Classic Chicken Parmesan
A comforting Italian-American favorite featuring crispy, golden-fried chicken cutlets smothered in rich marinara and melted mozzarella cheese.
Ingredients
- •4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to 1/2-inch thickness
- •1 cup all-purpose flour
- •2 large eggs, beaten
- •1.5 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
- •1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- •1/2 cup vegetable oil for frying
- •2 cups high-quality marinara sauce
- •8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced or shredded
- •1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- •1 teaspoon kosher salt
- •1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- 2
Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: one with flour mixed with salt and pepper, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
- 3
Dredge each chicken breast in flour, dip into the egg, and then press firmly into the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated.
- 4
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- 5
Place the fried chicken cutlets in a single layer in a large baking dish.
- 6
Spoon a generous amount of marinara sauce over each breast and top with the mozzarella cheese.
- 7
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- 8
Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
💡 Chef tips
- For extra crispiness, use Panko breadcrumbs instead of standard breadcrumbs.
- You can prepare the breaded chicken ahead of time and keep them in the fridge for up to 4 hours before frying.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat in the oven to maintain the crust's texture.
✅ How it should turn out
The finished dish should feature a perfectly crispy crust that contrasts with the tender chicken, topped with bubbling, melted cheese and a vibrant, aromatic tomato sauce.