Chicken Parmesan with a Mushroom Twist

I’ve been on a mission lately to find the simplest, most delicious and easy recipes to make on a busy day.  I found another one to add to that list, so I want to share it with you.

It is the famous Chicken Parmesan or originally called Chicken Parmigiana! Uh, it will be a delight! Whether you are tackling a busy day or just want something simple yet satisfying, this Chicken Parmesan recipe (with a fun mushroom twist!) has got you covered.

So follow me to show you why it should become your new favourite dish!

What is Chicken Parmigiana?

Chicken Parmesan, or Chicken Parmigiana, is a classic Italian meal: crispy chicken breasts, flavourful tomato sauce, and rich Parmesan cheese. It is a famous Italian dish that has gained popularity over time, as it is very easy to make and so flavourful.

What Do You Need

Chicken breasts – I like using chicken breast as the meat is lean and yet flavourful. You would like to slice the breasts lengthwise into thin cutlets, as the thinner they are, the better for getting a perfect golden crusted layer.

Tomato Sauce 

For best results, I recommend you always keep some of my homemade tomato sauce at stock.

In case you don’t – feel free to use your favourite store-bought tomato sauce. I love using a sauce that has small chunks of tomatoes within, as it reminds me the most of my homemade version. One of them is the Classico brand (specifically votka sauce)!

Parmesan cheese – Fresh Parmesan cheese is ideal, but pre-grated Parmesan works beautifully too, if that’s what you have on hand. Don’t sweat much over this!

tomato sauce

Cremini mushrooms – And here is the twist! Cremini mushrooms are always my choice. Their beautiful earthy flavour, does magic every time I toss them in a meal! But shiitake mushrooms can also add a smoky depth, so go ahead if you are feeling extra adventurous.

Garlic cloves – Minced garlic will just add that extra burst of flavours to this already amazing dish.

parmesan slice

Olive oil – To help the chicken get that golden crust.

Salt and pepper to season to taste

Fresh basil leaves for extra freshness

Chicken Parmesan with a Mushroom Twist

Course: Main, DinnerCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

40

minutes
Total time

50

minutes

Try this easy and delicious Chicken Parmesan with a mushroom twist. Perfect for busy days and great as next-day leftovers

Ingredients

  • 400 gr chicken breasts

  • ¾ cup of flour

  • 300 gr cremini mushrooms, sliced

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 cups homemade or store bought tomato sauce

  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese

  • Fresh basil, few leaves

  • 1 cup Mozzarella cheese (optional)

  • Salt and pepper

  • Olive oil

Directions

  • Gently clean the mushrooms with a damp towel, remove the stems, and slice them thinly. Set aside.
    sliced cremini mushrooms
  • Preheat your over to 400F.
  • In a Dutch oven or baking casserole, spread ⅓  of the tomato sauce evenly across the bottom of the dish. Sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper to season (only if you use a store-bought tomato sauce - my homemade tomato sauce is seasoned already).
  • Slice the chicken breasts lengthwise into thin cutlets.
    chicken sliced
  • Using a meat pounder, flatten the meat evenly. Layer the chicken between plastic wrap or in a Ziploc bag to keep things mess-free. 
    chicken and meat pounder
  • Pat the cutlets dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture and get a crispy crust.
  • Warm up a skillet with some olive oil on medium heat. 
  • In a shallow plate, mix the flour with a pinch of salt and pepper. Dip each chicken cutlet in the flour, both sides, shaking off any excess.
  • Cook the cutlets until golden brown on both sides. Transfer them to the casserole dish, arranging them on top of the tomato sauce.
    cook chicken in a skillet
  • In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil and a tablespoon of butter. Toss in the sliced mushrooms and minced garlic, cooking until the mushrooms are golden and tender. Next, spread the cooked mushrooms over the chicken in the casserole.
    chicken, tomato sauce and mushrooms in a casserole dish
  • Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the mushrooms and chicken. Generously sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top, seasoning with a little more salt and pepper, to taste.
    layer parmesan cheese
  • Transfer the dish into the oven and bake for about 30 minutes. Optionally, you can add extra cheese, such as mozzarella, during the last 5–10 minutes for a nice extra cheesy topping.
    chicken parmesan ready to bake
  • Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. Top up with some fresh basil leaves for extra freshness.
    chicken parmesan dish served on pasta

How to serve

I think that the Chicken Parmesan pairs perfectly with:

  • Pasta – I like serving it over a bed of linguine or spaghetti. This is my favourite combo.
  • Mashed Potatoes – You can serve it over creamy mashed potatoes.The sauce will replace any gravy you regularly use.
  • Salad – Enjoy it as a main dish with your favorite fresh salad, as a lighter option.

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Chicken Parmesan in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply warm it slowly over low heat to preserve its tenderness and flavour. It is a real life-saver as a lunch for the next day. 

Why I love This Recipe?

There’s something so satisfying about making your favorite takeout meal from scratch. I would love to hear what you think, how did this recipe turn out for you? Let me know if you tried any substitutes or added your own twist. I am always excited to learn from you!

Did You Make the Recipe?

I’m so curious to see how you liked it! Tag me with #chickinapron on Instagram or add a pin to let me know. If you enjoyed this recipe, feel free to share with family and friends to help and inspire!

Let’s try few other recipes and get inspired

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