Deliciously Easy Italian Chicken Parmigiana Recipe Youll Love
Ah, Chicken Parmigiana! Just saying it brings back all sorts of delicious memories from family gatherings and cozy dinners when I was growing up. I can still remember the smell of bubbling marinara sauce, the crispy coating of chicken, and oh, that gooey, cheesy top! It’s a dish that just wraps you in love and comfort, don’t you think? Plus, it’s deceptively easy to whip up in your own kitchen, making it perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. Today, I’m thrilled to share my Simple Italian Chicken Parmigiana Recipe with you – trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner with minimal fuss.
- Budget-friendly – you probably have most ingredients at home!
- Comfort food at its best – it’s filling and packed with flavor.
- Customizable to suit your pantry and tastes.
- Delicious leftovers that reheat beautifully!
Ingredients
Before you roll up your sleeves, let’s gather our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or Italian-style, your choice!)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated is always better!)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
- Olive oil for frying
Note: Fresh garlic adds much more punch than powdered, so if you can, use fresh! Also, feel free to get creative with your marinara – adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can bring a lovely heat to the dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Alright friend, let’s get cooking! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious Chicken Parmigiana in no time:
- Prep the chicken: Start by placing the chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap. Give them a gentle pound with a meat mallet or rolling pin until they’re about ½ inch thick. This not only ensures even cooking but tenderizes the meat as well!
- Create your breading station: Set out three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, add the flour. In the second, whisk the eggs with a splash of water. In the third, mix the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Dredge the chicken: Take a piece of chicken and dip it into the flour first, ensuring it’s coated well. Then move it into the egg mixture, letting the excess drip off. Finally, press it into the breadcrumb mixture, making sure to coat it entirely. Set aside and repeat with the remaining pieces.
- Fry the chicken: In a large skillet, heat about ½ inch of olive oil over medium heat. When the oil is shimmering (but not smoking), carefully add the breaded chicken. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and crispy. (Watch out, hot oil can spit!) Once done, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Assemble the dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce. Place the fried chicken on top and then spoon more sauce over each piece. Don’t be stingy – we want that luscious flavor! Lastly, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly on top.
- Bake it: Pop the baking dish in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the sauce is hot. You can even broil it for an extra minute or two for that golden, bubbly crust – just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
- Garnish and serve: Once out of the oven, let it sit for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh basil. Serve it hot and watch everyone gather around the table, drawn by the irresistible aroma!
Pro Tips & Variations
Here are some fun twists that will make your Chicken Parmigiana even more exciting:
- Cheese Swap: Try using a mix of cheeses! Pepper Jack adds a spicy kick, or go classic with just mozzarella.
- Herb Boost: Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary in place of dried spices for a fresher taste.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap out the chicken for eggplant or zucchini! Just slice them up and bread and fry them as you would the chicken.
- Spicy Kick: Add some crushed red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mix for an extra kick of heat!
Cooking should be fun, so feel free to experiment and adjust this recipe to suit your taste buds!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving this succulent dish, I like to keep it cozy and casual. Pair your Chicken Parmigiana with a comforting side of spaghetti tossed in olive oil or marinara sauce for that Italian vibe. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is a perfect contrast to the richness of the chicken. Don’t forget to serve some crusty garlic bread – you’ll want something to soak up that delicious sauce! And of course, a nice glass of red wine (or sparkling water) to wash it all down always makes for the perfect meal.
Storage Tips
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare at my house!), here’s how to store and reheat them without sacrificing flavor:
- Refrigeration: Place the leftovers in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken parm in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just a tip – if you plan to freeze, slightly undercook the chicken so it doesn’t dry out when reheated.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. This will keep the coating crispy. Microwaving works too, but it can make the chicken a bit soggy.
Can I make the Chicken Parmigiana ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bread the chicken earlier in the day and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to fry it up. You can also assemble the dish (the baking part) ahead of time and just pop it in the oven when it’s time to eat.
Is Chicken Parmigiana traditionally served with pasta?
Yes, it often is! Chicken Parmigiana is delicious on its own or served over pasta. The key is to have something to soak up that rich marinara sauce!
What if I don’t have breadcrumbs?
No problem! You can blend up some stale bread or even use crushed crackers. Panko gives a great crunch, but any breadcrumb will do in a pinch!
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
Of course! For a lighter version, you can bake the breaded chicken at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes until golden and cooked through. Just make sure to spray some cooking oil over the top to help it crisp up!
Conclusion
And there you have it – a delightful Simple Italian Chicken Parmigiana that’s sure to fill your heart (and your belly) with joy. I hope you try this recipe and create some delicious memories in your kitchen! Don’t forget to add a comment below sharing how your Chicken Parm turned out or any personal touches you added. Happy cooking, my friend!
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Deliciously Easy Italian Chicken Parmigiana Recipe Youll Love
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Try this Simple Italian Chicken Parm recipe thats quick to make and packed with flavor Perfect for any night its a family favorite 154 chars
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
A comforting and delicious Chicken Parmigiana recipe that is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Easy to make and loaded with flavor!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 5g
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 40g
Keywords: chicken, parmigiana, Italian, recipe, comfort food, easy dinner