An easy chicken parmesan recipe for two that is perfect for weeknight meals. Tender chicken breasts baked with fresh bread crumbs and parmesan cheese, then topped with pasta sauce and mozzarella.
Cooking for two…definitely, at times, a challenge. If you’re like me, you are still cooking as if there is a family at the table ready to chow down! I have tried to scale back, but it’s hard. Using recipes like this easy chicken parmesan makes it much easier. This is a delicious and filling dinner idea that is full of flavor, and even though there is a list of several steps, it’s very simple.
Choosing the chicken breasts
I like using fresh, organic chicken breasts, but sometimes they can be very thick. To make the pieces of chicken cook more evenly, just slice them in half, so they are about 1 inch thick. Another option is to pound the chicken breasts with a mallet until they are a good thickness that will bake evenly. One more idea is to use chicken tenders. These bake very quickly, so make sure to adjust your cooking time.
Easy Chicken Parmesan Recipe Tips
- All the measurements in the recipe are adjustable. This is one of those dishes where you don’t really have to measure, and it still comes out perfect! Use as much, or as little, sauce and cheese as you like.
- Most parmesan chicken recipes call for dredging the pieces of meat in flour, egg, and bread crumbs. My method is much easier, and it tastes equally as good. The Hellman’s adds an extra touch of moisture, and has a lovely flavor.
- If the chicken begins to brown too quickly, cover it with a loose piece of foil.
- I love fresh bread crumbs. My favorite thing to do is use hamburger buns and grind them in a small food processor. They taste fresh and fluffy. However, I’m all for convenience and saving time, so using packaged bread crumbs is a great choice as well.
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Gluten Free Chicken Parmesan
To make a gluten free version of this chicken parmesan recipe, simply substitute gluten free panko crumbs for the regular bread crumbs, and substitute gluten free pasta for the regular pasta.
Easy Chicken Parmesan Recipe for Two
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts (about 1 inch thick)
- 1/4 cup Hellman's Light Mayonnaise
- 1 cup bread crumbs (fresh or panko)
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- salt and pepper
- olive oil
- 6 oz. pasta
- 12 oz. pasta sauce (marinara)
- shredded mozzarella
- fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
- Cover a cookie sheet with aluminum foil.
- Place chicken breasts on cookie sheet.
- Brush chicken breasts with Hellman's. Turn and repeat.
- Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper according to your taste.
- In a small bowl, combine bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, and garlic powder.
- Toss gently with a fork.
- Using your hands, generously sprinkle bread crumb mixture on top of chicken breasts.
- Press the bread crumbs into the top and sides of the chicken breasts.
- Drizzle lightly with olive oil.
- Bake for 25 minutes.
- While chicken is in the oven, cook pasta according to package directions.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta sauce and toss the remaining cup with the cooked pasta. Cover to keep warm.
- Remove chicken from the oven. Top with pasta sauce and shredded mozzarella.
- Return chicken to oven for 5 minutes or until cheese has melted and is slightly golden brown.
- Garnish chicken with fresh parsley or basil. Serve with pasta.
I’ve said this before many times, but making and photographing the recipes that appear here are a favorite aspect of my job. I’m on the hunt for more easy dinner ideas for two…so if you have a suggestion, please let me know. You can email me at ann@onsuttonplace.com.
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Mary Anne McWhirter says
Wednesday, February 19, 2020 at 1:49 pmAnn,
this was FABULOUS!!!!!!! The only thing I might do different is use Italian seasoned crumbs!!! So quick and so easy and restaurant quality!!!! Thanks for your daily dose of happiness. Can’t wait for more just for 2 recipes.
Sharon says
Monday, February 17, 2020 at 6:10 amMy husband frequently orders this at restaurants. Your recipe looks delicious and very easy. I can’t wait to try it.
Lana says
Saturday, February 15, 2020 at 12:17 pmThis was really good and easy. I used avocado mayo and my own homemade dried fine bread crumbs. I also used less cheese and spaghetti squash instead of pasta to keep it light since we decided to have some homemade bread with it. I will definitely make again!!
Marjory W says
Tuesday, February 11, 2020 at 5:23 pmI would absolutely recommend this recipe! In fact it is good enough for company! My husband is a pasta lover but he absolutely said this should be a staple!!!
MARY-ANN (FROM CANADA!) says
Sunday, February 9, 2020 at 11:46 pmAnn, thanks for another great recipe! This will definitely be on our menu this week!
Have a wonderful week! Thanks for all you do for us!
Doreen says
Sunday, February 9, 2020 at 10:21 pmThis is one of my favorite dishes that I have been doing for many years.Although I make it a bit different, still so yummy.We like leftovers so I make enough for several meals.
Carole says
Sunday, February 9, 2020 at 7:42 pmAlmost all of my recipes are from when I had six children at home! Now that it is just the two of us, it means scaling down though my husband doesn’t mind leftovers at all. Thanks for this recipe. I can’t wait to try it. It looks delicious.
Ali says
Sunday, February 9, 2020 at 2:51 pmAnn, This looks wonderful! I am going to try it out for this week’s menu. I also have a very hard time adjusting down to just the two of us and still have a great meal. l I did buy an awesome little casserole dish that’s just enough for two with a little leftover. It really helped to ensure the right size portion without having to eat the same thing for a week. Keep them coming!
Julie Sheppard says
Sunday, February 9, 2020 at 10:12 amI love your recipes! more recipes for two would be great!
Kathy Menold says
Sunday, February 9, 2020 at 8:11 amI just made Chicken Parm for my husband and I last week. Used chicken tenders and it was a hit. Used the leftovers for subs using ciabatta rolls one night and another meal from the leftover spaghetti. We are celebrating our 53rd anniversery next weekend so I have cooked along of meals! Thanks for your great recipes.
Debbie says
Sunday, February 9, 2020 at 11:12 amHappy Anniversary to both of you!!!! This recipe sounds great and I’ve made similar but will be trying in next few days…. Thanks for sharing your wonderful review.
Nan, Odessa, DE says
Sunday, February 9, 2020 at 7:44 amI also make chicken breast (same prep as your recipe) and lay on fresh chopped spinach and top the last 5-10 minutes with a chunk of fresh mozzarella cheese. Could also be rolled/tied before cooking. Make a white sauce using chicken broth and half/half. Serve with additional fresh spinach act the table. Good company meal!