Easy Chicken Parmesan
The ultimate comfort food, Easy Chicken Parmesan features juicy chicken coated in crispy breadcrumbs and topped with gooey cheese. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings. Make it tonight for a delicious family meal!
Equipment
- Frying Pan
- Oven
- Grater
- Chef's Knife
- Mixing Bowl
- Wooden Spoon
- Baking Sheet
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
- ¾ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup pasta sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- pasta for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 450°F. This will ensure that the chicken cooks quickly and crisps up nicely.
- Spray a 9×9” pan with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking. This step is crucial for easy cleanup later.
- Depending on the sizes of your chicken breasts, slice each lengthwise into 4-6 ounce pieces. Thinner pieces will cook faster and become crispier.
- In a shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese. Stir together until evenly mixed; this will create a flavorful coating for the chicken.
- Next, take each sliced piece of chicken and dip it into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring to coat both sides thoroughly. This coating is what gives it that irresistible crunch.
- Once coated, place the chicken pieces in the prepared pan. Make sure they’re laid out in a single layer for even cooking.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they start to look golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them; oven times can vary!
- Remove the hot pan from the oven and add pasta sauce and a generous layer of mozzarella cheese on top of each piece of chicken. This is where the magic happens!
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese looks perfectly gooey.
- Serve over pasta if desired, or enjoy it on its own with a fresh salad for a lower-carb option. Each bite will remind you of why this dish is such a beloved classic.
Notes
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
- Freezing: You can freeze the baked chicken for up to 2 months. Just make sure to cool it completely before wrapping.
- Pairing: This dish goes wonderfully with a side of garlic bread or a fresh garden salad for a balanced meal.
- Spice it up: If you like a bit of heat, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes to your breadcrumb mixture.
- Gluten-free option: Substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs to cater to dietary needs.