Description
This Easy Chicken Parmesan is crispy, cheesy, and smothered in a rich tomato sauce—yet simple enough for a weeknight dinner! Serve it over pasta or with a side salad for a classic Italian-American meal.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved lengthwise (to make 4 cutlets)
- 1 cup (120 g) breadcrumbs (Italian-style or panko for extra crunch)
- 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese 🧀
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) olive oil (for frying)
For the Topping & Sauce
- 1 1/2 cups (375 ml) marinara sauce 🍅
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese 🧀
- 1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Prep the Chicken
- Flatten the chicken: If needed, pound the chicken cutlets to an even thickness (about ½ inch) using a rolling pin or mallet.
- Set up a dredging station:
- Bowl 1: Flour, salt, and pepper.
- Bowl 2: Beaten eggs.
- Bowl 3: Breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
2. Bread & Fry the Chicken
- Coat each chicken cutlet:
- Dredge in flour, shaking off excess.
- Dip into the eggs, coating completely.
- Press into the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Fry the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
3. Assemble & Bake
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Spread marinara sauce in a baking dish. Place crispy chicken cutlets on top.
- Sprinkle mozzarella & Parmesan cheese over each piece.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
4. Serve & Enjoy!
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve over spaghetti or with garlic bread.
Notes
✔ Extra crispy? Use panko breadcrumbs and double-fry for an ultra-crunchy crust.
✔ No frying? Bake the breaded chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.
✔ Low-carb? Use almond flour and crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs.
✔ Spicy twist? Add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for heat!