Budget-Friendly Chicken Parmesan in 20 Minutes

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homemade chicken parmesan

What’s up, Hungry People!

It’s Monday, and I know how tough it can be. You’re in that in-between phase of paychecks, and to top it off, you’ve had a rough day at work. All you want is something absolutely delicious to make everything feel better. Trust me, we’ve all been there. Sometimes, the solution to a bad day is indulging in some good old comfort food. And boy, do I have the perfect recipe for you today!

Introducing chicken parmesan, the ultimate comfort food that can turn your day around in just 20 minutes! This recipe is perfect for when you’re feeling down, low on cash, or simply in need of a quick and satisfying dinner.

ingredients for chicken parmesan

Here’s What You Need

  • Chicken breasts: Thinly sliced chicken used as the main protein in the dish.
  • Flour: Used for dredging the chicken to create a crispy coating.
  • Eggs: Whisked and used as a binding agent to help the flour stick to the chicken.
  • Marinara sauce: Provides the rich, tangy, and flavorful base for the dish.
  • Parmesan cheese: Grated and sprinkled on top for a savory and cheesy finish.
  • Olive oil: Used for frying the breaded chicken, adding flavor and helping achieve a crispy texture.
  • Spaghetti noodles: Served as a bed for the chicken and soak up the delicious marinara sauce.
  • Salt and pepper: Seasonings used to enhance the overall taste of the dish.
  • Fresh parsley: Optional garnish that adds a pop of color and freshness to the final presentation.

Let’s Cook!

First things first, let’s talk about the key to whipping up this dish in a flash. To save time, it’s best to use thinly sliced chicken breasts.

You can usually find them at your local grocery store. But if they’re still too thick for your liking, don’t worry! I’ve got a little trick up my sleeve. Just grab a frying pan and gently pound the chicken until it’s about a quarter of an inch thick. Trust me, it works like a charm!

dredging chicken

Now, let’s get down to business. Start by dredging the chicken. Grab a plate and place some flour on it. Then, crack an egg into a separate bowl and whisk it lightly. Dip each chicken breast into the flour, then into the egg, and back into the flour again. This double coating will give your chicken parmesan that irresistible crispy exterior we all love.

Next, heat up some oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the coated chicken into the skillet. Let them sizzle away until they’re golden brown and no longer pink in the middle, which should take about 3-4 minutes per side.

frying chicken

While the chicken is cooking, let’s talk noodles. Now, I rummaged through my cupboard and found some fettuccine noodles, but feel free to use your favorite (and most affordable) option. Regular spaghetti noodles work great, and in my college days, I even used shells. Just follow the instructions on the box and boil them up to perfection.

Once your noodles are cooked and drained, it’s time to heat up the sauce. You can use store-bought marinara sauce or whip up your own if you’re feeling fancy. Simply heat the sauce in a saucepan until it’s warm and ready to go.

Now comes the fun part. Arrange the cooked noodles on a plate or in a serving dish. Place the golden brown chicken on top, and then pour that glorious sauce all over everything. Don’t be shy with the sauce—I like to make sure my noodles and chicken are swimming in it. And let’s not forget the finishing touch—sprinkle a generous amount of Parmesan cheese on top. Trust me, the more cheese, the better!

Tips and Tricks for Making Chicken Parmesan at Home

  • Thinly slice the chicken: Opt for thin chicken breasts or pound them to a quarter-inch thickness for faster and more even cooking.
  • Double-dredging for extra crispiness: Dredge the chicken in flour, then in whisked eggs, and back into the flour for a crispy coating.
  • Fry in batches: Fry two slices of breaded chicken at a time to ensure even cooking and maintain the desired texture.
  • Cook pasta al dente: Follow the instructions on the box and cook the spaghetti noodles until they are al dente (firm to the bite) for the best texture.
  • Customize the sauce: Use your favorite marinara sauce or experiment with different flavors and spices to make it your own.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley: Sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for added freshness and a pop of color.
  • Taste and adjust seasonings: Before serving, taste the dish and adjust the salt and pepper to suit your preferences.
  • Variation with breadcrumbs: If you prefer a different texture, you can substitute the flour coating with breadcrumbs for a crunchy exterior.
  • Melting cheese on top: If you want melted cheese on top of the chicken, place the chicken with sauce and cheese under a broiler for a few minutes until bubbly and golden.
  • Make it a complete meal: Serve chicken Parmesan with a side salad or some garlic bread for a satisfying and well-rounded dinner.
serving chicken parmesan

That’s it, my friends! A delicious and comforting chicken Parmesan that’s quick, easy, and won’t break the bank. Treat yourself to this mouthwatering dish and let the flavors melt away your worries. Remember, even on a tough day, a good meal can make everything feel better.

Until next time, happy cooking, and stay hungry!

chicken-parmsean

Homemade Chicken Parmesan

The Starving Chef
Whip up a quick and flavorful chicken Parmesan dish with crispy breaded chicken, tangy marinara sauce, and melted Parmesan cheese, perfect for a satisfying dinner.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian, Quick & Easy
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 4 chicken breasts thinly sliced
  • 1 cup flour
  • 2 eggs whisked
  • 2 cups favorite marinara sauce
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil for frying
  • 4 cups spaghetti noodles for serving
  • salt & pepper to taste
  • fresh parsley for topping, optional

Instructions
 

  • Heat 1-2 tablespoons of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Whisk the eggs in a bowl. Dredge each chicken breast in flour, then dip it into the eggs, and finally coat it again with flour.
  • Add the breaded chicken to the skillet in batches of two slices for even cooking. Fry until cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side.
  • Cook the spaghetti noodles according to the instructions on the box.
  • Heat the marinara sauce to the desired temperature in the microwave or in a pot over medium heat on the stove for 8-10 minutes.
  • Arrange the cooked chicken on a bed of noodles, then pour the marinara sauce over the chicken and noodles.
  • Top with grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Enjoy!
Keyword chicken, Parmesan, pasta
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!