Description
Comfort meets classic Italian cuisine in this mouthwatering chicken parmesan that brings restaurant-quality flavor straight to home kitchens. Crispy golden chicken topped with rich marinara and melted cheese promises a satisfying meal perfect for family dinners when you crave something deliciously familiar.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved lengthwise (to make 4 cutlets)
Coating and Seasoning:
- 1 cup (120 g) breadcrumbs (Italian-style or panko)
- ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Sauce and Topping:
- 1 ½ cups (375 ml) marinara sauce
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup (60 ml) olive oil (for frying)
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Carefully flatten the chicken cutlets to ensure uniform thickness, using a meat mallet or rolling pin to create an even surface that promotes consistent cooking.
- Prepare three separate shallow dishes for the coating process: the first containing seasoned flour, the second with whisked eggs, and the third mixing breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan, aromatic garlic powder, and fragrant Italian herbs.
- Meticulously dredge each chicken piece through the flour, ensuring a light, even coating that will help the subsequent layers adhere perfectly.
- Submerge the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off, creating a tacky surface for the breadcrumb mixture.
- Generously press the egg-coated chicken into the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, rotating and patting to achieve a complete, crisp exterior.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium temperature, creating a shimmering surface that will transform the chicken into a golden, crunchy delight.
- Carefully lower the breaded chicken into the hot oil, cooking each side for 3-4 minutes until a rich, amber-brown crust develops.
- Transfer the crispy cutlets to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil and maintain their crispness.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F, preparing for the final transformative stage of the dish.
- Spread a layer of robust marinara sauce across the bottom of a baking dish, creating a flavorful foundation.
- Arrange the golden-fried chicken cutlets atop the sauce, ensuring each piece is partially submerged.
- Generously sprinkle a blend of melty mozzarella and sharp Parmesan cheese over each chicken piece, creating a luxurious blanket of dairy goodness.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt into a bubbling, golden-brown crust that signals culinary perfection.
- Remove from the oven and let rest briefly, allowing the flavors to meld and the cheese to set slightly before serving.
Notes
- Achieving the perfect crispy coating starts with evenly pounded chicken cutlets to ensure uniform cooking and maximum crunch.
- Create a foolproof dredging technique by using one hand for dry ingredients and another for wet to prevent messy, clumpy fingers during breading.
- Maximize flavor absorption by letting the breaded chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before frying, allowing the coating to adhere more effectively and create a crispier exterior.
- Accommodate gluten-free diets by substituting regular breadcrumbs with almond meal or gluten-free breadcrumbs, maintaining the same delicious texture and golden-brown finish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 41 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg