Weeknight Winner: Easy Chicken Parmigiana

Easy Chicken Parmigiana: A Weeknight Family Favourite!

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever get that craving for something comforting? this easy chicken parmigiana recipe is your ticket. it's the perfect blend of crispy, saucy, and cheesy goodness, ready in under an hour.

Honestly, what's not to love?

Brief Overview

Chicken parmigiana, or "chicken parm" as we often call it, is an italian american classic. it's a family favourite for generations.

This version is simplified for a weeknight, clocking in at easy difficulty. it yields 4 generous servings, perfect for a family dinner.

Main Benefits

One of the best parts? chicken is a fab source of lean protein. this best chicken and veggie dinner satisfies your cravings while keeping things (relatively) healthy.

It's a total winner. this is a great chicken dinner recipes for family main dishes .

Ready to jump in? Let's talk ingredients!

Getting Started with Your Parmesan Crusted Chicken Parm

To get started, you'll need a few key ingredients. don't panic, most of them are store cupboard staples. this recipe is designed to be fuss free, even if you're cooking for a crowd.

Easy recipes for 10 people , double or triple this recipe!

First, we have the chicken and parmesan cheese , of course. then comes the breadcrumbs, marinara sauce and mozzarella. olive oil, eggs, flour, and some italian seasoning bring it all together.

Don't forget a pinch of salt and pepper!

What You Need: Chicken Parmigiana Edition

  • The Chicken : 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • The Breadcrumbs : 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • The Sauce : 2 cups of your fave marinara
  • The Cheese : 8 oz fresh mozzarella

And of course, your essential flavourings!

Let's prep our Parmesan Crusted Chicken Parmesan

Before we start cooking, there are some steps to get ready. This'll make the actual cooking process a breeze. Trust me, a little prep goes a long way.

First, get those chicken breasts ready. pound them to about 1/2 inch thickness. this ensures they cook evenly. next, set up your breading station.

Flour, eggs, and breadcrumb mixture each get their own dish. we're getting organised, yeah?

The Secret Ingredient: Crispy Perfection

The real magic happens in the breading and frying. The crispy parmesan crusted chicken dinner is what makes this dish so addictive. We will be using Parmesan Crusted Chicken Parm .

Remember when i first tried making this? i totally forgot the parmesan in the breadcrumbs. the result? soggy. don't be like me.

That parmesan adds flavour and helps creates that chicken tender parmesan . and don't overcrowd the pan while frying. it lowers the oil temperature and you'll end up with greasy chicken, no one wants that.

The goal is golden brown, crispy perfection. It takes about 5- 7 minutes per side.

Right, let's talk ingredients for the easiest, most banging easy chicken parmigiana recipe you'll ever make. honestly, it's so simple, even my nan could whip it up, and she mainly makes toast! this is proper grub, no fancy pants stuff here.

It might be the best chicken and veggie dinner your family has had in a while.

Ingredients: The Lowdown

Okay, listen up. These are the bits and bobs you'll need to make this Parmesan Crusted Chicken Parmesan . Don't skimp on the cheese, that's my motto.

Main Ingredients

  • Chicken Breasts: 4 (about 6 oz/170g each). Get decent ones, not those watery, flavourless things. Good quality equals good flavour!
  • Flour: ½ cup (60g) . Just your regular all-purpose will do.
  • Eggs: 2 large. Whisk 'em like you mean it.
  • Italian Breadcrumbs: 1 cup (85g) . Get the seasoned kind.
  • Parmesan Cheese: ¼ cup (30g) . Grated, obviously. Real Parmesan, not that dusty stuff in a green can. Adds to this Parmesan Crusted Chicken Dinner
  • Italian Seasoning: 1 tsp . If you haven't got any, mixed herbs will do in a pinch.
  • Salt & Pepper: ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp pepper. Season to taste, innit?
  • Olive Oil: ¼ cup (60ml) . For frying, so it needs to be a good’un.
  • Marinara Sauce: 2 cups (470ml) . Jarred is fine, but homemade is always better. It's a perfect meal for Chicken Dinner Recipes For Family Main Dishes .
  • Mozzarella Cheese: 8 oz (225g) . Sliced. Fresh is best, but the pre-sliced stuff is fine. It is among the Easy Recipes For 10 People and even more.
  • Fresh Basil: 2 tbsp . Chopped, for garnish. Makes it look fancy.

Seasoning Notes

Alright, about the flavours, yeah? italian seasoning is your friend here. don't be shy! a bit of garlic powder in the breadcrumbs wouldn't go amiss either.

If you are looking for health chicken recipes clean eating , you can cut back on the salt content of the breadcrumbs.

Equipment Needed

Right, you don't need a load of fancy kit for this.

  • Shallow Dishes: For the breading station. Plates will do.
  • Large Skillet: Cast iron is brilliant, but anything will do.
  • Baking Sheet: Just a normal one.

That's it! Told you it was easy chicken parmigiana recipe . Ready to cook this Parmesan Crusted Chicken Parm ?

I have an aunt who always messes up the breadcrumbs. We end up calling it Chicken Tender Parmesan .

Weeknight Winner: Easy Chicken Parmigiana Recipe

Honestly, who doesn't love a good chicken and parmesan cheese dish? this easy chicken parmigiana recipe is my go-to when i need comfort food, pronto.

It's way easier than you think, even if you're feeding a whole crew. perfect for those easy recipes for 10 people .

Let's get started!

Prep Like a Pro: Essential Mise en Place

Before we dive in, let's get organized. this saves so much time! have your chicken ready. i always get my mise en place together because otherwise i will get discombobulated.

Get your flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs ready in separate dishes. slice the mozzarella. honestly, a bit of prep makes all the difference.

step-by-step to Parm Perfection

  1. Pound those chicken breasts. Aim for about 1/2 inch thickness.

  2. Set up your breading station. Flour first, then egg, then the parmesan crusted chicken parmesan breadcrumbs.

  3. Coat the chicken. Make sure it's fully covered, like a chicken in a warm blanket.

  4. Pan-fry in olive oil over medium heat. Shoot for about 5- 7 minutes per side, until golden.

  5. Assemble! Sauce, chicken, more sauce, and then mozzarella.

  6. Bake at 375° F ( 190° C) until bubbly, around 10- 15 minutes .

  7. Garnish with fresh basil. Dinner is served!

Pro Tips for Epic Parm

Want that restaurant quality? here's the secret: don't overcrowd the pan when frying! also, make sure your chicken reaches 165° f ( 74° c) internal temperature.

One other tip, avoid overbaking, or you will dry the chicken!

This parmesan crusted chicken parm recipe is definitely going to become a family favourite. you can use it with chicken tender parmesan .

I've made it so many times; it's almost embarrassing, but it always goes down a treat. plus, i feel good knowing it can be a part of health chicken recipes clean eating .

You can serve it with many different chicken dinner recipes for family main dishes . i am so excited that you will be enjoying best chicken and veggie dinner .

Okay, mate! Here's the recipe notes section. I've tried to make it sound like we're just having a good chinwag about easy chicken parmigiana recipe . Hope you like it.

Recipe Notes for Your Best Chicken And Veggie Dinner Yet!

Honestly, this easy chicken parmigiana recipe is a game changer. But before you get cracking, here are a few extra bits and bobs to make sure yours is absolutely mint.

Serving Suggestions: Presentation is Key, Innitt?

Right, so you've got this parmesan crusted chicken parmesan masterpiece. now, how do you show it off? plating wise, think simple elegance.

A bed of perfectly cooked spaghetti, a generous dollop of marinara, and that golden chicken and parmesan cheese slice proudly on top.

Complementary sides? a crisp green salad cuts through the richness nicely. and a glass of dry red wine? oh my gosh, chef's kiss! .

This will be a memorable chicken dinner recipes for family main dishes.

Storage Tips: Keep it Fresh, Keep it Safe

Got leftovers? No worries! This easy chicken parmigiana recipe keeps well.

  • Refrigeration: Bung any leftovers in an airtight container. It'll be good for about 3-4 days.
  • Freezing: This is where things get a bit tricky. Parmesan Crusted Chicken Dinner freezes okay ish. Wrap each slice individually in cling film, then pop them in a freezer bag. But honestly, the texture might change a bit. Still edible, just not quite as amazing.
  • Reheating: Oven is best! Low and slow (about 300° F/ 150° C) until heated through. Microwave works in a pinch, but the breading might get a bit soggy. This will be one of your Health Chicken Recipes Clean Eating recipes.

Variations: Mix it Up a Bit!

Fancy a change? Here are a few cheeky ideas:

  • gluten-free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and gluten-free flour for a Parmesan Crusted Chicken Parm that's coeliac friendly.
  • Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mix for a bit of a kick. It'll wake you up! This can transform a regular Chicken Tender Parmesan into something sensational.
  • Seasonal Swaps: In summer, use fresh tomatoes for a brighter sauce. Winter? Roasted root vegetables alongside are the perfect comfort food pairing.

Nutrition Basics: Food That's Good for You (Mostly!)

Okay, so easy chicken parmigiana recipe isn't exactly health food. But it's got its perks! You are looking at the Easy Recipes For 10 People.

  • It's packed with protein from the chicken and Parmesan.
  • It's a good source of calcium, thanks to the cheese.

Just be mindful of the calories and sodium. Everything in moderation, right?

Honestly, making this easy chicken parmigiana recipe is like giving yourself a big hug. So get in the kitchen, get cooking, and enjoy! You've got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the secret to stopping my chicken from drying out when making this easy chicken parmigiana recipe?

Nobody wants dry chicken, do they? The trick is pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness about ½ inch. This ensures they cook evenly. Also, don't overbake them once they're in the oven; you just want the cheese melted and bubbly, not incinerated!

A quick rest after baking also helps retain those precious juices.

Can I make this easy chicken parmigiana recipe ahead of time? I'm a bit of a busy bee, you see.

Absolutely! You can bread the chicken breasts ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just make sure they're properly covered to prevent them from drying out. Then, when you're ready to cook, just pan-fry and continue with the recipe as normal.

You can also assemble the whole dish and keep it in the fridge until ready to bake just add a few minutes to the baking time.

I'm trying to be a bit healthier. Are there any lighter variations I can make to this easy chicken parmigiana recipe?

You bet! You could bake the breaded chicken instead of pan-frying it to reduce the oil content. Simply place the breaded chicken on a baking sheet and bake until golden brown. Also, use part skim mozzarella and a low-sugar marinara sauce.

Serve with a generous portion of steamed veggies or a side salad for a balanced meal. It's still a treat, but a slightly less naughty one!

What's the best way to store leftover Chicken Parm, and how long will it last?

Leftover Chicken Parmigiana should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge. It'll keep well for about 3-4 days. Reheat it in the oven (best for maintaining the crispiness) or in the microwave (if you're in a hurry, like a telly marathon is about to start!).

Just make sure it's heated through properly before tucking in.

Can I use other types of cheese besides mozzarella in this Easy Chicken Parmigiana Recipe?

Definitely! While mozzarella is the classic choice for chicken parmigiana, feel free to experiment with other cheeses. Provolone melts beautifully and adds a slightly sharper flavor. A sprinkle of Parmesan or Pecorino Romano on top before baking gives it an extra cheesy kick.

Just choose cheeses that melt well and complement the tomato sauce.

My marinara sauce always tastes a bit bland. Any tips for spicing up my Easy Chicken Parmigiana Recipe?

Bland marinara is a proper letdown, isn't it? First, start with a good quality sauce homemade is best, but a decent jarred one will do. Then, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. A clove of minced garlic, sautéed in olive oil before adding the sauce, will also boost the flavor.

Don't be shy with the Italian seasoning either. A splash of red wine during simmering can also add depth and richness.

Weeknight Winner Easy Chicken Parmigiana

Easy Chicken Parmigiana: A Weeknight Family Favourite! Recipe Card
0.0 / 5 (0 Review)
Preparation time:20 Mins
Cooking time:25 Mins
Servings:4 servings

Ingredients:

Instructions:

Nutrition Facts:

Calories450 calories
Fat25g
Fiber2g

Recipe Info:

CategoryMain Course
CuisineItalian
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