This Easy Chicken Parm is a total crowd-pleaser! Tender chicken breasts are coated in crispy breadcrumbs, topped with gooey cheese, and smothered in flavorful marinara sauce.
It’s so simple, even my cat thinks I’m a chef when I make it! Just bake it, and you’re ready to impress. Serve it with pasta, and you have a meal that feels fancy but is super easy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish because they cook quickly. If you prefer, you can use thighs for extra juiciness, or even tofu for a vegetarian option!
Breadcrumbs: Italian-style breadcrumbs add great flavor, but you can use regular breadcrumbs or even panko for extra crunch. Just season them with Italian herbs if you use plain breadcrumbs.
Marinara Sauce: Store-bought sauce is a time-saver, but if you have time, homemade sauce is delicious! You can also try jarred pesto for a twist or a spicy arrabbiata for extra kick.
Cheese: Mozzarella is classic here, but you can mix it up with provolone or even a spicy pepper jack for a unique flavor. Always opt for fresh cheese if possible—it melts beautifully!
What’s the Best Way to Bread Chicken for Crunch?
Breading chicken correctly makes all the difference in getting that crispy, golden texture! Here’s a streamlined method that works every time:
- Thin the chicken to ensure even cooking. It helps to pound them gently between plastic wrap.
- Use three separate shallow bowls for a quick assembly line: flour, eggs, and the breadcrumb mix.
- Make sure to thoroughly coat the chicken in each step—don’t rush! Shake off excess flour; it helps the egg and breadcrumbs stick better.
- Cook them in a hot skillet with oil until they are golden brown, which locks in flavors.
Just remember, patience in the breading and cooking stages pays off with a fantastic crunch!
Easy Chicken Parm Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce, store-bought or homemade
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked spaghetti or pasta, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy chicken parm recipe should take about 35-40 minutes in total. You’ll need about 10-15 minutes for prep, and then around 20 minutes for cooking and baking. The result is a delicious and comforting dish that’s sure to impress!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures it’s hot and ready for the chicken once you’re done cooking it on the stove.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
Take the chicken breasts and place them between two pieces of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Gently pound them with a meat mallet or rolling pin until they are about 1/2 inch thick. This helps them cook evenly. Once done, season both sides with salt and pepper.
3. Set Up Your Dredging Station:
Get three shallow dishes ready. Fill the first dish with flour, the second with beaten eggs, and the third with a mixture of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. This setup will help make breading the chicken quick and easy!
4. Bread the Chicken:
Take one piece of chicken and dredge it in the flour, making sure to shake off any excess. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, letting any extra egg drip off. Finally, coat it in the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture, pressing lightly to make sure it sticks well. Repeat for the other chicken breast.
5. Cook the Chicken:
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the breaded chicken breasts. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and crispy. This adds a delicious crunch!
6. Add the Marinara and Cheese:
Remove the skillet from the heat once the chicken is cooked. Spoon marinara sauce generously over each piece of chicken, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly on top. This cheesy goodness is what makes the dish so tasty!
7. Bake the Chicken:
Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Let the chicken bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the chicken is cooked through. You can use a meat thermometer to check if the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
8. Garnish and Serve:
Once done, take the skillet out of the oven and let it cool for a minute. Garnish your chicken parm with chopped fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and flavor. Serve hot over cooked spaghetti or your pasta of choice, and offer extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping!
Enjoy your delicious and easy chicken parm!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are versatile and add great flavor, plus they tend to stay juicy. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as they may take a bit longer to cook through compared to breasts.
What Can I Substitute for Marinara Sauce?
If you don’t have marinara sauce on hand, you can use store-bought pesto, an alfredo sauce, or a spicy arrabbiata sauce. Each of these options will give your chicken parm a different and delicious twist!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken parm in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through, or use the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
Can I Make This Dish in Advance?
Yes! You can bread the chicken and prepare the sauce ahead of time. Just refrigerate each component separately and assemble when ready to cook. It’s best to bake it the same day for optimal freshness!
