Description
This Quick and Easy Chicken Parmesan recipe features thinly pounded chicken breasts coated in a crispy blend of panko, Italian breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese, baked to perfection and topped with melted mozzarella and rich marinara sauce. A comforting Italian classic made simple and fast, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken & Coating
- 1 Pound Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast (pounded thin – approximately 2 breasts)
- 1 Teaspoon Kosher Salt
- 1/2 Teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
- 2 Eggs
- 1/3 Cup Panko Breadcrumbs
- 1/2 Cup Italian Breadcrumbs (or 1/2 cup regular breadcrumbs mixed with 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning)
- 2/3 Cup Parmesan Cheese (finely grated, plus more for garnishing)
- Cooking Spray (of choice)
Sauce & Topping
- 1 24 Ounce Jar Marinara Sauce
- 1 Cup Mozzarella Cheese (shredded)
- Fresh Parsley (chopped, for garnishing, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking your chicken parmesan and sauce.
- Pound Chicken Breasts: Pat the chicken breasts dry using paper towels. Place each breast between sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound them to about 1/2 inch thickness for even cooking. Season both sides with kosher salt and ground black pepper.
- Prepare Egg Wash: Crack the eggs into a small bowl and whisk them together until smooth and combined.
- Mix Breadcrumbs and Cheese: In a separate bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Italian breadcrumbs, and finely grated Parmesan cheese, mixing thoroughly to create the coating mixture.
- Coat Chicken: Dip each chicken breast first into the egg wash, ensuring it is well coated, then dredge it in the breadcrumb and cheese mixture. Press gently so the coating adheres well. Repeat for both breasts.
- Transfer to Baking Sheet: Place the coated chicken breasts onto a baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced apart for even baking.
- Bake Chicken: Lightly spray the tops of the coated chicken breasts with cooking spray to promote crispness and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
- Prepare Sauce and Cheese: While the chicken is baking, line another baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the marinara sauce evenly. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
- Bake Sauce and Cheese: Place this tray in the oven alongside the chicken and bake for 8-10 minutes until the cheese melts. If you desire a browned, bubbly cheese topping, broil for an additional 1 minute—watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Remove from Oven and Assemble: Take both trays out of the oven. Transfer the chicken breasts onto plates and spoon the hot marinara and melted cheese mixture over the top.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy your quick and flavorful Chicken Parmesan!
Notes
- For an even crispier coating, you can double-dip the chicken breasts in egg and breadcrumbs before baking.
- If you prefer a spicier twist, add red pepper flakes to your marinara sauce or breadcrumb mixture.
- Serve with pasta, a side salad, or garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in the oven to keep the coating crisp rather than microwaving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Chicken Parmesan, Quick Chicken Parmesan, Easy Chicken Parmesan, Italian Chicken Recipe, Baked Chicken Parmesan
