Easy Chicken Parmesan
A classic Italian-American dish featuring breaded chicken breasts topped with marinara and melted mozzarella cheese, served over spaghetti. This comforting, flavorful meal is perfect for weeknights and family dinners, offering a crispy, cheesy, and savory experience that appeals to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dip chicken breasts into beaten egg.
- Coat chicken with bread crumbs.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Cook chicken for 10 minutes or until done, then set aside.
- In the same pan, heat Prego spaghetti sauce to a boil.
- Return chicken to the skillet with sauce.
- Cover and cook over low heat for 5 minutes or until chicken is thoroughly heated.
- Top chicken with shredded mozzarella cheese and heat until cheese is melted.
- Serve with cooked spaghetti.
- Top with Parmesan cheese and parsley before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crispy finish, try using panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. If you're short on time, you can use pre-cooked chicken breasts. To enhance flavor, season the breadcrumbs with Italian herbs or garlic powder. Feel free to substitute the mozzarella with provolone or cheddar for a different taste. This dish pairs beautifully with Angel Hair Primavera for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Chicken Parmesan over a bed of spaghetti or alongside a fresh salad for a balanced meal. A side of garlic bread complements this dish well. For added freshness, top the chicken with chopped parsley or basil. You can also serve it with a simple Pasta And Mozzarella Salad for a delightful side.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place chicken in a skillet over low heat with a splash of sauce to prevent drying out. Alternatively, you can microwave it covered for a couple of minutes on medium power, checking frequently until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Chicken Parmesan contains roughly 1266 calories, with 28g protein, 175g carbohydrates, and 51g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (56% of the Daily Value), calcium (47% of the Daily Value), and iron (45% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1632mg per serving (71% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just ensure they are fully thawed before proceeding with the recipe. Cooking times may vary slightly, so use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
What can I substitute for Prego spaghetti sauce?
If you don't have Prego spaghetti sauce, any jarred marinara or homemade tomato sauce will work well. You can also add herbs like basil and oregano to enhance the flavor of your substitute sauce.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken, coat it with breadcrumbs, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just add the sauce and cheese just before serving for the best results.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).