Description
A classic Italian-American dish featuring breaded and pan-fried chicken breasts topped with marinara sauce, melted mozzarella, and parmesan cheese. Chicken Parmesan offers a crispy coating with a savory, cheesy finish, perfect as a comforting dinner served over pasta or on its own.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Coating
- 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut in half horizontally to make 6 breast halves
- ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, divided
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 cup Italian style bread crumbs or panko
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3 tablespoons oil
Sauce and Cheese
- 24 ounces marinara sauce or homemade marinara
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts in half horizontally to create six thinner cutlets. This helps them cook evenly and stay tender.
- Mix the Coating: In one bowl, whisk the eggs. In a separate shallow dish, combine panko bread crumbs, Italian style bread crumbs, garlic powder, and half of the grated parmesan cheese.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken cutlet first into the egg wash, then dredge thoroughly in the bread crumb mixture until well coated on both sides.
- Pan Fry the Chicken: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the coated chicken cutlets for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Assemble and Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a layer of marinara sauce in a baking dish. Arrange the fried chicken cutlets on top, spoon more marinara sauce over them, then sprinkle with mozzarella and the remaining parmesan cheese.
- Bake to Melt Cheese: Bake the assembled dish in the oven for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve hot, ideally with pasta or a side salad.
Notes
- For a healthier version, you can bake the chicken cutlets instead of frying them.
- Homemade marinara sauce enhances flavor but store-bought works well too.
- Ensure chicken is cooked fully to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- Using a combination of panko and Italian bread crumbs gives extra crispiness and flavor.
- Fresh basil adds a nice aromatic touch and fresh taste to the dish.
Keywords: Chicken Parmesan, breaded chicken, Italian recipe, chicken with marinara, cheesy chicken, comfort food