This easy chicken parmesan recipe only takes 30 minutes to make, and it is a homemade recreation of the classic Italian dish. The breaded chicken breasts are fried until golden brown, topped with your favorite marinara sauce and cheese, and then baked until the cheese is melted, and the top is golden brown. This Chicken parm is perfect for a weeknight dinner as it only calls for a handful of ingredients.
If you are looking for a delicious and easy chicken recipe the whole family will love, then this Chicken Parmesan recipe is for you. This dish is truly a restaurant-quality meal that is full of flavor for a fraction of the price.
I love making this chicken parmesan recipe at home as it is much healthier than going out to eat. Since it is homemade, I know exactly what goes into this restaurant-style, easy, and delicious comfort food. This is among our family’s favorite 30-minute meals.
Food fun fact:
The dish originated in the United States from Italian immigrants during the early 20th century. It was originally made using fried eggplant slices and tomato sauce. It became a popular staple in restaurants serving Italian American cuisine by the 1950s. Home versions also grew in popularity.
Upon arriving in America, Italian immigrants began to take advantage of America’s affordable meat market, incorporating chicken into the classic recipe. Just about every Italian restaurant in the U.S. has chicken parmesan on the menu. It is one of the most popular chicken recipes that readers search for.
Why you will love making this easy Chicken Parmesan recipe
Quick and easy recipe – This recipe only calls for a handful of ingredients, and it is ready in 30 minutes. You do not have to be a chef to make this easy chicken dish. I always have chicken, tomato sauce, and cheese in my fridge so this chicken parm recipe is often my go-to dinner to make on those busy weeknights. This recipe is also great for entertaining. Make bigger batches or cut the chicken into bite-size and serve as an appetizer.
Versatile – This chicken parm recipe is so versatile. You can use chicken breasts (which I recommend) but you could also use chicken thighs if that is what you have on hand. You can use your favorite marinara sauce or even make your own. Rao’s is a tomato sauce we love to use and I always have some in my pantry. And lastly, feel free to use your favorite cheese.
Cooking methods – You can bake the chicken instead of frying it, for a healthier alternative. I like frying the chicken first to ensure it is nice and crispy on the outside and then bake it in the oven to make sure it is cooked through.
Family pleaser – This chicken parmesan is truly a family-friendly and kids-approved meal. My daughter is a picky eater and she loves it! You can easily use less or leave the marinara and cheese off some of the chicken and serve half the recipe up as breaded chicken tenders for the pickier eaters in your home.
Leftovers are great!!
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts – I recommend using thin boneless skinless chicken breasts. Or if not using thin chicken breasts, I suggest butterfying them so they cook faster and for even cooking. Depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts, you might also need to pound the chicken slightly. What you are looking for is about 1/2-inch thick chicken breasts.
- Breadcrumbs – Use your favorite store-bought breadcrumbs or make your own. I prefer using panko breadcrumbs as we love how crispy the chicken turns out every time.
- Sour cream – This is my secret to a juicy and delicious chicken parmesan. Two tablespoons is all you need to coat the chicken.
- Marinara/Tomato sauce – Rao’s is a tomato sauce we love to use and I always have some in my pantry. But feel free to use your favorite store-bought or homemade tomato sauce.
- Cheese – I recommend using grated fresh parmesan cheese for the best flavor and results. But the beauty of this versatile chicken parmesan recipe is that you can also use any other cheese you have on hand.
- Spices – Salt, black peppers, paprika, and Italian seasoning, are all you need for this recipe.
How to make this delicious and easy Chicken parmesan recipe
Start by patting dry the chicken. Place a piece of chicken between 2 large pieces of plastic wrap. Pound the chicken with a rolling pin or a mallet until the chicken is about 1/2 inch thick.
Season the chicken cutlets with salt, paprika, and freshly ground black pepper.
Brush chicken all over with the sour cream. In a shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs and the Italian seasoning. Press the chicken breasts into the breadcrumb mixture, coating all over.
Heat oil in a large frying pan. Add the coated chicken to the pan and cook until the crust is golden brown on both sides, 3-5 minutes per side.
Transfer the cooked chicken to a foil-lined baking sheet pan. Top each slice of chicken with marinara sauce. Use as much or as little as you like. Then sprinkle with the shredded cheese. Bake in the oven until the cheese is melted and begins to brown.
Substitutions
Chicken – Chicken breasts work very well and are what I recommend. But you can also use chicken tenders or chicken thighs.
Cheese – Shredded provolone or shredded parmesan cheese (or a combination of both) is what I recommend but you could also use sliced fresh mozzarella cheese. I have made the recipe using fresh mozzarella cheese and it is amazing as well!
Breadcrumbs – I recommend using panko breadcrumbs, as you will end up with crispier chicken cutlets but you can also use plain breadcrumbs if you can’t find panko breadcrumbs.
Serving suggestions
- Pasta: A classic way to serve the chicken parmesan is with spaghetti, angel hair pasta, or any other pasta you like.
- Salad: A Caesar salad goes so well with this chicken parm dish. We also really like it served with my amazing pasta salad. Here is the recipe, if you are looking for a quick and easy pasta salad.
- Vegetables: Any fresh, roasted, or sauteed vegetables will be great as a side dish for this chicken dish. Broccoli, green beans, and Brussels sprouts will compliment this dish wonderfully, just to name a few.
- Sandwich: To enjoy this chicken parmesan as a sandwich, add it on toasted buns or French baguettes and serve with some chips.
Other recipes I think you will love!
Italian Sausage Ravioli Alfredo with Spinach
Baked Smothered Pork Chops with Vegetables
Kufteta – Traditional Bulgarian meatball recipe
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Easy Chicken Parmesan (30-minute meal)
Ingredients
- 4 thin-sliced boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1/2-inch thick) or 4 regular chicken breasts, but pounded to desired thickness (see ingredients lists above)
- 1 cup marinara sauce (use as much or as little as you like)
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 cup shredded provolone or parmesan cheese (or a combination of both)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- salt and pepper to taste
- 3 tablespoons olive oil more if needed
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 F degrees.
- Start by patting dry the chicken. If not using thin-sliced chicken breasts, place a piece of chicken between 2 large pieces of plastic wrap. Pound the chicken with a rolling pin or a mallet until the chicken is about 1/2 inch thick.
- Season the chicken cutlets with salt, paprika, and freshly ground black pepper. Brush chicken all over with the sour cream.
- In a shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs and the Italian seasoning.
- Press the chicken breasts into the breadcrumb mixture, coating all over.
- Heat oil in a large frying pan. Add the coated chicken to the pan and cook until the crust is golden brown on both sides, 3-5 minutes per side.
- Transfer the cooked chicken to a foil-lined baking sheet pan. Top each slice of chicken with marinara sauce. Use as much or as little as you like. Then sprinkle with the shredded cheese. Bake in the oven until the cheese is melted and begins to brown.
- Serve and enjoy!
