![To make Easy Parmesan Chicken Dinner, you will need: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably whole wheat) - 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/4 cup olive oil - 1 cup marinara sauce - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - Fresh basil leaves for garnish Each ingredient plays a key role in the dish. Chicken breasts provide a lean protein base. Parmesan cheese gives a rich, savory flavor. Breadcrumbs create a crunchy coat. The Italian seasoning and minced garlic add depth and aroma. Salt and black pepper enhance all the flavors. Olive oil helps the crust to crisp and brown. You can play with the recipe by using different ingredients: - For cheese, try Asiago or Pecorino Romano for a varied taste. - If you want a lighter option, use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs. - Add veggies like spinach or cherry tomatoes for color and nutrition. These options let you customize the dish to your taste. Feel free to mix and match! Try these ideas to make the recipe your own. For the complete recipe, check out Easy Parmesan Chicken Dinner. First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step warms the oven so the chicken cooks evenly. Next, in a shallow bowl, mix the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well combined. This mixture adds crunch and flavor to the chicken. Now, it’s time to coat the chicken. Pour the olive oil into another shallow bowl. Dip each chicken breast into the oil, ensuring it is fully coated. Then, dredge the chicken in the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture. Press down gently to ensure a good coating sticks. Place the coated chicken breasts in a greased baking dish. Bake in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes. The chicken should be cooked through and the crust golden brown. Once the chicken is done, take it out of the oven. Spoon marinara sauce over each piece, covering them well. Then, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top. This adds a rich, melty layer. Return the dish to the oven for another 5 to 7 minutes. The cheese will melt and bubble nicely. Finally, garnish with fresh basil leaves to add color and a fresh taste. Enjoy your Easy Parmesan Chicken Dinner! For the complete recipe, check the [Full Recipe]. To keep your chicken juicy, start with brining. Soak the chicken in salt water for about 30 minutes. This helps the chicken stay moist while cooking. For an even coating, use a shallow dish. Mix the breadcrumbs and cheese in a flat bowl. This makes it easy to coat each piece. Press down gently on the chicken to ensure the mix sticks well. Meal prep can save you time. You can coat the chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge. This lets the flavors soak in. If you need quick alternatives, try using pre-seasoned breadcrumbs. You can also use store-bought marinara sauce to cut down on prep time. The best sides for Parmesan chicken include roasted vegetables or a fresh salad. These add color and balance to your meal. For wine pairings, try a light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc. It complements the chicken's flavors nicely. Enjoy your meal with a simple glass for a complete dining experience. {{image_2}} You can easily switch up the flavors in your Easy Parmesan Chicken Dinner. Here are two tasty ideas: - Pesto Parmesan Chicken: Spread a layer of pesto on each chicken breast before coating it with the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture. The basil and garlic in the pesto add a fresh twist. It pairs well with the cheese and makes the dish even more flavorful. - Spicy Parmesan Chicken: If you love heat, add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mix. This gives the chicken a nice kick. You can also serve it with a spicy marinara sauce for extra flavor. You can try different cooking methods for this dish. Here are two simple options: - Air Fryer Version: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Coat the chicken as usual. Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway. The result is crispy, juicy chicken without using much oil. - Skillet Cooking Instructions: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. After coating the chicken, place it in the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown. Then, add marinara sauce and cheese, cover, and cook until the cheese melts. This method gives a nice crust and a quick finish. These variations and cooking methods keep your Easy Parmesan Chicken Dinner exciting and new. For the full recipe, check out the instructions above. To keep your Easy Parmesan Chicken Dinner fresh, start by refrigerating leftovers. Place the chicken in an airtight container. It stays good for 3 to 4 days in the fridge. If you want to store it longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When it's time to eat again, reheating is key to keeping its flavor. The best method is using the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Bake for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until it's heated through. This method keeps the chicken crispy. Avoid using the microwave if you can. Microwaving can make the chicken soggy. If you must use it, heat it in short bursts at medium power. This way, you can check on it often. Enjoy your meal, even as leftovers! For the full recipe, check out the Easy Parmesan Chicken Dinner. How can I make this dish gluten-free? You can use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead. Many stores sell these. Just swap them in the recipe. This keeps the dish tasty without gluten. What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese? If you don't have Parmesan, try Pecorino Romano. It has a sharp flavor, too. You can also use nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option. Can I use frozen chicken breasts? Yes, but thaw them first for even cooking. You can leave them in the fridge overnight. If short on time, use cold water to quick-thaw. How long does the chicken take to cook? Bake the chicken for about 20-25 minutes. Check that it's cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) to be safe. Caloric content Each serving has around 400 calories. This can vary based on the ingredients you use. Health benefits of ingredients Chicken is a great source of protein. Parmesan cheese has calcium, which is good for bones. Olive oil provides healthy fats, making this dish balanced. This blog post covered how to make Easy Parmesan Chicken. We discussed essential ingredients, optional variations, and step-by-step instructions. Tips helped you achieve the perfect dish, while variations offered new flavors. We also covered storage and reheating tricks. You now have all the tools to create this delicious meal. Remember, cooking is about creativity and enjoying flavors. Try different ingredients and find your favorite way to enjoy this dish. Keep experimenting, and happy cooking!](https://pagosarecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/a5419d3b-cb85-4a65-a19e-acebbed8b4e1-250x250.webp)
Easy Parmesan Chicken Dinner
Indulge in a delightful Easy Parmesan Chicken Dinner that is as simple to make as it is delicious! This recipe features golden-baked chicken breasts coated in a flavorful Parmesan-breadcrumb crust, topped with marinara sauce and gooey mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a weeknight meal, this dish comes together in just 40 minutes.