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Chicken Parmesan Recipe

This easy chicken parmesan recipe delivers golden, crispy chicken cutlets topped with tangy marinara, melty mozzarella, and Parmesan. It’s the ultimate comfort food, foolproof and perfect for weeknights, family dinners, or cozy gatherings.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 520

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 ½ pounds), halved horizontally and pounded to ½-inch thick
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese divided
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ cup olive oil or enough for shallow frying
  • 2 cups marinara sauce homemade or store-bought
  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish
  • Cooked spaghetti or your favorite pasta for serving (optional)

Method
 

  1. Prepare the chicken. Place each chicken breast half between two sheets of parchment paper and gently pound with a meat mallet until about ½-inch thick. This ensures even cooking and tender bites.
  2. Set up the breading station. Place flour in a shallow dish. In another dish, whisk the eggs with water. In a third dish, combine breadcrumbs, ¼ cup Parmesan, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  3. Bread the chicken. Dredge each cutlet in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into the egg mixture, then press firmly into the breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides. Lay breaded chicken on a plate.
  4. Fry the chicken. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, fry the chicken cutlets 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Place on a paper towel–lined plate to drain.
  5. Assemble the dish. Preheat oven to 400°F. Spread ½ cup marinara sauce in the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange chicken cutlets on top. Spoon 2–3 tablespoons marinara over each piece, then sprinkle evenly with mozzarella and the remaining Parmesan.
  6. Bake until bubbly. Place the dish in the oven and bake 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
  7. Serve. Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot over pasta, with salad, or tucked into a sandwich roll.