Description
This Easy Chicken Parmesan recipe delivers crispy, tender breaded chicken breasts topped with rich marinara sauce and melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight comfort meal that combines classic Italian flavors with minimal ingredients for maximum satisfaction.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Breading
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil or vegetable oil, for frying
Sauce and Cheese
- 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch to ensure even cooking and tenderness. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Set Up the Breading Station: In one shallow bowl, beat the eggs. In another, mix the Italian seasoned breadcrumbs with the grated Parmesan cheese. Dip each chicken breast into the beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off, then coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When hot, add the breaded chicken breasts and fry for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
- Assemble and Bake: Preheat the oven broiler. Place the fried chicken breasts on a baking sheet. Spoon a generous amount of marinara sauce over each piece, then top with shredded mozzarella cheese. Broil for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh chopped basil if desired. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Ensure chicken breasts are of even thickness by pounding to cook uniformly and retain moisture.
- Fry chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which helps maintain crispiness.
- Use fresh mozzarella cheese for creamier, better melting results.
- Drain chicken on paper towels after frying to prevent sogginess.
- Broil instead of baking to melt cheese quickly and prevent drying out the chicken.
- Warm marinara sauce before serving to keep the dish piping hot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Chicken Breast with Toppings
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 44 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg