Description
This classic Chicken Parmesan recipe features crispy breaded chicken cutlets topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese, baked to perfection. It’s a comforting Italian-American favorite that combines golden-fried chicken with rich tomato sauce and cheesy goodness, perfect for a family dinner in about 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Breading
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (Italian-style or panko)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Other
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped (optional)
- ¼ cup olive oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the assembled chicken parmesan.
- Prepare Chicken Cutlets: Slice the chicken breasts horizontally to create four thin cutlets that will cook evenly and quickly.
- Set Up Breading Stations: Arrange three shallow bowls with flour, beaten eggs, and a breadcrumb mixture including Parmesan, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Bread the Chicken: Dredge each chicken cutlet first in flour, then in the beaten eggs, and finally coat them thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently so the coating sticks well.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and fry each breaded cutlet for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer the cooked cutlets to a baking dish.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Spoon marinara sauce evenly over each chicken cutlet, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally garnish with fresh chopped basil and serve hot, ideally over pasta or with a side of vegetables.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, let the breaded chicken rest for 10 minutes before frying to help coating adhere better.
- You can use either Italian-style or panko breadcrumbs depending on your preferred texture.
- If you prefer, bake the chicken parmesan in a preheated oven-safe skillet instead of transferring to a baking dish.
- Fresh basil is optional but adds a nice fresh flavor and color contrast.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated in an oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
