Effortless Chicken Parmesan: A Weeknight Dinner Delight
Chicken Parmesan, or Chicken Parmigiana, is a classic Italian-American dish that’s beloved for its crispy, golden-brown chicken cutlets smothered in rich tomato sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. While it might seem intimidating, this recipe offers a simplified, streamlined approach that makes it perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner. Forget spending hours in the kitchen; with a few clever shortcuts and easy-to-follow steps, you can have a delicious Chicken Parmesan on the table in under an hour.
Why This Recipe Works:
* Simplified Breading: We’re using a straightforward three-step breading process – flour, egg wash, and seasoned breadcrumbs – that’s easy to master and yields perfectly crispy chicken.
* Faster Cooking: Baking the chicken instead of frying reduces mess and active cooking time. Plus, it’s a healthier option!
* High-Quality Ingredients: Using good-quality canned tomatoes and fresh mozzarella elevates the flavor of the dish without adding extra work.
* Make-Ahead Options: You can prepare the chicken cutlets ahead of time, making this recipe even faster on busy weeknights.
Ingredients:
* 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each)
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
* 2 large eggs, beaten
* 1 1/2 cups Italian breadcrumbs
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/4 cup olive oil
* 24 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
* 1 teaspoon dried basil
* 1/2 teaspoon sugar
* 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
* Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
* Cooked pasta, for serving (optional)
Equipment:
* 3 shallow dishes or pie plates
* Baking sheet
* Aluminum foil or parchment paper
* Large skillet (optional, for stovetop sauce simmering)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
* Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
* Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or in a resealable plastic bag. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the chicken to an even 1/2-inch thickness. This ensures even cooking and tenderizes the chicken.
2. Set Up the Breading Station:
* In the first shallow dish, place the all-purpose flour.
* In the second shallow dish, whisk the eggs until well combined.
* In the third shallow dish, combine the Italian breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Bread the Chicken:
* Take one chicken breast and dredge it in the flour, making sure to coat both sides completely. Shake off any excess flour.
* Dip the floured chicken breast into the egg wash, ensuring it’s fully coated.
* Transfer the chicken to the breadcrumb mixture and press gently to coat both sides evenly. Make sure the breadcrumbs adhere well.
* Place the breaded chicken breast on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining chicken breasts.
4. Bake the Chicken:
* Drizzle the breaded chicken breasts with olive oil. This will help them brown and crisp up in the oven.
* Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the breadcrumbs are golden brown. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
5. Prepare the Tomato Sauce:
* While the chicken is baking, prepare the tomato sauce. In a medium saucepan or skillet, combine the crushed tomatoes, dried basil, and sugar.
* Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld. The sugar helps to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Assemble the Chicken Parmesan:
* Remove the baked chicken from the oven. Spoon a generous amount of tomato sauce over each chicken breast.
* Top each chicken breast with slices of fresh mozzarella cheese.
* Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for another 5-7 minutes, or until the mozzarella cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve:
* Garnish the Chicken Parmesan with fresh basil leaves, if desired.
* Serve immediately over your favorite cooked pasta (such as spaghetti, linguine, or penne). You can also serve it with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
Tips and Variations:
* Pounding the Chicken: Pounding the chicken to an even thickness is crucial for even cooking. If you don’t have a meat mallet, you can use a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy skillet.
* Breadcrumb Options: You can use plain breadcrumbs instead of Italian breadcrumbs, but you may need to add extra seasoning. Panko breadcrumbs will give you an extra crispy coating.
* Cheese Variations: Feel free to use other types of cheese, such as provolone or a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan.
* Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture or tomato sauce for a little heat.
* Add Vegetables: Sauté some diced onions, garlic, and bell peppers and add them to the tomato sauce for extra flavor and nutrients.
* Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and gluten-free flour to make this recipe gluten-free.
* Air Fryer Option: For an even quicker and healthier option, you can air fry the breaded chicken. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Spray the breaded chicken with olive oil and air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through. Then, top with sauce and cheese and air fry for another 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted.
* Make-Ahead Instructions: You can bread the chicken cutlets ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Cover them tightly with plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out. You can also prepare the tomato sauce a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
Serving Suggestions:
* Pasta: The classic pairing for Chicken Parmesan is pasta. Serve it over spaghetti, linguine, penne, or your favorite pasta shape. Toss the pasta with a little olive oil and Parmesan cheese before adding the Chicken Parmesan.
* Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a refreshing side dish to balance the richness of the Chicken Parmesan.
* Vegetables: Roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, asparagus, or zucchini, are a healthy and flavorful accompaniment.
* Garlic Bread: Crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious tomato sauce.
* Wine Pairing: A light-bodied red wine, such as Chianti or Pinot Noir, pairs well with Chicken Parmesan.
Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving):
* Calories: 550-650
* Protein: 40-50g
* Fat: 25-35g
* Carbohydrates: 40-50g
Storage Instructions:
* Store leftover Chicken Parmesan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but the breading may become soggy.
This Easy Chicken Parmesan recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or any time you’re craving a comforting and delicious Italian-American classic. With its simplified steps and flavorful ingredients, it’s a recipe you’ll make again and again. Enjoy!