Crispy Chicken Parmesan
This Crispy Chicken Parmesan is a crowd-pleasing classic! Golden breaded chicken topped with marinara and gooey cheese, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for frying
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken Breasts
- Start by trimming any excess fat from the chicken breasts. Place each breast between two pieces of plastic wrap or parchment paper and gently pound them to an even thickness, about ½ inch.
Set Up Breading Station
- In three shallow bowls, place the flour in the first, beaten eggs in the second, and a mixture of breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper in the third.
Bread the Chicken
- Coat each chicken breast first in flour, shaking off the excess. Then dip into the egg wash, followed by a thorough coating of the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture. Press lightly to ensure the crumbs adhere well.
Fry to Perfection
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the breaded chicken breasts and fry for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Assemble and Bake
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce. Place the fried chicken breasts on top, then spoon more marinara over each piece. Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
Bake Until Bubbly
- Bake uncovered for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. For an extra bubbly finish, switch to broil for the last 1-2 minutes—just watch carefully to avoid burning.
Garnish and Serve
- Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. This dish pairs beautifully with pasta, garlic bread, or a vibrant salad for a complete meal.
Equipment
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Shallow Bowls
- Baking dish or oven-safe skillet
- Meat Mallet or Rolling Pin
- Tongs
- Oven mitts
Notes
- For an extra crispy crust, try using panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones.
- Substitute chicken breasts with turkey cutlets or chicken thighs for variation.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 3-4 days; reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.