Description
This classic Chicken Parmesan recipe features tender chicken cutlets breaded to crispy perfection, topped with melting mozzarella, rich marinara, and parmesan cheese, baked to golden bubbly goodness. Ideal for an easy weeknight dinner or special occasion, it pairs wonderfully with pasta or a fresh Italian salad.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken
- 3 chicken breasts, sliced in half length-wise to create 6 cutlets
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (can also use gluten-free flour blend or white whole wheat)
- 3 eggs, whisked
- 1/3 cup olive oil
Breadcrumbs
- 1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, shredded
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 2 tsp Italian herb blend (thyme, oregano, basil, rosemary)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
For the Topping
- 6 slices Mozzarella
- 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
- 1/3 cup parmesan cheese, shredded
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the chicken parmesan.
- Tenderize Chicken Place chicken cutlets between two sheets of parchment paper or in a large ziplock bag. Firmly pound them with a rolling pin or meat mallet until they are about 1/2 inch thick. Remove and pat dry with paper towels.
- Prepare Breadcrumb Mixture In a shallow dish, combine breadcrumbs, shredded parmesan, salt, pepper, Italian herb blend, and garlic powder.
- Set Up Breading Station Arrange three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with whisked eggs, and one with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Bread the Chicken Coat each chicken cutlet in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into the whisked eggs, then coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently so breadcrumbs adhere on both sides.
- Brown the Chicken Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over low to medium heat. Brown the breaded chicken cutlets for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden and crisp.
- Assemble in Baking Dish Arrange the browned chicken cutlets in a large baking dish. Layer each with a slice of mozzarella and spoon marinara sauce over the top.
- Bake the Chicken Parmesan Bake uncovered in the preheated oven at 425F for 14 minutes. Remove from oven and sprinkle with shredded parmesan cheese.
- Broil for Finish Set the oven to broil on high and broil the chicken parmesan for 1 minute or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve Sprinkle fresh chopped basil on top before serving. Enjoy your homemade Chicken Parmesan!
Notes
- This recipe pairs excellently with any pasta shape or an Italian salad like Tuscan artichoke or chopped Italian salad.
- Serve alongside crusty bread such as country sourdough or Italian bread for a complete meal.
- To reduce oil use, try the baked method: after breading, place chicken in an oiled baking pan, brush with olive oil, bake at 450F for 25 minutes, then add toppings and bake 5 more minutes before broiling.
- Make sure chicken cutlets are pounded evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
- Use fresh basil for optimal flavor and a bright, fresh finish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 460 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg
