Easy Chicken Parmigiana Recipe: A Delicious Weeknight Delight
This Easy Chicken Parmigiana is a wonderfully satisfying dish that transforms ordinary chicken breasts into a delectable meal your whole family will love. It boasts a perfect balance of crispy breaded chicken, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it also comes together quickly, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights. Pair it with a fresh green salad and some warm garlic bread, and you’ve got a complete meal that will leave everyone at the table happy and full. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe!
Recipe Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Easy Chicken Parmigiana |
| Cook Time | 40 minutes |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 55 minutes |
| Servings | 6 |
| Rating | 4.5 (5 reviews) |
| Calories per serving | 357 |
Keywords
- Poultry
- Meat
- European
- Under 60 Minutes
- Beginner Cook
- Easy
- Inexpensive
Ingredients
This recipe uses a selection of straightforward and affordable ingredients that you can easily find at your local grocery store. Here’s what you’ll need:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless chicken breast | 1½ pounds |
| Parmesan cheese | ¾ cup, grated |
| Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Mozzarella cheese | 1 cup, shredded |
| Egg | 2 large, beaten |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Spaghetti noodles | 26½ ounces |
| Salt | To taste |
| Pepper | To taste |
| Spaghetti sauce | 2-3 cups |
Nutritional Information
Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content per serving, allowing you to make informed choices about your meal:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 357 |
| Total Fat | 20 g |
| Saturated Fat | 7.9 g |
| Cholesterol | 72.2 mg |
| Sodium | 1274.5 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 26.8 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.3 g |
| Sugars | 13.3 g |
| Protein | 17.3 g |
Instructions
Creating this mouthwatering Easy Chicken Parmigiana is simple and straightforward. Just follow these easy steps:
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Prepare the Bread Crumb Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the grated parmesan cheese, bread crumbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix these dry ingredients thoroughly and set aside.
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Coat the Chicken: Take the boneless chicken breasts and dip each piece into the beaten egg, ensuring that the chicken is fully coated. Then, transfer the chicken to the bread crumb mixture, pressing it down gently to ensure a good coating on all sides.
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Brown the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the coated chicken breasts into the skillet, browning them on both sides. This step should take about 3-4 minutes per side. Ensure the chicken is golden brown but not fully cooked, as it will finish cooking in the oven.
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Heat the Spaghetti Sauce: While the chicken is browning, pour the spaghetti sauce into a small saucepan and heat it over medium-low heat until warmed through. This will enhance the flavors of the sauce and prepare it for layering.
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Assemble the Dish: In a 9×13 inch casserole dish, spread a thin layer of the warmed spaghetti sauce on the bottom. Place the browned chicken breasts on top of the sauce, and then spoon a little more sauce over each chicken breast, ensuring they are generously coated.
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Bake: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and place it in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C). Bake for 30 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through and absorb the flavors from the sauce.
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Add Mozzarella and Finish Baking: After 30 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the chicken. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once finished, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Pair your Easy Chicken Parmigiana with spaghetti, extra sauce, and a side of garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal. Enjoy the warm, cheesy goodness!
Tips for Perfect Chicken Parmigiana
- Choose Quality Ingredients: For the best flavor, use freshly grated parmesan cheese rather than pre-packaged varieties, as freshly grated cheese melts better and has a more intense flavor.
- Pasta Options: While spaghetti is the classic choice, feel free to experiment with other types of pasta, such as penne, fusilli, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
- Make it Ahead: This dish can be prepared ahead of time. Assemble everything in the casserole dish and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, simply bake it according to the instructions.
- Add Vegetables: For added nutrition, consider layering in some sautéed spinach or roasted bell peppers with the chicken and sauce.
This Easy Chicken Parmigiana is a versatile dish that not only makes for a fantastic family meal but can also impress guests at dinner parties or gatherings. Its delightful flavors and ease of preparation ensure that it will become a staple in your weekly meal rotation. Enjoy making and sharing this wonderful dish with your loved ones!
