Name: Deliciously Simple Chicken Parmesan
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves; Salt and ground black pepper, to taste; 2 large eggs; 1 cup panko or seasoned dry breadcrumbs; ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (more if needed); 1 cup tomato pasta sauce; ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (optional); Baking dish (9×13 inches); Meat mallet or rolling pin; Three shallow bowls; Whisk or fork; Measuring cups and spoons; Tongs or spatula; Sharp knife and cutting board; Foil (optional for easier cleanup)

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If you’re craving a comforting, cheesy, and satisfying meal that comes together in under an hour, this Simple Chicken Parmesan is exactly what you need. With crispy breaded chicken, rich tomato sauce, and gooey cheese, it’s a perfect fit for any dinner table.

Ideal for those looking for healthy easy meals for family, or seeking chicken breast recipes in oven, this dish is quick, adaptable, and made with pantry staples. You can pair it with light sides for quick summer dinner ideas for family, or plate it over pasta for a classic comfort meal.

While it’s not as rich as this hearty Short Rib Chili Recipe, it delivers the same level of flavor with much less effort. Plus, it’s healthier and more family-friendly!

Why This Simple Chicken Parmesan Works for Everyone

This recipe delivers great taste with minimal work. Because it’s oven-baked and uses lean chicken breasts, it’s healthier than traditional fried versions. That’s why it also appeals to those looking for WW chicken breast recipes or from scratch dinner recipes with clean ingredients.

Moreover, it’s one of the most reliable and delicious easy chicken oven dinner recipes you can make in under an hour. If you’re a fan of baked chicken meals like Balsamic Chicken Breast or Chicken Cordon Bleu, you’ll love how quickly this comes together.

Ingredients for Simple Chicken Parmesan With Accurate Quantities

Here’s what you’ll need for four servings of Simple Chicken Parmesan:

4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
2 large eggs
1 cup panko or seasoned dry breadcrumbs
¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (more if needed)
1 cup tomato pasta sauce
¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (optional)

This balanced list delivers big flavor without overcomplicating the process.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Gather these tools before you begin:

Baking dish (9×13 inches)
Meat mallet or rolling pin
Three shallow bowls
Whisk or fork
Measuring cups and spoons
Tongs or spatula
Sharp knife and cutting board
Foil (optional for easier cleanup)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Simple Chicken Parmesan

Step 1: Preheat and Flatten

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Flatten chicken breasts to an even thickness using a meat mallet. This helps them cook evenly.

Step 2: Season and Dredge

Season both sides with salt and pepper. Prepare three dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a breadcrumb-Parmesan mix. Dip each breast in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs.

Step 3: Bake

Place chicken in a greased baking dish and bake for 25 minutes, or until golden and cooked through.

Step 4: Add Sauce and Cheese

Top each piece with tomato sauce and shredded mozzarella. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan over the top and bake an additional 5–7 minutes, until the cheese melts.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Finish with chopped fresh basil if desired. Serve immediately.

This method is similar in ease to the Easy Creamy Chicken Pot Pie, yet it’s lighter and faster.

Tips for the Best Simple Chicken Parmesan Every Time

Pound chicken evenly for consistent cooking.
Let coated chicken rest for 5 minutes before baking to improve breadcrumb adherence.
Toast your breadcrumbs in a dry skillet first to boost crunch.
Add sauce at the end of baking to keep the coating crispy.

These tips work well for any chicken-based meal and apply to recipes like Garlic Butter Chicken Bites too.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with Simple Chicken Parmesan

Avoiding these errors makes a huge difference:

Skipping the flour step—it’s crucial for adhesion.
Using cold sauce, which cools the cheese too quickly.
Overcooking—use a thermometer to remove at 165°F.
Adding cheese too early can result in overbrowned tops.

Keep these in mind especially if you enjoy stuffed baked chicken dishes or want a go-to alternative to complicated recipes like Slow Cooker Pierogi Casserole.

Serving and Presentation Ideas for Simple Chicken Parmesan

Make it a full meal with:

Spaghetti or zucchini noodles
Steamed broccoli or asparagus
Garlic bread or a toasted Ciabatta Bread slice
A fresh garden salad or Kale Caesar Pasta Salad
Roasted vegetables or sweet potatoes

Add fresh basil or parsley just before serving for an elegant touch.

Best Side Dishes to Pair with Simple Chicken Parmesan

Here are some smart pairings that complement the dish:

Roasted Sweet Potato Soup for a cozy winter version
Steakhouse Potato Salad for a summer cookout
Marry Me Chicken Noodle Soup if you’re serving leftovers the next day
Easy Watermelon Salad for BBQ on warm evenings

How to Store and Reheat Simple Chicken Parmesan

Storage:

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezing:

Wrap each piece in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating:

Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes. Avoid microwaving to keep the crust crispy.

You can even pair leftovers with a fresh drink like this Watermelon Chamomile Tea Cooler to revive the meal.

Delicious Variations of Simple Chicken Parmesan to Try

Stuffed Version: Fill the breast with spinach and mozzarella before baking.
Low-Carb: Swap breadcrumbs for almond flour.
Air Fryer: Cook the breaded chicken in an air fryer for crispiness.
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce or hot sauce to the egg wash.
Sauce Swap: Try it with homemade marinara or even a creamy tomato blend.

If you enjoy these twists, you might also love Soy Chicken or our Sweet Chili Chicken for flavorful, saucy alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions About Simple Chicken Parmesan

Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Yes, coat the chicken and refrigerate. Add sauce and cheese only before baking.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, just adjust the cook time to account for their thicker texture.

How do I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour.

What sauce is best?
A thick, well-seasoned marinara works best, but you can also try a spicy tomato sauce or even a creamy tomato basil for variation.

How do I get extra crispy results?
Bake on a wire rack inside the pan. This allows air to circulate, keeping the bottom crust from getting soggy.

Final Thoughts on Simple Chicken Parmesan

This Simple Chicken Parmesan is a family favorite for good reason. It’s a delicious, reliable, and easy-to-make dish that requires minimal prep and delivers maximum satisfaction. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd, preparing a weeknight dinner, or introducing new meals to your dinner rotation, this recipe delivers.

With its quick cooking time, customizable flavors, and comforting textures, it’s no surprise it holds its place among other great meals like Ground Turkey Zucchini Skillet and Creamy Vegetarian Lasagna.

Give this classic a try, and it might just become your go-to dinner recipe!

If you found this recipe helpful, please share it with your friends and family—and don’t forget to subscribe for more easy dinner ideas that everyone will love.

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