This crispy, cheesy Trader Joes Chicken Parmesan Recipe is made with pre-breaded chicken breasts, rich marinara sauce, and fresh mozzarella, ready in 30 minutes. Pulling the hot baking dish out of the oven to reveal bubbling, golden-brown cheese melting over the edges is pure magic. I love how this shortcut meal tastes like it took hours to prepare.
Why This Classic Works
I used to spend over an hour breading and frying chicken cutlets for a simple Italian dinner. Using the pre-breaded chicken from the frozen aisle completely changed my weeknight dinner routine.
The real trick I discovered was baking the chicken until it is extra crispy before adding the sauce and cheese. If you skip this step, the breading turns soggy under the marinara.
Jump to RecipeTrader Joes Chicken Parmesan Recipe Ingredients
- 1 package (24 oz) Trader Joe’s Breaded Chicken Tenderloin Breasts
- 1 jar (24 oz) Trader Joe’s Tomato Basil Marinara
- 8 oz Trader Joe’s Fresh Mozzarella Cheese, sliced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- 16 oz spaghetti or your favorite pasta
How To Make Trader Joes Chicken Parmesan Recipe
- Bake The Chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Place the breaded chicken pieces on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Cook The Pasta: While the chicken bakes, boil a large pot of salted water and cook the spaghetti according to package directions.
- Add The Sauce: Remove the chicken from the oven and spoon two tablespoons of marinara sauce over the center of each piece.
- Melt The Cheese: Top each piece with a slice of fresh mozzarella and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
- Broil To Finish: Return the pan to the oven and broil for 3 to 5 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned. Garnish with fresh basil.
Recipe Tips
- Bake the chicken thoroughly first: This ensures the crust stays crispy even after it gets smothered in sauce and cheese.
- Do not drown the chicken: Keep the marinara focused in the center of the cutlet so the edges remain crunchy.
- Use a wire rack: Baking the chicken on an oven-safe wire rack set inside your baking sheet helps the air circulate and crisps both sides evenly.
What To Serve With Chicken Parmesan
A simple side salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette perfectly cuts through the richness of the melted cheese. I also like serving it alongside roasted broccoli or thick slices of garlic bread to soak up the extra marinara on the plate.
How To Store
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The best way to reheat the chicken is in an air fryer or oven at 350°F to revive the crispy breading. Freezing is not recommended because the mozzarella texture changes dramatically.
FAQs
Can I use Trader Joe’s raw chicken breasts instead?
Yes, but you will need to bread and pan-fry them yourself first. This adds about 20 minutes of active prep and cook time to your evening.
Does this work in the air fryer?
Absolutely. Cook the frozen breaded chicken in the air fryer at 380°F for 15 minutes. Then add your sauce and cheese and air fry for 3 more minutes until melted.
Which Trader Joe’s marinara is best?
The Tomato Basil Marinara is a fantastic classic choice. However, the Roasted Garlic Marinara adds a deeper, savory flavor profile if you prefer a punchier sauce.
Nutrition
- Calories: 580 kcal
- Total Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Sodium: 980mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 55g
- Protein: 38g
Try More Recipes:
- Trader Joe’s Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Recipe
- Trader Joes Spinach Artichoke Dip Chicken Recipe
- Trader Joe’s Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe
Trader Joes Chicken Parmesan Recipe
4
servings5
minutes25
minutes30
minutesThis crispy, cheesy Trader Joes Chicken Parmesan Recipe is made with pre-breaded chicken breasts, rich marinara sauce, and fresh mozzarella, ready in 30 minutes. Pulling the hot baking dish out of the oven to reveal bubbling, golden-brown cheese melting over the edges is pure magic. I love how this shortcut meal tastes like it took hours to prepare.
Ingredients
1 package (24 oz) Trader Joe’s Breaded Chicken Tenderloin Breasts
1 jar (24 oz) Trader Joe’s Tomato Basil Marinara
8 oz Trader Joe’s Fresh Mozzarella Cheese, sliced
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
16 oz spaghetti or your favorite pasta
Directions
- Bake The Chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Place the breaded chicken pieces on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Cook The Pasta: While the chicken bakes, boil a large pot of salted water and cook the spaghetti according to package directions.
- Add The Sauce: Remove the chicken from the oven and spoon two tablespoons of marinara sauce over the center of each piece.
- Melt The Cheese: Top each piece with a slice of fresh mozzarella and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
- Broil To Finish: Return the pan to the oven and broil for 3 to 5 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned. Garnish with fresh basil.
