Description
A classic Crispy Chicken Parmesan recipe featuring tender breaded chicken cutlets fried until golden, topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella, then baked to bubbly perfection. Served hot garnished with fresh herbs alongside pasta or garlic bread for a satisfying Italian-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Breading
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (halved horizontally to make 4 thin cutlets)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (Italian-seasoned or plain + 1 tsp Italian seasoning)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Toppings and Sauce
- 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
For Cooking and Garnish
- Olive oil or vegetable oil, for frying
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Serving Suggestions
- Cooked pasta or garlic bread, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the assembled chicken parmesan.
- Season chicken: Lightly season the thinly sliced chicken cutlets on both sides with salt and pepper for flavor.
- Prepare breading station: Set up three shallow bowls—one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bread the chicken: Dredge each chicken cutlet first in flour, shaking off excess, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture.
- Fry chicken cutlets: Heat olive or vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry each breaded chicken cutlet for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Drain excess oil: Transfer the fried cutlets to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil and keep crispy.
- Assemble in baking dish: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in a baking dish, place the fried chicken cutlets on top, spoon additional marinara sauce over each cutlet, and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and serve hot alongside cooked pasta, salad, or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- Halving the chicken breasts horizontally ensures thin cutlets that cook evenly and quickly.
- Using Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs adds extra flavor, but plain breadcrumbs with added Italian seasoning works just as well.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet when frying; cook in batches if needed to maintain oil temperature and crispiness.
- Letting the fried chicken rest briefly on paper towels helps keep it crispy by absorbing excess oil.
- Fresh herbs like basil or parsley add a fresh, aromatic finish to the dish.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently in the oven to preserve crispness.
