Easy 10-Minute Chicken Parmesan: The Ultimate Quick Dinner Recipe
Craving a classic Italian dinner but short on time? This Easy 10-Minute Chicken Parmesan recipe is your answer! Forget spending hours in the kitchen; this recipe lets you create a delicious and satisfying meal with simple pantry ingredients in just minutes. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner solution for busy families who want a flavorful and comforting meal without the fuss.
Imagine tender, crispy chicken smothered in rich tomato sauce and melted mozzarella cheese, all served over a bed of perfectly cooked spaghetti. This isn’t just any chicken parmesan; it’s a quick and easy version that doesn’t compromise on taste. The whole family will be amazed at how quickly you can put this dish together, and they’ll be begging for more!
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is foolproof. The instructions are clear and easy to follow, and the results are guaranteed to impress. If you’ve never made chicken parmesan before, now is the perfect time to try. This recipe is so simple and tasty, it will become a regular part of your meal rotation.
Ingredients for Your Quick Chicken Parmesan
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You likely already have most of these ingredients in your pantry and refrigerator. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star of the show. For faster cooking and even thickness, slice them in half horizontally.
- All-Purpose Flour: Used to create a light coating that helps the egg and breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken.
- Eggs: Help the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken, creating a crispy crust. Large eggs work best, but any size will do in a pinch.
- Italian Breadcrumbs: Provide the crispy texture and savory flavor that makes chicken parmesan so irresistible. Panko breadcrumbs can also be used for an extra-crispy result.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor to the breadcrumb mixture and is also sprinkled on top for extra cheesiness. Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully over the chicken, creating a gooey, cheesy topping. Shredded mozzarella is the easiest to use.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning enhance the flavor of the chicken and breadcrumbs.
- Olive Oil: Used for pan-frying the chicken to a golden brown. Avocado oil is a good substitute.
- Spaghetti: The classic pasta to serve with chicken parmesan. Feel free to use your favorite type of pasta.
- Spaghetti Sauce: A jar of your favorite spaghetti sauce or homemade marinara sauce. Using a high-quality sauce will make a big difference in the overall flavor of the dish.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making 10-Minute Chicken Parmesan
This recipe is designed to be quick and easy. Follow these simple steps for a perfect Chicken Parmesan every time:
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions. Drain and set aside. Adding a tablespoon of olive oil to the pasta water can help prevent the noodles from sticking together.
- Simmer the Sauce: In a small saucepan, heat your favorite spaghetti sauce over low heat. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes while you prepare the chicken. This allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice each chicken breast in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets. This ensures even cooking and reduces cooking time. Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper.
- Set Up Your Breading Station: Prepare three shallow dishes. In the first dish, place the all-purpose flour. In the second dish, whisk the eggs. In the third dish, combine the Italian breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning.
- Bread the Chicken: Dredge each chicken cutlet in the flour, then dip it in the egg, and finally coat it thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure the chicken is completely coated for a crispy crust.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the breaded chicken cutlets in the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Avoid overcrowding the skillet, as this can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Remove the cooked chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Place the chicken back in the skillet or on a baking sheet. Spoon about 1/4 cup of spaghetti sauce over each chicken cutlet, then sprinkle generously with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Melt the Cheese: If using a skillet, cover it and let the cheese melt for a minute or two. Alternatively, place the baking sheet under the broiler for a minute or two, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Chicken Parmesan over a bed of cooked spaghetti. Top with extra sauce and fresh basil, if desired. Enjoy immediately!
Carefully pour about 1/4 cup of the hot spaghetti sauce over each piece of chicken then sprinkle with the mozzarella cheese.
Serve this over a bed of spaghetti on a dinner plate with extra sauce on top and some fresh basil.
Storing Leftover Chicken Parmesan
Chicken Parmesan is even delicious the next day! To store leftovers:
Fridge: Once the chicken parmesan has cooled to room temperature, place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven, microwave, or skillet until heated through.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Chicken Parmesan
Achieving Even Chicken Thickness:
To ensure even cooking, it’s important that the chicken breasts are of uniform thickness. If your chicken breasts are thicker on one end than the other, you can easily even them out. Place the chicken between two sheets of plastic wrap and use a rolling pin or meat mallet to gently pound the chicken to your desired thickness. This not only helps the chicken cook evenly but also tenderizes it.
Making it Healthier:
Want to enjoy the flavors of classic chicken parmesan but with a healthier twist? Try using zucchini noodles or protein pasta instead of traditional spaghetti. This significantly reduces the carbohydrate content and adds extra nutrients to your meal. You can also use a lighter marinara sauce or make your own using fresh tomatoes and herbs.
Choosing the Right Breadcrumbs:
When making this easy dinner recipe, you have options when it comes to breadcrumbs. You can use Italian-style panko breadcrumbs for added flavor and texture, or you can use plain breadcrumbs and customize them with your favorite seasonings. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture. Experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own signature blend.
More Easy Dinner Recipes to Try
Looking for more quick and easy dinner ideas? Check out these other delicious recipes:
- Rotisserie Chicken Bacon Alfredo
- Chicken Broccoli Rice
- Tomato Bacon Pasta
- Smoked Sausage Mac and Cheese
Easy 10-Minute Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Julia Pacheco
3
minutes
7
minutes
10
minutes
4
servings
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