Make-Ahead Meal: Can Chicken Parmesan Be Prepared in Advance?

Chicken parmesan is a classic Italian dish that is loved by people of all ages. It is a delicious and hearty meal that is perfect for any occasion. But can chicken parmesan be prepared in advance? The answer is yes! With a little planning, you can easily make chicken parmesan ahead of time and reheat it when you are ready to serve.

Benefits of Preparing Chicken Parmesan in Advance

There are many benefits to preparing chicken parmesan in advance. Here are a few of the most notable benefits:

• Saves time: When you prepare chicken parmesan in advance, you can save a lot of time on the day of your event. This is especially helpful if you are hosting a large gathering or if you are short on time.
• Reduces stress: Preparing chicken parmesan in advance can help to reduce stress on the day of your event. When you know that the food is already taken care of, you can relax and enjoy your time with your guests.
• Keeps the food warm: When you prepare chicken parmesan in advance, you can keep it warm in the oven until you are ready to serve. This is a great way to ensure that your food is hot and fresh when it is served.

How to Prepare Chicken Parmesan in Advance

Preparing chicken parmesan in advance is easy. Here are the steps you need to follow:
1. Cook the chicken: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper and then bake them for 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through.
2. Make the sauce: While the chicken is cooking, make the sauce. In a large saucepan, combine the tomatoes, garlic, oregano, basil, and salt and pepper to taste. Bring the sauce to a simmer and then cook for 20 minutes, or until it has thickened.
3. Assemble the chicken parmesan: Once the chicken and sauce are cooked, it is time to assemble the chicken parmesan. Place a layer of sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with the chicken breasts and then spread the remaining sauce over the chicken. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the sauce and then bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
4. Cool and store: Once the chicken parmesan is cooked, let it cool completely. Then, cover the baking dish and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating Chicken Parmesan

When you are ready to serve the chicken parmesan, reheat it in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-25 minutes, or until it is heated through. You can also reheat the chicken parmesan in the microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, or until it is heated through.

Tips for Preparing Chicken Parmesan in Advance

Here are a few tips for preparing chicken parmesan in advance:

• Use a good quality chicken: The quality of the chicken will affect the taste of the chicken parmesan. Be sure to use a good quality chicken breast that is free of any blemishes or bruises.
• Cook the chicken thoroughly: The chicken should be cooked through before you add it to the sauce. This will help to prevent the chicken from becoming dry or tough.
• Make the sauce ahead of time: The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This will save you time on the day of your event.
• Assemble the chicken parmesan the day before: You can assemble the chicken parmesan the day before you plan to serve it. This will give the flavors time to blend together.
• Reheat the chicken parmesan carefully: Be sure to reheat the chicken parmesan carefully to prevent it from drying out.

Variations on Chicken Parmesan

There are many different ways to make chicken parmesan. Here are a few variations on the classic recipe:

• Chicken parmesan with eggplant: This variation adds eggplant to the chicken parmesan. The eggplant is sliced and then fried before being added to the dish.
• Chicken parmesan with zucchini: This variation adds zucchini to the chicken parmesan. The zucchini is sliced and then sautéed before being added to the dish.
• Chicken parmesan with mushrooms: This variation adds mushrooms to the chicken parmesan. The mushrooms are sliced and then sautéed before being added to the dish.
• Chicken parmesan with spinach: This variation adds spinach to the chicken parmesan. The spinach is wilted and then added to the dish.

Summary

Chicken parmesan is a delicious and hearty meal that is perfect for any occasion. With a little planning, you can easily prepare chicken parmesan in advance and reheat it when you are ready to serve. So next time you are planning a party or event, consider making chicken parmesan in advance. It is a great way to save time and stress while still serving a delicious meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I prepare chicken parmesan without breading the chicken?
Yes, you can prepare chicken parmesan without breading the chicken. Simply dredge the chicken in flour before cooking it.
Can I use a different type of cheese in chicken parmesan?
Yes, you can use a different type of cheese in chicken parmesan. Some popular substitutes for mozzarella include provolone, cheddar, and Parmesan cheese.
Can I make chicken parmesan in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make chicken parmesan in a slow cooker. Simply place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through. Then, add the sauce and cheese and cook for an additional 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.