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Quick Crispy Chicken Parmesan Recipe 30-Minute Easy Dinner Idea

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A fast and flavorful chicken parmesan recipe that delivers a crispy crust and melty cheese in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute guests.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • ½ cup (60g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup (100g) panko breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 cup (240ml) marinara sauce
  • 4 oz (115g) fresh mozzarella, sliced
  • Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Trim any excess fat from the chicken breasts. Place each breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or inside a large zip-top bag. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound the chicken until evenly flattened to about ½ inch (1.3 cm) thickness. Season both sides lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. Set up the dredging station with three shallow bowls: flour in the first, beaten eggs in the second, and a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in the third.
  3. Dredge each chicken breast first in the flour, shaking off excess, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally press into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring each piece is fully coated.
  4. Heat olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking.
  5. Carefully place the coated chicken breasts in the pan. Cook undisturbed for about 3-4 minutes until the underside is golden brown and crisp. Flip and cook another 3-4 minutes until firm but juicy inside. Use an instant-read thermometer to check for 165°F (74°C) if unsure.
  6. Spoon marinara sauce evenly over each chicken breast, then layer slices of fresh mozzarella on top. Reduce heat to low and cover the pan with a lid or foil until the cheese melts (about 2-3 minutes). Alternatively, transfer the chicken to a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) or under the broiler for 2-3 minutes to melt the cheese.
  7. Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve immediately with your favorite side.

Notes

Pound chicken evenly for quick, even cooking and juicy results. Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness. Maintain medium heat to avoid burning the crust. Let chicken rest briefly after cooking to redistribute juices. For gluten-free, substitute flour and panko with gluten-free alternatives. For dairy-free, use dairy-free cheese substitutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken parmesan, quick dinner, crispy chicken, Italian comfort food, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, panko chicken, cheesy chicken

Find it online: https://tastypierecipes.com/quick-crispy-chicken-parmesan-recipe-30-minute-easy-dinner-idea/