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Easy Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Quick Delicious Dinner
Easy Cheesy Chicken Parmesan is a comforting, family-friendly dinner with golden breaded chicken, rich marinara sauce, and bubbling mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Served over pasta and finished with fresh basil, this classic-style meal is simple enough for a weeknight and satisfying enough for guests.
Quick Overview
- Prep Time: Not provided
- Cook Time: Not provided
- Total Time: Not provided
- Servings: Not provided
Why Make This Recipe
- Simple ingredients: This recipe uses familiar pantry staples and easy-to-find ingredients.
- Comforting flavor: Crispy breaded chicken, savory marinara, and melted cheese make every bite satisfying.
- Family-friendly: Chicken Parmesan is a crowd-pleaser that pairs perfectly with pasta.
- Easy to customize: Add your favorite herbs, change the pasta, or adjust the cheese to suit your taste.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup flour
- 2 eggs
- 2 cups breadcrumbs
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for frying
- Cooked pasta (spaghetti or your choice) for serving
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
How to Make It
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the oven is ready when the breaded chicken is assembled and helps the cheese melt evenly.
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Coat both sides evenly so the chicken is flavorful throughout.
Dredge each chicken breast in flour, dip in beaten eggs, and coat with breadcrumbs. Use the flour first, followed by the beaten eggs, then press the chicken into the breadcrumbs so the coating adheres well.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. The oil should be hot enough to begin crisping the coating without burning it.
Cook the chicken for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Brown both sides to create a crisp, flavorful crust. The chicken will finish cooking in the oven.
Place the cooked chicken in a baking dish. Top each piece with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese, then sprinkle with Parmesan. Spread the sauce over the chicken, cover with mozzarella, and finish with the grated Parmesan.
Bake in the oven for about 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Bake until the topping is melted, lightly browned, and bubbling.
Serve over cooked pasta and garnish with fresh basil if desired. Spoon the saucy chicken over pasta and add fresh basil for a bright, aromatic finish.
How to Serve It
- Serve the chicken over spaghetti or another cooked pasta of your choice.
- Add a simple green salad with a light dressing for freshness.
- Pair it with garlic bread or crusty bread to soak up the marinara sauce.
- Garnish with fresh basil and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan if desired.
How to Store It
Store leftover chicken Parmesan and pasta in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. Reheat the chicken gently in the oven until warmed through to help preserve the crispy coating, then warm the pasta separately and serve together.
For freezer storage, place the cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container and freeze it separately from the pasta when possible. Thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating. Reheating in the oven helps maintain the best texture and keeps the cheese melted without making the breading overly soft.
Helpful Tips
- Press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken so the coating stays in place while frying and baking.
- Avoid overcrowding the skillet, since space between the chicken pieces helps the coating brown evenly.
- Use enough marinara sauce to cover the chicken without completely soaking the breading, helping it remain crisp beneath the cheese.
- Let the chicken rest briefly after baking so the cheese and sauce settle before serving.
Optional Variations
- Use seasoned breadcrumbs for extra flavor, or add Italian herbs to plain breadcrumbs.
- Replace some or all of the mozzarella with provolone for a slightly different melted-cheese topping.
- Add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for a mild spicy kick.
- Serve with penne, linguine, or another favorite pasta instead of spaghetti.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes. Serve the chicken over spaghetti or any cooked pasta you prefer.
Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?
You can bread and brown the chicken ahead of time, then add the sauce and cheese and bake it when ready to serve.
How do I keep the breading from becoming soggy?
Avoid using more marinara sauce than needed, and reheat leftovers in the oven rather than the microwave when possible.
Can I freeze leftover Chicken Parmesan?
Yes. Cool the chicken completely, place it in a freezer-safe container, and thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.
What can I use instead of fresh basil?
Fresh basil is optional. You can omit it or finish the dish with another favorite herb if desired.
Easy Cheesy Chicken Parmesan
A comforting, family-friendly dinner with breaded chicken, marinara sauce, and melted cheese, served over pasta.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup flour
- 2 pieces eggs beaten
- 2 cups breadcrumbs seasoned or plain
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for frying
- servings Cooked pasta (spaghetti or your choice) for serving
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Dredge each chicken breast in flour, dip in beaten eggs, and coat with breadcrumbs.
Cooking
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the chicken for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
- Place the cooked chicken in a baking dish. Top each piece with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese, then sprinkle with Parmesan.
- Bake in the oven for about 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serving
- Serve over cooked pasta and garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Notes
Store leftover chicken Parmesan and pasta in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. Reheat the chicken gently in the oven until warmed through to preserve the crispy coating. Optionally, use seasoned breadcrumbs for extra flavor.
