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Ultimate Crispy Classic Chicken Parmesan

Two breaded cutlets covered in marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese for a delicious chicken parmesan recipe.
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Make restaurant-quality Chicken Parmesan at home. This recipe focuses on achieving a very crispy breading, pan-fried or baked, topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for breading)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup olive oil (for pan-frying)
  • 2 cups quality marinara sauce
  • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
  • Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap. Pound them to an even 1/2-inch thickness using a meat mallet. Season both sides lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. Set up the breading station: Place flour on one shallow plate. Whisk eggs in a second shallow bowl. Mix panko breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, oregano, and garlic powder on a third shallow plate.
  3. Dredge the chicken: Coat each cutlet first in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into the egg mixture, letting excess drip off. Press firmly into the panko mixture to coat both sides completely.
  4. Cook the chicken (Pan-Fry Method): Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, carefully place two cutlets in the pan. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Remove and drain on a wire rack. Repeat with remaining cutlets.
  5. Cook the chicken (Baked Method Alternative): Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray a baking sheet with cooking spray. Place breaded cutlets on the sheet. Bake for 15 minutes, flip, and bake for another 5 to 7 minutes until cooked through.
  6. Assemble: Place cooked cutlets in a baking dish. Spoon marinara sauce over each piece. Top generously with mozzarella slices and sprinkle with the remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese.
  7. Bake until cheese is melted and bubbly, about 5 to 7 minutes. Broil for 1 minute if you want more browning on the cheese.
  8. Garnish with fresh basil before serving. Serve immediately, often with pasta or garlic bread.

Notes

  • For the crispiest result, use panko breadcrumbs instead of standard breadcrumbs.
  • If you prefer an air fryer, cook the breaded cutlets at 380°F for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway, before adding sauce and cheese and baking briefly to melt.
  • Use high-quality marinara sauce; it makes a difference in the final flavor.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://eatableempress.com/chicken-parmesan-recipe-crispy-cheesy-guide/