Description
Welcome to the ultimate Chicken Parmesan recipe, where crispy breaded chicken meets rich marinara sauce and melted cheese! If you’re craving a restaurant-quality Italian dinner, this guide will walk you through step-by-step instructions to achieve the best homemade Chicken Parmesan. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned chef, this recipe delivers a crispy, flavorful dish perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken Cutlets:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved horizontally
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika (for extra color and flavor)
- ½ cup vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Marinara Sauce:
- 2 cups crushed tomatoes (San Marzano recommended)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
- ½ teaspoon sugar (balances acidity)
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
For Topping:
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
Step1: Prepare the Chicken
- Butterfly and pound the chicken – Slice each chicken breast in half horizontally. Pound them lightly with a meat mallet to even thickness (about ½ inch).
- Season the chicken – Sprinkle both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Step2: Set Up the Breading Station
- Flour coating: Place the flour in a shallow dish.
- Egg wash: Beat eggs in another dish.
- Breadcrumb mixture: In a third dish, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and onion powder.
Step3: Bread the Chicken
- Dredge each chicken piece in flour, shaking off excess.
- Dip into the beaten eggs, ensuring full coverage.
- Coat in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.
Step4: Fry the Chicken
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Fry chicken 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to remove excess oil.
Step5: Prepare the Marinara Sauce
- Heat olive oil in a saucepan. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes, sugar, salt, and black pepper.
- Simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in fresh basil and remove from heat.
Step6: Assemble the Chicken Parmesan
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in a baking dish.
- Place fried chicken cutlets on top.
- Spoon additional marinara sauce over the chicken.
- Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step7: Serve & Enjoy!
Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use Panko breadcrumbs for an extra-crispy coating.
- Don’t skip pounding the chicken – this ensures even cooking.
- Double breading (flour → egg → breadcrumbs twice) creates a thicker crust.
- Use fresh mozzarella for a richer, more decadent cheese topping.