The Easiest (and Smallest) Chicken Parm
The Easiest (and Smallest) Chicken Parm is a easy Italian-American recipe that serves 1. 550 calories per serving. Recipe by Food Wishes on YouTube.
Prep: 22 min | Cook: 35 min | Total: 1 hr 7 min
Cost: $6.10 total, $6.10 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 piece Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast (about 8 ounces, trimmed)
- 1 teaspoon Olive Oil (extra virgin)
- 0.25 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (pinch)
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt (kosher or table salt)
- 0.25 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 0.5 cup Marinara Sauce (store‑bought or homemade)
- 0.5 cup shredded Low‑Moisture Mozzarella Cheese (shredded)
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated Parmigiano‑Reggiano)
- 0.5 cup Croutons (store‑bought or homemade, broken into pieces)
- 1 teaspoon chopped Fresh Italian Parsley (optional garnish)
Instructions
Preheat Oven
Set the oven to 400°F and allow it to fully preheat.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 400°F
Oil and Flake the Dish
Drizzle 1 teaspoon olive oil into the small casserole dish and sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes, then swirl to coat the bottom.
Time: PT3M
Season the Chicken
Season both sides of the chicken breast with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper.
Time: PT3M
Add Sauce
Place the seasoned chicken in the dish, smooth‑side down, and spoon ½ cup marinara sauce over the top, covering the breast completely.
Time: PT4M
First Layer of Cheese
Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and half of the grated Parmesan over the sauce.
Time: PT2M
Add Croutons
Break about half of the croutons into bite‑size pieces, leave the rest whole, and scatter them over the cheese layer.
Time: PT2M
Second Layer of Cheese
Top the croutons with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
Time: PT2M
Bake
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 145–150°F.
Time: PT35M
Temperature: 400°F
Rest and Garnish
Remove the casserole, let it rest for 5 minutes, then sprinkle with chopped Italian parsley if desired before serving.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 550
- Protein
- 45 g
- Carbohydrates
- 30 g
- Fat
- 25 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Contains dairy, Contains gluten
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast: Boneless Chicken Thigh
- Instead of Olive Oil: Vegetable Oil, Canola Oil
- Instead of Red Pepper Flakes: Cayenne Pepper (use less)
- Instead of Salt: Sea Salt
- Instead of Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Pre-ground Black Pepper
- Instead of Marinara Sauce: Pizza Sauce, Plain Tomato Sauce
- Instead of Low‑Moisture Mozzarella Cheese: Part‑skim mozzarella, Mozzarella cheese sticks shredded
- Instead of Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano, Grana Padano
- Instead of Croutons: Panko Breadcrumbs, Toasted Bread Cubes
- Instead of Fresh Italian Parsley: Fresh Basil, Flat‑leaf Parsley
Equipment Needed
- Small Casserole Dish
- Oven
- Meat Thermometer
- Spoon
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring Spoons (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Seasoning both sides of the chicken evenly
- Ensuring croutons stay crunchy during baking
- Cooking chicken to an internal temperature of 145‑150°F
- Allowing the dish to rest before serving
Chef Tips from the Video
- Pat the chicken dry before seasoning to help the oil and spices adhere.
- Low‑moisture mozzarella melts cleanly without releasing excess water.
- A splash of red wine added to the marinara gives extra depth of flavor.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes to ½ teaspoon.
Troubleshooting
Chicken is undercooked after the recommended bake time.
Continue baking, checking the internal temperature every 5 minutes until it reaches at least 145°F.
Croutons become soggy.
Add croutons during the final 10 minutes of baking or use thicker, toasted croutons.
Cheese does not melt or brown.
Cover the dish loosely with foil for the first 20 minutes, then uncover to allow the cheese to melt and develop color.
Storage
Refrigerator: Cover tightly and refrigerate up to 3 days
Freezer: Not recommended due to cheese texture, but can freeze for up to 1 month if tightly wrapped
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours
Make-Ahead Tips
- Assemble the casserole up to the cheese layer, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking
- Add croutons during the last 10 minutes of baking to preserve maximum crunch
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Chicken Parmesan in Italian‑American cuisine?
Chicken Parmesan, or Chicken Parmigiana, evolved in the United States as an Italian‑American adaptation of the classic veal or eggplant parmigiana, combining Italian flavors with American preferences for hearty, cheese‑laden dishes.
What are the traditional regional variations of Chicken Parmesan in Italian‑American cuisine?
In the Northeastern U.S., especially New York and New Jersey, chicken is often breaded and fried before baking, while in the Midwest some cooks use a lighter oven‑baked method like this recipe, substituting croutons for the fried coating.
How is Chicken Parmesan traditionally served in Italian‑American households?
It is typically served hot over a bed of spaghetti or alongside a simple green salad, with extra marinara on the side and a generous sprinkling of fresh basil or parsley for garnish.
What occasions or celebrations is Chicken Parmesan traditionally associated with in Italian‑American culture?
Chicken Parmesan is a popular comfort‑food for family dinners, weekend gatherings, and holiday meals such as Christmas Eve or Thanksgiving as a hearty main course.
What authentic traditional ingredients are essential for Chicken Parmesan versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include low‑moisture mozzarella, Parmigiano‑Reggiano, and a simple tomato‑based marinara. Substitutes like part‑skim mozzarella, Pecorino Romano, or store‑bought marinara work well without compromising flavor.
What other Italian‑American dishes pair well with Chicken Parmesan?
Serve it with garlic‑buttered spaghetti, a crisp Caesar salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of sautéed spinach for a balanced meal.
What makes this Easy Chicken Parmesan for One from Food Wishes special in Italian‑American cuisine?
Chef John’s version eliminates the frying step, using crunchy croutons to mimic the breaded crust, which saves time, reduces mess, and actually retains more crunch after the cheese melts.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Easy Chicken Parmesan for One?
Common errors include under‑seasoning the chicken, over‑crowding the dish which prevents the croutons from staying crisp, and not checking the internal temperature, which can leave the chicken unsafe.
Why does this recipe use croutons instead of traditional breaded coating?
Croutons provide a quick, oven‑stable crunch without the extra step of dredging and frying, preserving texture even after the cheese and sauce are added.
Can I make Easy Chicken Parmesan for One ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, assemble the casserole up to the cheese layer, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Bake directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
What does the YouTube channel Food Wishes specialize in?
Food Wishes, hosted by Chef John, specializes in approachable, step‑by‑step video recipes that blend classic techniques with humor, covering a wide range of cuisines and skill levels.
How does the YouTube channel Food Wishes' approach to Italian‑American cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Food Wishes focuses on simplifying traditional Italian‑American dishes—like this chicken parm—by removing labor‑intensive steps while still delivering authentic flavor, often adding witty commentary and clear visual cues.
Last updated: August 26, 2026
