Quick & Easy Chicken Parmesan

Chicken Parmesan is a classic Italian-American dish that has been a favorite among food enthusiasts for generations. Its rich flavor, tender chicken, and melted cheese make it the perfect meal to enjoy with family or friends.

This recipe provides you with all the ingredients and steps needed to prepare a delicious Chicken Parmesan in just under an hour, making it one of those dishes that can be whipped up quickly when time is limited. Let’s dive into how to make this comforting Italian dish right at home!

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 cup breadcrumbs (fresh or dry)
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 eggs
2 tbsp olive oil
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes (preferably San Marzano for richer flavor)
1 cup ricotta cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese, part-skim or whole milk variety
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp fresh basil leaves, chopped
1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional but enhances the flavor)
Paprika for garnish

Instructions

Begin by preparing your ingredients. Lay out all of the components near you to avoid any last-minute scrambling. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is warming, mix together the flour, salt, pepper, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese in a shallow dish.

In another bowl, whisk the eggs until they are well combined. This will be used as the egg wash for dipping each chicken breast before coating them with the breadcrumb mixture.

Preparation of Chicken Parmesan

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season generously on both sides with salt and pepper.
Dip each chicken breast into the flour, pressing it lightly to make sure the coating sticks well. Shake off any excess flour before dipping them in the beaten egg. Finally, coat the chicken thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring that no part of the chicken is left uncovered.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Fry one side of each breaded chicken breast for about 3 minutes or until golden brown. Flip and fry the other side for another minute. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Transfer the fried chicken to a baking dish, then spoon crushed tomatoes and ricotta cheese mixture over each piece of chicken.
Cook in the preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce has bubbled up. The internal temperature should still be above 165°F (74°C).

While your Chicken Parmesan is baking, you can prepare a side dish like garlic bread or a simple green salad to complement the main course.

Few Tips for Perfect Chicken Parmesan

Use fresh herbs: The taste of fresh basil and garlic greatly enhances this dish. If using dried herbs, increase their quantity as they tend not to be as flavorful.
Select the right cheese: Ricotta paired with melted mozzarella gives a creamy texture and mild flavor that complements the richness of the tomato sauce and the crunchiness of the breadcrumbs.
Don’t skip the oven step: Baking ensures that all ingredients meld together perfectly, making it easier to serve without worrying about flipping hot chicken in front of guests.

Serving Suggestions

This Chicken Parmesan can be served with a side of garlic bread and fresh green salad. For a more traditional Italian meal experience, you could pair this dish with caprese or antipasto platters too. Enjoy your homemade Chicken Parmesan!

Each serving provides approximately 450 calories, making it an indulgent treat that is perfect for special occasions or a comforting evening meal. With just under one hour of preparation time, you can have this delicious Italian-American dish ready to serve in no time.

Dish Preparation Time: About 30 minutes

Cooking Time: Approximately 45 minutes total (with baking included)

Number of Servings: Serves 4 as a main course

This Chicken Parmesan recipe is designed to be both delicious and simple, giving you the best results with minimal effort. It’s a meal that can turn any ordinary evening into an extraordinary one! Share it with your family or friends and enjoy the rich flavors of this Italian-American classic.