RECIPE FOR CHICKEN PARMESAN: December 2025

DAD'S EASY CHICKEN PARMESAN


DAD'S EASY CHICKEN PARMESAN

Why This Recipe Works

This version of Chicken Parmesan focuses on simplicity, maximum flavor, and short prep time. The chicken is quickly pan-fried for crispiness, then finished in the oven so the cheese melts into a bubbly blanket. The sauce gets upgraded with garlic and herbs to taste like it simmered for hours—even if it didn’t.

INGREDIENTS

For the Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to even thickness)

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour

  • 2 large eggs, beaten

  • 1 ½ cups seasoned breadcrumbs (Italian-style preferred)

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated for best flavor)

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • 1 tsp onion powder

  • 1 tsp dried basil or Italian seasoning

  • 1 tsp salt

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • ½ cup olive oil (or a mix of olive oil and neutral oil for frying)

For the Sauce

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

  • 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or your favorite jarred sauce)

  • ½ tsp dried oregano

  • ½ tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

  • Salt & pepper to taste

For the Topping

  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

  • Fresh basil leaves (optional)

HOW TO MAKE IT (DETAILED STEPS)

1. Prepare the Chicken

  1. Pound the chicken breasts between plastic wrap until they’re about ½ inch thick for even cooking.

  2. Season both sides with salt and pepper.

  3. Set up a breading station:

    • Plate 1: Flour

    • Bowl 2: Beaten eggs

    • Plate 3: Breadcrumbs + Parmesan + garlic powder + onion powder + basil

Tip: Let the breaded chicken rest for 5 minutes so the coating adheres better.

2. Pan-Fry the Chicken

  1. Heat ½ cup oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

  2. Fry chicken 3–4 minutes per side, until golden and crispy (doesn’t need to be fully cooked—finishes in oven).

  3. Drain on paper towels.

Shortcut Option: Air-fry at 400°F (205°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping once.

3. Make the Quick Sauce

  1. In a small saucepan, sauté garlic in 1 tbsp olive oil until fragrant (about 1 minute).

  2. Add marinara sauce, oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper.

  3. Simmer on low for 5–10 minutes.

Flavor Boost: Add a splash of red wine or a pinch of chili flakes.

4. Assemble

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C).

  2. Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.

  3. Place fried chicken on top.

  4. Spoon sauce over each piece (don’t drown the crispy coating).

  5. Sprinkle mozzarella generously; top with Parmesan.

5. Bake

Bake uncovered for 15–18 minutes, or until:

  • Cheese is melted and golden

  • Chicken is cooked through (165°F / 74°C internal temp)

Finish under the broiler for 1–2 minutes for extra browning.

SERVING IDEAS

  • Serve over buttered spaghetti with extra sauce.

  • Pair with garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables.

  • Add fresh basil or a drizzle of olive oil before serving.

TIPS FROM “DAD’S KITCHEN”

  • Use a block of mozzarella, not pre-shredded; melts much creamier.

  • Keep the chicken flat—even thickness gives restaurant-quality texture.

  • Let it rest 5 minutes after baking so the cheese sets slightly.

  • Double the chicken and freeze half before baking for an instant future meal.

MAKE-AHEAD & STORAGE

  • Make-ahead: Bread chicken and freeze up to 2 months; fry frozen (add 2 minutes).

  • Fridge: 3–4 days.

  • Reheat: 375°F (190°C) oven for 12 minutes to keep crispy.

  • Avoid the microwave—it softens the breading.



OTHER RECIPES

INGREDIENTS
  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless/skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 20 oz jar spaghetti sauce
  • 8 oz shredded mozzarella or shredded Parmesan cheese

INSTRUCTIONS

In separate bags put breadcrumbs and flour. Cut chicken in the center lenghtwise to make thin and wide chicken breasts.
Coat chicken with breadcrumbs by shaking in bag. Remove from bag with breadcrumbs and shake in bag of flour to coat well.
In a large frying pan, pour olive oil to coat bottom of pan.
Heat pan over medium heat. Place coated chicken into the hot pan. Brown for 3 minutes on each side.
Wipe pan clean. Return chicken and add spaghetti sauce. Cover and let cook for 30 minutes over low heat. Stir and turn chicken occasionally. Melt cheese over chicken for five minutes.
Serve alone or over noodles. Recipe for chicken parmesan is ready to serve...


easy-chicken-parmesan.
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