Easy Chicken Parmigiana is a delightful and straightforward dish that brings the flavors of crispy chicken schnitzels topped with rich tomato sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. This recipe offers a simplified version of the classic pub favorite, making it accessible for home cooks seeking a delicious meal with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Quick Preparation: With a total time of approximately 20 minutes, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners when you’re short on time but crave a satisfying meal.
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Minimal Ingredients: Utilizing readily available ingredients like chicken schnitzels, mozzarella, and pasta sauce, this dish doesn’t require elaborate preparation or hard-to-find items.Women’s Weekly Food
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Versatile Serving Options: Pair this Chicken Parmigiana with a fresh salad, steamed vegetables, or your favorite side dish to complete the meal.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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2 tablespoons olive oilWomen’s Weekly Food
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15 grams butterWomen’s Weekly Food
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2 chicken schnitzelsWomen’s Weekly Food+2Women’s Weekly Food+2Women’s Weekly Food+2
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1/3 cup grated mozzarella cheeseWomen’s Weekly Food+1Women’s Weekly Food+1
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1/2 cup prepared pasta sauce
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Fresh basil leaves, for garnishWomen’s Weekly Food
Directions
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Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 180°C (350°F) to prepare for baking.Women’s Weekly Food
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Cook the Schnitzels: In a large frying pan over medium heat, combine the olive oil and butter. Fry the chicken schnitzels for 2-3 minutes on each side until they achieve a golden-brown color. After cooking, place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
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Assemble the Dish: Place the drained schnitzels into a shallow ovenproof dish. Sprinkle each with 1/3 cup of grated mozzarella cheese.Women’s Weekly Food
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Add Sauce and Cheese: Spoon 1/2 cup of prepared pasta sauce over the cheese-topped schnitzels. Then, add another 1/3 cup of grated mozzarella on top.
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Bake: Place the assembled dish in the oven and bake, uncovered, for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.Women’s Weekly Food
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Garnish and Serve: Once baked, garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve alongside your choice of salad or vegetables for a complete meal.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: This recipe serves 2.
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Preparation Time: Approximately 5 minutes.
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Cooking Time: Around 15 minutes.
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Total Time: 20 minutes.
Variations
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Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken schnitzels with eggplant slices for a vegetarian take on this dish.Women’s Weekly Food
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Cheese Choices: Experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or a blend of Italian cheeses for varied flavors.
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Spice It Up: Add chili flakes to the pasta sauce or sprinkle some on top before baking to introduce a spicy kick.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
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Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, use a microwave, heating in 1-minute intervals until warm.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken schnitzels?
Yes, you can use frozen schnitzels. Ensure they are fully cooked before assembling the dish.
What can I serve with Chicken Parmigiana?
This dish pairs well with a fresh green salad, steamed vegetables, or pasta.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
While best enjoyed fresh, you can assemble the dish and refrigerate it before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Traditional schnitzels are breaded and contain gluten. To make a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or substitute with grilled chicken fillets.
How do I make the sauce from scratch?
Sauté onions and garlic, add crushed tomatoes, season with herbs like basil and oregano, and simmer until thickened for a homemade pasta sauce.
Conclusion
Easy Chicken Parmigiana is a delightful fusion of crispy chicken, savory tomato sauce, and melted cheese, offering a comforting meal with minimal preparation. Its simplicity and adaptability make it a valuable addition to any home cook’s repertoire.
Print
Easy Chicken Parmigiana
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Easy Chicken Parmigiana is a quick and satisfying meal featuring crispy chicken schnitzels topped with rich tomato sauce and gooey melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe simplifies the classic pub favorite while delivering the same delicious flavors in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Parmigiana:
2 tablespoons olive oil
15 grams butter
2 chicken schnitzels
1/3 cup grated mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup prepared pasta sauce
Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven:
Set the oven to 180°C (350°F) to prepare for baking. -
Cook the Schnitzels:
In a large frying pan over medium heat, heat olive oil and butter. Fry the chicken schnitzels for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. -
Assemble the Dish:
Place the schnitzels in a shallow ovenproof dish. Sprinkle each with 1/3 cup of grated mozzarella cheese. -
Add Sauce and Cheese:
Spoon 1/2 cup of prepared pasta sauce over the schnitzels and top with the remaining 1/3 cup of mozzarella. -
Bake:
Place the dish in the oven and bake, uncovered, for 8-10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. -
Garnish and Serve:
Garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve alongside your choice of salad, steamed vegetables, or pasta.
Notes
Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken schnitzels with grilled eggplant slices for a vegetarian alternative.
Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses such as cheddar or a blend of Italian cheeses like provolone and parmesan for unique flavors.
Spicy Kick: Add chili flakes to the sauce or sprinkle on top before baking for extra heat.
Side Suggestions: Serve with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables to complete the meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Comfort Food, Weeknight Meals
- Method: Pan-Frying, Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Calories: Approximately 400-450 kcal per serving (depending on schnitzels and cheese used)
