Preparing 30-minute chicken parmesan has become a lifesaver for me lately! Some of you know that I have a cake business here in Knoxville, TN. It has continued to grow, which has left me with less time to prepare dinner on most weeknights. So, I am always on the lookout for an easy 30-minute meal that the whole family will love.
This 30-minute chicken parmesan is just the ticket because not only is it fast, but it’s all in one pot, which means there are fewer dishes! What’s not to love about that?
Preparing the 30-Minute Chicken Parmesan
Getting ready to make this 30-minute chicken parmesan is a breeze. With just a handful of simple steps, this recipe comes together quickly and is perfect for those hectic weeknights when you need something tasty and satisfying on the table fast. Let me show you how to make it:
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Chicken
First, heat your oven to 350 degrees or preheat your broiler if you have one. Make sure your chicken breasts are pounded down to 1/2 inch thickness so that they cook evenly in the sauce. Pour 3/4 cup of Italian breadcrumbs into a shallow dish. Dredge the chicken in the crumbs on both sides and press down so they adhere. Set the chicken aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
In a large oven-safe sauté pan (you can even use your cast iron skillet), heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Cook each chicken breast for about 3-4 minutes on each side. Once cooked, remove the chicken to a separate plate, add 2 more tablespoons of oil, and repeat until all your chicken is cooked.
I highly suggest getting a grease splatter screen if you don’t have one already. This is a cheap way of keeping the counters and stove clean from greasy oil. My pan was large enough to fit all the chicken at once, so I put all 4 tablespoons of oil in at one time and used my 15-inch screen.
The chicken should be nicely browned with crispy edges.
Cooking the 30-Minute Chicken Parmesan
Making a delicious 30-minute chicken parmesan is easier than you might think. This part breaks it down into simple, stress-free steps starting with crafting a rich, savory sauce. You’ll see just how effortless it is to whip up this family favorite in no time.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
Using the same pan, heat one more tablespoon of oil and saute 1 tablespoon of minced garlic. This only needs to cook for about a minute. Add in 24 ounces of your favorite spaghetti sauce and 1/4 teaspoon each of Kosher salt and pepper. Sometimes, I even use my Crockpot bolognese sauce if I have some on hand. Let it come to a boil, and then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes. Next, place the chicken back into the sauce, making sure it coats the sides of the chicken.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Bake
Sprinkle on a cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan. Then, tear up about 1/2 cup of basil and place it around the pot. Put the entire pan into the oven for about 5 to 10 minutes so the cheese can melt. If you are using a broiler, it will only need to be in there for 3 to 5 minutes.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
When you pull the Chicken Parmesan out of the oven, you can sprinkle on another half cup of basil. The chicken should be tender, moist, and easily cut. I served ours with a simple veggie salad. Sometimes, I use bottled Caesar dressing, and other times, I make a yummy homemade Italian basil dressing that only takes 5 minutes.
Explore More Quick Dinner Ideas
Save or pin this chicken parmesan recipe for later, and while you’re at it, you may want to check out my other 30-minute meals or my recipe index. Some of my favorite quick dinners are loaded black bean nachos, spicy shrimp fried rice, and one-pan lemon chicken. I hope one of these tickles your fancy. If not, check out my Pinterest boards below. Happy Cooking, y’all!
