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Easy Chicken Parmesan-A Make Ahead Freezer Dinner

Chicken Parmesan is a favorite dinner in the Just One Donna house.  It's also a favorite restaurant menu choice.

I like to keep Chicken Parmesan prepared in my freezer for those busy weeknights when we might be tempted to head to a restaurant instead of eating at home. 

That way, we'll have a delicious dinner all ready to go into the oven and save money to boot.  What's not to like about that?

Freezer Chicken Parmesan for Busy Families

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Chicken Parmesan for Dinner
Easy Freezer Chicken Parmesan for Dinner

This Chicken Parmesan recipe is made with everyday ingredients in the spirit of semi-homemade. You may already have the ingredients you need in your pantry.  

Chicken Parmesan Ingredients
Chicken Parmesan Ingredients

That makes this an easy recipe for any mom or dad to prepare in advance for those busy weeknight dinners.

Make a double batch and you'll have a baked Chicken Parmesan dinner for tonight and another one for the freezer.
A semi-homemade, easy recipe for Chicken Parmesan to serve now or freeze for later.


Does chicken Parmesan freeze well?

Yes, it does.   You can definitely freeze chicken Parmesan.  Like anything you freeze, just be sure to wrap it well. Use both plastic wrap and aluminum foil.

I like to use ceramic or glass dishes when I freeze my chicken Parmesan. Pie plates work really well, as long as you won't be needing them for baking pies.

What is the best way to freeze chicken Parmesan?

Prepare your chicken Parmesan just as you would prior to baking in the oven.  Layer the fried, breaded chicken with sauce and cheese in a freezer-safe pan. Wrap well, first in plastic wrap and then with foil.
Alternately, you can cook the breaded chicken breasts, let them cool, and freeze them for later assembly of your dish.


Tips for Success

You want the chicken to have a uniform thickness. Pound the chicken breasts between double pieces of plastic wrap.  The plastic wrap keeps the chicken from falling apart. Pound using the flat side of a metal meat mallet.  

Pounded chicken breasts for chicken Parmesan
Pound the Chicken Breasts


You can adjust the ratio of cheese to bread crumbs. I like a 50/50 mix of bread crumbs and cheese.  Keep this in mind if you adjust the recipe for more people. 

Using one hand, coat both sides of each piece of chicken in the bread crumb mixture. Using just one hand keep your other hand clean.

How to coat a chicken breast with bread crumbs.
Coat the Chicken with Breading

When is the oil hot enough? Once the oil begins to shimmer, add the breaded chicken breasts.


Browning the chicken breasts for chicken Parmesan
Brown the Chicken in Oil
Coat the bottom of a baking dish with the prepared tomato sauce.  Add the breaded chicken breasts and top with more sauce.

Breaded chicken cutlets.
Place Chicken in Baking Dish


When preparing ahead, Cover first with a layer of plastic wrap and then a layer of aluminum foil. Refrigerate or freeze until ready to cook.

Now you are ready for a delicious weeknight dinner. 

To reheat your chicken parmesan remove the plastic wrap and cover your dish with aluminum foil.  I prefer to thaw my chicken parmesan overnight in my refrigerator.  Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.  Place the chicken parmesan on the center rack of the oven for 30 minutes or until heated through.

family dinner, chicken dinner, freezer dinner
dinner
Italian
Yield: 4
Author: Donna Urso
Weeknight Chicken Parmesan

Weeknight Chicken Parmesan

Prep time: 20 MinCook time: 45 MinTotal time: 1 H & 5 M
A semi-homemade, easy recipe for Chicken Parmesan to serve now or freeze.

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Pound the chicken breasts between double pieces of plastic wrap. Pound using the flat side of a metal meat mallet. Cut each breast in half, season with salt and pepper, and set aside.
  2. Break the egg into a pie plate. Add the water, salt, and pepper and mix to combine. Place the chicken breasts in the egg mixture to coat.
  3. On a plate, mix together the Italian seasoned bread crumbs, Italian seasoning, and the grated cheeses.
  4. I like a 50/50 mix of bread crumbs and cheese. Keep this in mind if you adjust the recipe for more people. You may want to adjust the mixture.
  5. Using one hand, coat both sides of each piece of chicken in the bread crumb mixture.
  6. Heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan, over medium-high heat. Once the oil begins to shimmer, add the breaded chicken breasts.
  7. Cook until one side is browned. Turn the chicken and continue cooking until golden brown.
  8. Remove to a plate lined with paper towels.
  9. Coat the bottom of a baking dish with the prepared tomato sauce. Add the breaded chicken breasts.
  10. Top each breast with additional sauce and the shredded mozzarella cheese.
  11. Cover first with a layer of plastic wrap and then a layer of aluminum foil. Refrigerate or freeze until ready to cook.
  12. When ready to cook, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  13. Bake for 45-50 minutes, covered with foil, until bubbly and heated through. Serve with your favorite pasta and a green salad.

Nutrition Facts

Calories

610.34

Fat (grams)

39.98

Sat. Fat (grams)

6.92

Carbs (grams)

24.65

Fiber (grams)

3.26

Net carbs

21.39

Sugar (grams)

6.91

Protein (grams)

37.55

Sodium (milligrams)

934.27

Cholesterol (grams)

153.41

Nutrional information is approximate.

Similar Recipes

Crispy Oven-Fried Boneless Chicken Thighs

Mediterranean Chicken-A Skillet Dinner

Weeknight Chicken Piccata

https://www.justonedonna.com/2020/02/easy-chicken-parmesan-freezer-dinner.html
©Just One Donna

Chicken Parmesan in the baking dish.
Baked Chicken Parmesan Ready to Serve

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Enjoy!


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