This Easy Chicken Parm is a tasty treat! Just crispy chicken, yummy marinara sauce, and gooey cheese come together to make a dish everybody loves.
Sometimes I like to add some extra herbs for flavor, but honestly, it’s perfect as is! Serve it with pasta or a salad, and you’ve got a winning meal on your hands. 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken is classic for this dish. If you prefer, you can use thighs for more flavor or even turkey cutlets for a healthier option.
Breadcrumbs: Italian seasoned breadcrumbs add great flavor, but plain breadcrumbs work too. You can make your own by toasting bread and grinding it up!
Marinara Sauce: Store-bought marinara is convenient. If you’re feeling adventurous, homemade sauce with tomatoes, garlic, and herbs can take it to the next level.
Cheese: Mozzarella is a must for that gooey topping. You can mix it up with provolone or fontina if you’re looking for a different cheese experience.
How Do I Perfectly Bread Chicken for Crispy Coating?
Breading chicken is an essential step to get that crispy texture. Here’s how to do it right:
- Ensure your chicken is patted dry. Moisture prevents it from crisping.
- Coat the chicken evenly in flour first. This helps the egg stick.
- Let any excess flour shake off. Too much flour leads to clumps.
- Use fresh breadcrumbs for the best texture. They cling better!
Make sure to fry the breaded chicken until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. This forms a crisp outside before finishing it in the oven.
Easy Chicken Parm
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian seasoned)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 8 oz spaghetti (optional, for serving)
- Chopped fresh parsley or basil, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes to cook, making the total time around 40 minutes. You’ll need about 15-20 minutes for the chicken to bake in the oven after browning it on the stove. Easy and satisfying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While that’s heating up, slice each chicken breast in half horizontally or pound them to a uniform thickness to help them cook evenly. This way, you’ll have nice, thin cutlets that will cook quickly!
2. Seasoning The Chicken:
Sprinkle salt and pepper generously on both sides of your chicken cutlets. This adds flavor right from the start!
3. Setting Up a Breading Station:
Next, you’ll want to set up your breading station. In one shallow dish, add the flour. In another shallow dish, beat your two eggs until well combined. In a third dish, mix the breadcrumbs with the grated Parmesan cheese. This is the fun part!
4. Breading The Chicken:
Take one chicken cutlet and dredge it in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip it in the beaten eggs, making sure it’s completely coated. Finally, press it into the breadcrumb and cheese mixture, covering it well. Repeat this for all chicken cutlets!
5. Searing The Chicken:
Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add your breaded chicken cutlets. Cook them until they are golden brown on both sides, which should take about 3-4 minutes per side. This creates a wonderful crust!
6. Adding Sauce and Cheese:
Once your chicken is browned, pour the marinara sauce over the top, making sure to cover each piece of chicken. Then, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously on top of everything. Yum!
7. Baking The Chicken:
Transfer the skillet with the chicken, sauce, and cheese to the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F) and the cheese is nice and melted and bubbly.
8. Cooking the Spaghetti:
If you’re serving your Chicken Parm with spaghetti, go ahead and cook it according to package instructions while the chicken is baking. Drain when it’s ready.
9. Serving Up:
Once everything is done, serve your chicken parm right over the spaghetti, garnished with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Enjoy your delicious, easy homemade Chicken Parmesan!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative and can add even more flavor and juiciness to the dish. Just make sure they are boneless and skinless for this recipe.
What If I Don’t Have Marinara Sauce?
No worries! If you don’t have marinara, you can use any tomato-based pasta sauce or even a homemade sauce made from crushed tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. Just make sure it’s seasoned well for the best flavor!
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs. It works just as well!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or use the microwave for quick reheating.
