Chicken Parmesan is a favorite dinner in the Just One Donna house
because it is a delicious dish that can satisfy your cravings for Italian food.
It's also easy to make at home with simple ingredients you probably have in your
pantry.
But what if you don't have time to cook on a busy weeknight? Don't worry, you
can make Chicken Parmesan ahead of time and freeze it for later. I like
to prepare Chicken Parmesan to have on hand in my freezer for those busy
weeknights when we might be tempted to head to a restaurant instead of eating
at home.
Chicken Parmesan, also known as Chicken Parmigiana, is a beloved Italian-American dish that features breaded and fried chicken cutlets smothered in marinara sauce, melted cheese, and served over pasta. It's a comforting and hearty meal that is loved by kids and adults alike. Today I'm sharing my freezer-to-table Chicken Parmesan recipe so you can make this delicious dish ahead of time, store it in the freezer, and then easily bake it to perfection when you're ready to serve.
I like to use ceramic or glass dishes when I freeze my chicken Parmesan. Pie plates work well, as long as you won't need them for baking pies.
How to Make Freezer Chicken Parmesan for Busy Nights
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| Easy Freezer Chicken Parmesan for Dinner |
Chicken Parmesan, also known as Chicken Parmigiana, is a beloved Italian-American dish that features breaded and fried chicken cutlets smothered in marinara sauce, melted cheese, and served over pasta. It's a comforting and hearty meal that is loved by kids and adults alike. Today I'm sharing my freezer-to-table Chicken Parmesan recipe so you can make this delicious dish ahead of time, store it in the freezer, and then easily bake it to perfection when you're ready to serve.
With a few simple steps, you can have a homemade Chicken Parmesan ready to
impress your family and friends without the stress of last-minute cooking.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Make-Ahead Convenience: One of the biggest advantages of this
recipe is that you can make it ahead of time and store it in the freezer
until you're ready to cook. That makes it perfect for busy weeknights or
when you have guests coming over, as you can easily pull it out of the
freezer and bake it to perfection with minimal effort.
Delicious and Comforting: Chicken Parmesan is a crowd-pleasing dish
that combines crispy breaded chicken with tangy marinara sauce and gooey
melted cheese. It's a comfort food that's perfect for satisfying those
Italian food cravings.
It's Versatile: This recipe can be easily customized to suit your
preferences. You can use different types of cheese, marinara sauce, or
even add additional toppings like sliced mushrooms or pepperoni to make it
your own.
It's Family-Friendly: Chicken Parmesan is a kid-friendly meal
that is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. It's a great way to
introduce children to Italian flavors and get them excited about trying new
foods.
The Chicken Parmesan Ingredients
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.
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| Chicken Parmesan Ingredients |
That makes this an easy recipe for any mom or dad to prepare in advance
for those busy weeknight dinners.
To make Chicken Parmesan, you need the following ingredients:
- Boneless chicken breasts
- Seasoned Italian bread crumbs
- Parmesan cheese
- Eggs
- Salt and pepper
- Oil for frying
- Marinara sauce, use your favorite jarred sauce for semi-homemade
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
You also need
a meat mallet, a
shallow dish, a skillet, a freezer-safe baking dish, plastic wrap, and
aluminum foil.
How to Make Chicken Parmesan
The first step is to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness.
This will help them cook faster and more evenly. Place the chicken breasts
between two sheets of plastic wrap and
use the flat side of a meat mallet to pound them gently.
The next step is to coat the chicken breasts with bread crumbs and
cheese.
In a shallow dish, combine bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese. You can
adjust the ratio according to your preference, but I like to use half and
half. In another shallow dish, whisk eggs with a little water.
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then dip them in egg,
letting any excess drip off. Finally, coat them with the breadcrumb and
cheese mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.
The third step is to fry the chicken breasts until golden and crisp. Heat some oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken
breasts in batches for about 4 minutes per side, or until golden and
cooked through. Transfer them to a baking sheet lined with paper towels to
drain.
Watch the Video
How to Freeze Chicken Parmesan
To freeze Chicken Parmesan, you have two options. You can either assemble
the dish before baking or freeze the fried chicken breasts separately.
If you want to assemble the dish before baking, follow these steps:
- Spread some marinara sauce on the bottom of a freezer-safe baking dish.
- Arrange the fried chicken breasts on top of the sauce in a single layer.
- Spoon some more sauce over each chicken breast.
- Sprinkle some mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
- Wrap the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and then with aluminum
foil.
- Label the dish with the name and date and freeze for up to 3 months.
If you want to freeze the fried chicken breasts separately, follow
these steps:
- Let the fried chicken breasts cool completely on the baking sheet.
- Transfer them to a freezer bag or an airtight container.
- Label the bag or container with the name and date and freeze for up to 3
months.
How to Reheat Chicken Parmesan from Frozen
To reheat Chicken Parmesan from frozen, you have two options. You can
either bake it from frozen or thaw it first.
To bake it from frozen, follow these steps:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Remove the plastic wrap and foil from the baking dish.
- Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until bubbly and cheese is melted.
- Enjoy!
If you want to thaw it first, follow these steps:
- Thaw the baking dish in the refrigerator overnight.
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Remove the plastic wrap and foil from the baking dish.
- Bake for 30 to 45 minutes, or until bubbly and cheese is melted.
- Enjoy!
Tips for making Chicken Parmesan
Here are some tips for making Chicken Parmesan even better:
- Use fresh or grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-shredded cheese for
more flavor and texture.
- Add some fresh herbs like basil or parsley to the marinara sauce for
more freshness and color.
- Serve Chicken Parmesan with pasta, salad, breadsticks, or garlic bread
for a complete meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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 well, as long as you won't need 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.
Alternatively, you can cook the breaded chicken breasts, let them cool, and
freeze them for later dish assembly.
Should I freeze the Chicken Parmesan before or after baking?
It's best to freeze the Chicken Parmesan before baking it. The breaded
chicken may become soggy if frozen after baking, resulting in a less
crispy texture.
Can I use store-bought marinara sauce for this recipe?
Yes, I recommend you use your favorite store-bought marinara sauce for
convenience. Homemade marinara sauce will give this dish your
signature flavor. but we don't always have time to make it from scratch.
If using store-bought sauce, look for a high-quality brand with natural
ingredients.
Can I use a different type of cheese for the Chicken Parmesan?
Yes, you can use different types of cheese depending on your preference.
Mozzarella is the most commonly used cheese for Chicken Parmesan, but you
can also use other types of cheeses like provolone, Parmesan, or a
combination of cheeses for added flavor. Experiment with different cheeses
to find your favorite combination!
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
You can use frozen chicken breasts if that's what you have on hand. Just
be sure to thaw them completely before breading and cooking to ensure even
cooking.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs
or crushed gluten-free crackers for the breading. You can also use
gluten-free pasta for serving. Just be sure to check all the ingredients
for any hidden sources of gluten.
Can I bake the Chicken Parmesan directly from frozen?
Yes, you can bake the Chicken Parmesan directly from frozen, but you'll
need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. It may take longer to ensure
that the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F
(74°C) to ensure that the chicken is fully cooked.
Tips for Success
Use Good-Quality Ingredients: Since this recipe uses simple
ingredients, it's important to use good-quality ones to ensure the best
flavor. Use fresh chicken breasts, high-quality marinara sauce, and
good-quality cheese for the best results.
Properly Bread the Chicken: The breading is a crucial part of Chicken
Parmesan as it adds a crispy texture. Be sure to coat the chicken breasts
thoroughly with eggs and breadcrumbs, and press the breadcrumbs onto the
chicken to adhere well.
Freeze and Store Properly: To ensure that the chicken Parmesan
freezes well, be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to
prevent freezer burn. Label it with the date and store it in the freezer for
up to three months.
Adjust Cooking Time: If you're cooking the Chicken Parmesan from
frozen, be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. It may take longer
than the regular cooking time to ensure that the chicken is cooked through
and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Prepare the Chicken: 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.
Control the Mess: Using one hand, coat both sides of each piece of chicken in the breadcrumb mixture. Using just one hand keep your other hand clean.
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| Pound the Chicken Breasts |
Control the Mess: Using one hand, coat both sides of each piece of chicken in the breadcrumb mixture. Using just one hand keep your other hand clean.
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| Coat the Chicken with Breading |
Use Hot Oil: When is the oil hot enough? Once the oil begins to shimmer,
add the breaded chicken breasts.
Coat the bottom of a baking dish with the prepared tomato sauce. Add the breaded chicken breasts and top with more sauce.
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| Brown the Chicken in Oil |
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| Place Chicken in Baking Dish |
The Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Yield: 4
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
- 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.
- 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.
- On a plate, mix together the Italian-seasoned bread crumbs, Italian seasoning, and the grated cheeses.
- 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.
- Using one hand, coat both sides of each piece of chicken in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan, over medium-high heat. Once the oil begins to shimmer, add the breaded chicken breasts.
- Cook until one side is browned. Turn the chicken and continue cooking until golden brown.
- Remove to a plate lined with paper towels.
- Coat the bottom of a baking dish with the prepared tomato sauce. Add the breaded chicken breasts.
- Top each breast with additional sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Cover first with a layer of plastic wrap and then a layer of aluminum foil. Refrigerate or freeze until ready to cook.
- When ready to cook, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- 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
610.34Fat (grams)
39.98Sat. Fat (grams)
6.92Carbs (grams)
24.65Fiber (grams)
3.26Net carbs
21.39Sugar (grams)
6.91Protein (grams)
37.55Sodium (milligrams)
934.27Cholesterol (grams)
153.41Nutritional information is approximate.
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