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A plate showcasing a savory chicken parmesan dish with melted cheese and marinara sauce.

Best way to make Chicken Parmesan on a 30 Minute Timetable

This recipe delivers a golden-brown, crispy chicken parmesan with rich tomato sauce and gooey cheese, all ready in under 30 minutes. It's an ideal solution for a quick and satisfying Italian-American dinner.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Chicken
  • 4 small chicken breasts, boneless, skinless
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
Breading
  • 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Assembly
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1.5 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Wire rack (optional)
  • Shallow dishes (3)
  • Meat mallet or rolling pin
  • Large oven-safe skillet

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet with a wire rack or parchment paper.
  2. Butterfly each chicken breast horizontally, then pound them to an even 1/2-inch thickness and season both sides with salt and pepper.
Breading the Chicken
  1. Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with Panko and grated Parmesan cheese.
  2. Dredge each chicken cutlet in flour, then dip it in the egg, and finally coat generously with the Panko-Parmesan mixture, pressing to adhere.
Cooking the Chicken
  1. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Sear the breaded chicken cutlets for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown, working in batches if necessary.
Baking and Finishing
  1. Pour marinara sauce over each seared chicken cutlet in the skillet, then top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
  2. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  3. Garnish with fresh basil before serving immediately.

Notes

For extra flavor, add a pinch of garlic powder and dried oregano to the Panko mixture. Adjust baking time based on the thickness of your chicken. Serve with your favorite pasta or a side salad for a complete meal.