This easy chicken parmesan recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner for two. Featuring breaded chicken breasts topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese, it’s a classic Italian-American dish that’s both satisfying and simple to prepare.
With straightforward steps and minimal ingredients, you can have a delicious meal on the table in no time. Pair it with a side of pasta or a fresh salad for a complete dining experience.
Preparing the Chicken
To create a delightful chicken parmesan, begin by prepping the chicken breasts. Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Next, place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap. Gently pound them to an even thickness. This step ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and remains tender.
Creating the Breading Mixture
In a shallow dish, combine breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will provide a flavorful crust that enhances the chicken.
Mix the ingredients well to ensure that the flavors are evenly distributed. The combination of herbs and cheese will add depth to the dish.
Breading the Chicken
Once your breading mixture is ready, dip each chicken breast in olive oil. This step helps the breadcrumb mixture adhere better.
Then, coat the chicken breasts with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure it sticks. This will create a crispy exterior once baked.
Baking the Chicken
Place the breaded chicken on a baking sheet and bake for about 20 minutes. The goal is to achieve a golden-brown color and ensure the chicken is cooked through.
Keep an eye on the chicken as it bakes. The aroma will fill your kitchen, hinting at the delicious meal to come.
Adding Sauce and Cheese
After the initial baking time, remove the chicken from the oven. Spoon marinara sauce generously over each piece, followed by a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese.
Return the chicken to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and bubble. This step is crucial for achieving that gooey, cheesy topping.
Serving the Dish
Once the cheese is melted to perfection, it’s time to serve. Garnish the chicken parmesan with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor.
This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of spaghetti, creating a classic Italian-American meal that is both satisfying and visually appealing. Enjoy your culinary creation on a rustic wooden table for that authentic touch!
Quick Chicken Parmesan for Two
This chicken parmesan is made with tender chicken breasts coated in breadcrumbs, baked until golden, and then topped with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. The dish takes about 30 minutes from start to finish and serves 2 people.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them to an even thickness.
- Prepare the Breading: In a shallow dish, combine breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Bread the Chicken: Dip each chicken breast in olive oil, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the breaded chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Remove the chicken from the oven, spoon marinara sauce over each piece, and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil if desired and serve hot with pasta or a side salad.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 2 servings
- Calories: 450kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 30g