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Classic Crispy Chicken Parmesan

Close-up of a slice of baked chicken parmesan recipe showing melted, stretchy mozzarella cheese and rich tomato sauce.
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A recipe for pan-fried chicken breasts coated in seasoned breadcrumbs, topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese, finished in the oven for a restaurant-quality texture.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 1/2 cups seasoned breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup olive oil, for frying
  • 2 cups marinara sauce, warmed
  • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Lightly grease a baking dish.
  2. Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap. Pound the chicken to an even 1/2-inch thickness using a meat mallet.
  3. Set up a standard breading station: Place flour in one shallow dish. Whisk eggs in a second dish. Combine breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup Parmesan, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a third dish.
  4. Dredge each pounded chicken breast first in flour, shaking off excess. Dip it into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Finally, press the chicken firmly into the breadcrumb mixture to coat both sides completely.
  5. Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the breaded chicken into the hot oil, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
  6. Pan-fry for 3 to 4 minutes per side until the crust is golden brown and crispy. The chicken will not be fully cooked at this stage.
  7. Transfer the skillet (or arrange the chicken in the prepared baking dish) and top each piece with about 1/2 cup of warm marinara sauce.
  8. Layer the mozzarella slices over the sauce, then sprinkle with extra grated Parmesan cheese.
  9. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).
  10. Garnish with fresh basil before serving. Serve immediately over pasta or with garlic bread.

Notes

  • For a baked, healthier alternative: Skip the pan-frying step. Place the breaded chicken on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray. Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes, then top with sauce and cheese and bake for another 10-15 minutes until done.
  • Use Panko breadcrumbs instead of standard breadcrumbs for an extra crispy texture.
  • You can make this a casserole by layering the cooked chicken, sauce, and cheese in a 9×13 inch dish and baking until melted.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://sundayflavor.com/chicken-parmesan-recipe-classic-crispy/