dish, spread 1/3 cup of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom. Next, lay the fried chicken breasts over the sauce in a single layer. Spoon additional marinara sauce over each chicken breast, ensuring they are generously coated. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the chicken.

Bake: Carefully place the assembled baking dish into the preheated oven. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown, and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool for a couple of minutes. Before serving, garnish with fresh basil leaves for an aromatic touch and added color.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: Serve the Chicken Parmesan Delight directly from the baking dish for a rustic look, or plate individually with a side of pasta and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan for an elegant touch. Enjoy!