Easy Chicken Parmesan: A Classic Italian Favorite

Chicken Parmesan is a beloved classic among pasta lovers. This dish combines the rich flavors of tomato sauce with the savory creaminess of melted mozzarella cheese and tender, golden-breaded chicken. Perfect for family dinners or casual weeknight suppers, this recipe yields delicious results every time.

Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
2 cups all-purpose flour
3 large eggs
1 cup panko bread crumbs or breadcrumbs of choice
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes with garlic
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese for topping

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously coat a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Season each chicken breast side with salt and pepper. Set aside.
In a large shallow bowl, mix flour and some salt and pepper. In another bowl, beat the eggs lightly. In a third bowl or plate, combine panko bread crumbs.
Dip each chicken breast into the flour mixture to coat both sides, shaking off any excess. Next, dip them in the beaten egg, allowing the excess to drip back into the bowl. Finally, dredge the chicken breasts again in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere crumbs.
In a large oven-safe skillet or pan over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Once hot, carefully place breaded chicken breasts into the pan. Cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden and crispy. Transfer cooked chicken breasts onto the prepared baking sheet in the oven to keep warm.
While the chicken is cooking, mix crushed tomatoes with garlic, Parmesan cheese, and chopped fresh basil (if using) into a saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently for about 10 minutes until the flavors meld together smoothly. Reduce heat if necessary but ensure it stays at a gentle simmer.
Once done cooking in the oven, remove chicken breasts from the baking sheet and place them back on the skillet with the tomato sauce to warm through gently. Carefully spoon some of the sauce over each piece of chicken for extra flavor.
To serve, spoon a generous amount of the remaining sauce over each serving of chicken and top it off with fresh mozzarella shreds. Serve hot with garlic bread or your favorite side salad if desired!

Tips & Tricks

For best results, ensure that you do not overcrowd the skillet when frying the chicken breasts; this helps achieve a crispy exterior without overcooking the meat inside. Also, adjusting the seasoning according to your preference is encouraged as per personal taste buds.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

The calorie count can vary based on portion sizes and specific ingredients used but generally speaking, each serving of this Chicken Parmesan comes in at around 500 calories, providing a balanced meal with high protein content from the chicken while also including healthy fats from olive oil and carbohydrates from both pasta (serving with) and bread crumbs. This dish is especially beneficial for individuals watching their weight yet still wanting to enjoy rich-tasting comfort food.

Conclusion

Chicken Parmesan remains a timeless favorite among many households worldwide due to its simplicity, affordability, and ability to satisfy cravings for something both comforting and flavorful. Whether you're looking forward to enjoying it yourself or sharing it with loved ones during family gatherings, this recipe proves versatile enough to fit any occasion.