Homemade Chicken Parmesan Dinner Recipe
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
A delightful twist on the classic Italian dish, this Homemade Chicken Parmesan is sure to impress your family and friends.
This Homemade Chicken Parmesan Dinner Recipe is a family favorite that combines crispy breaded chicken, rich marinara sauce, and melted cheese. Perfect for any night of the week!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Crispy chicken coated in a flavorful breadcrumb mixture
- Rich marinara sauce that adds a burst of flavor
- Melted cheese that creates a deliciously gooey topping
- Easy to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners
The Perfect Weeknight Meal
When it comes to weeknight dinners, simplicity is key. This Homemade Chicken Parmesan recipe fits the bill perfectly. With minimal prep time and straightforward cooking steps, you can whip up this delicious meal in no time. The combination of crispy chicken, rich marinara, and gooey cheese makes for a satisfying dish that your whole family will love. Plus, it’s an excellent way to get your kids involved in the kitchen; they can help with breading the chicken and sprinkling the cheese!
Another great aspect of this Chicken Parmesan is its versatility. While traditionally served with pasta, you can easily adapt it to suit your family's tastes. Serve it with a side of garlic bread, a fresh garden salad, or even zucchini noodles for a healthier option. This flexibility makes it a go-to recipe for busy nights when you want something both quick and delicious.
Tips for the Best Chicken Parmesan
To achieve the perfect crispy coating on your chicken, ensure that you press the breadcrumb mixture firmly onto the chicken breasts. This helps the coating adhere better during frying and baking, resulting in a crunchier texture. Additionally, using a combination of breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan adds depth to the flavor and enhances the overall dish.
Don’t hesitate to experiment with the marinara sauce! You can use store-bought or homemade sauce, but consider adding extra herbs or spices to elevate the flavor. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a little heat, or fresh basil can provide a fragrant touch. These small adjustments can make a big difference in the final taste of your Chicken Parmesan.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Ingredients
For the Chicken Parmesan
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for frying
These ingredients will help you create a delicious Chicken Parmesan that your family will love!
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In one bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
Bread the Chicken
Dip each chicken breast into the beaten eggs, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing firmly to adhere.
Fry the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Fry the breaded chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Bake with Toppings
Transfer the fried chicken to a baking dish. Top each piece with marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese. Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve
Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Serve hot with pasta or a side salad.
Enjoy your homemade Chicken Parmesan with your favorite sides!
Nutritional Information
This Homemade Chicken Parmesan not only satisfies your taste buds but also offers a balanced meal. Each serving is rich in protein from the chicken and cheese, which is essential for muscle repair and overall health. Additionally, the marinara sauce provides a good dose of vitamins and antioxidants from tomatoes, contributing to a well-rounded diet.
While it's important to enjoy comfort food, being mindful of portion sizes can help you maintain a balanced diet. Pairing this dish with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables can further enhance its nutritional profile, ensuring you’re getting a variety of nutrients while enjoying your meal.
Serving Suggestions
For a complete dinner experience, consider serving your Chicken Parmesan with al dente spaghetti tossed in olive oil and garlic. This classic pairing complements the flavors of the dish beautifully. Alternatively, a light side salad with a zesty vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken and cheese.
If you’re looking for something a bit different, try serving the Chicken Parmesan on a bed of sautéed spinach or alongside roasted vegetables. These options not only enhance the meal's flavor but also increase the nutritional value, making your dinner more wholesome and satisfying.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work well and can add more moisture to the dish.
→ How can I make this recipe healthier?
You can bake the chicken instead of frying it and use whole wheat breadcrumbs.
→ Can I prepare this in advance?
You can bread the chicken and refrigerate it until you're ready to fry and bake.
→ What sides go well with Chicken Parmesan?
Pasta, garlic bread, or a fresh salad are great options to serve alongside.
Homemade Chicken Parmesan Dinner Recipe
A delightful twist on the classic Italian dish, this Homemade Chicken Parmesan is sure to impress your family and friends.
Created by: Lydia Barrett
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Chicken Parmesan
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for frying
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In one bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. In another bowl, beat the eggs.
Dip each chicken breast into the beaten eggs, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing firmly to adhere.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Fry the breaded chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Transfer the fried chicken to a baking dish. Top each piece with marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese. Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Serve hot with pasta or a side salad.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 35g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 35g