Quick Chicken Parmesan (30 Minutes)

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We all have those evenings when the comfort of a classic Italian dish beckons, but time is short. Enter: chicken parm that’s ready in a flash. In this recipe, we’ve trimmed down the steps without cutting out the soul-warming flavors you adore. Say goodbye to long waits and hello to a satisfying meal ready in a flash. Ready? Let’s dive in!

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian style)
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Fresh basil (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven (2 minutes): Set your oven to broil.
  2. Season Chicken (2 minutes): Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
  3. Dredge Chicken (5 minutes): Dip each breast first into the flour, shaking off excess. Then dip into the beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off, and finally coat in a mixture of breadcrumbs and half of the Parmesan cheese.
  4. Cook Chicken (10 minutes): In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned on both sides (about 4-5 minutes each side).
  5. Add Sauce & Cheese (3 minutes): Spoon marinara sauce over and around chicken. Sprinkle mozzarella and the remaining Parmesan over the top.
  6. Broil (4-5 minutes): Transfer the skillet to the oven and broil until cheese is melted and bubbly, watching closely to avoid burning.
  7. Serve (1 minute): Remove from oven, garnish with fresh basil, and serve immediately.

Notes

For an ultra-quick meal, consider using pre-cooked chicken and skip directly to the sauce and cheese steps. Serve your Chicken Parmesan with a side of spaghetti or a light salad to complete the dish. Remember, broilers can vary greatly, so keep a close eye to ensure the cheese melts without burning. This dish captures the essence of a timeless Italian favorite in a fraction of the time, so it’s perfect for both busy weeknights and when you’re simply craving a comforting classic.

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 23g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 53g
  • Cholesterol: 175mg

Pair this with...

Lemony Kale Salad

Start by de-stemming your kale leaves and chopping them into bite-sized pieces. Remember, kale can be a bit tough, so give it a little massage with your hands to soften it up and enhance its natural sweetness. For the dressing, whisk together freshly squeezed lemon juice, some zesty lemon zest, olive oil, and a hint of salt and pepper. This simple dressing is a burst of citrusy goodness that pairs beautifully with the robustness of the kale. Toss the massaged kale in the lemon dressing, ensuring every leafy nook and cranny is coated. To finish, sprinkle on sunflower seeds and pine nuts for a delightful crunch.

Grilled Zucchini

Grilled zucchini is a fan favorite that brings out the vegetable's natural sweetness, complemented by a smoky char. Start by slicing your zucchini lengthwise into planks, not too thin to ensure they hold up on the grill. Lightly brush them with olive oil on both sides to keep them from sticking and to enhance that delicious grill flavor. Season with a pinch of salt and maybe a touch of pepper or your favorite herbs. Once your grill is nice and hot, lay those zucchini slices down and listen to that satisfying sizzle. Grill for a few minutes on each side until you've got those hallmark grill marks and the zucchini is tender with a slight crunch.

Herbed Garlic Bread

Grab a fresh baguette or loaf of Italian bread and slice it as desired. In a bowl, mix together softened unsalted butter, finely minced garlic (the more, the merrier, but about 3-4 cloves should do), a good pinch of salt, and chopped fresh herbs. Parsley and basil are classics, but don't hesitate to throw in some oregano or rosemary if you're feeling adventurous. Spread this aromatic butter mix generously over the cut sides of your bread. Pop it under the broiler in your oven for about 2-4 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the butter is bubbling and fragrant. Keep a close eye on it, as broiling can quickly go from perfectly toasted to charred! Once done, slice it up and serve.

Hi, I'm Alaina! As a busy mom of two, I'm tired of always wondering "what's for dinner?" That's why I created this website; to share easy and tasty recipe ideas the whole family will love. If you're not subscribed yet, join 47,098 others here - thanks for stopping by!