Easy Chicken Parmesan: A Family-Favorite Meal

Chicken Parmesan is a beloved Italian-American dish that has been cherished in households across the nation for generations. It's a comforting and savory meal that pairs well with pasta, vegetables, or even served as a stand-alone main course. Today we're sharing an easy recipe that you can whip up at home in about 45 minutes to feed four people.

Before we dive into the recipe, let's talk about why this dish is so popular: it’s simple to make, packed with flavor, and it’s versatile enough for casual weeknight dinners or special family gatherings. If you're looking for a classic yet comforting meal that can be enjoyed by all ages in your household, Chicken Parmesan might just become your new go-to.

Ingredients

For this dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 large eggs
• 3 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 1 ½ tablespoons Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Breading Station

1. In a shallow bowl, mix together flour, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, whisk three large eggs until well combined.
2. In a third bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan cheese to taste.

Step 2: Coating the Chicken

3. Dip each chicken breast into the flour mixture, then egg wash, and finally coat it in breadcrumb mix. Press the crumbs onto the chicken firmly so they adhere well.
4. Set aside coated chicken breasts on a plate while you prepare marinara sauce.

Step 3: Cooking Chicken Parmesan

5. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breast pieces and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side.
6. Lay cooked chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to drain any excess oil.

Step 4: Assembly & Baking

7. Spoon marinara sauce over the top of each piece of fried chicken and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over it. Place the baking sheet in an oven preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
8. Bake for about 12-14 minutes until the sauce has bubbled up nicely and the cheese is melted, golden brown, and slightly crusty on top.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken Parmesan tastes especially delicious served over spaghetti or with a side of steamed green beans. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for an extra burst of flavor. This meal can be enjoyed hot from the oven, straight off the plate into eager mouths.

For those who prefer their Chicken Parmesan without sauce, it also makes a great appetizer or main course served with toothpicks and crusty breadsticks. You could even experiment by using different types of cheese like provolone or even Gruyère to add more complexity to the dish!

Conclusion

Chicken Parmesan is not only easy enough for beginners but also full of flavor that will make you want to keep coming back for seconds. Whether you're hosting a family dinner, planning your weekly meal schedule, or simply craving something comforting, this recipe serves as an excellent choice.

Cooking time: 45 minutes

Number of servings: 4