Description
This classic Chicken Parmesan recipe features golden, crispy chicken breasts breaded and fried to perfection, then topped with savory marinara sauce and a melted blend of mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Finished in the oven and garnished with fresh basil, this dish is a comforting Italian-American favorite served best over spaghetti.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Coating
- 4 chicken breasts (halves, boneless and skinless)
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- ¼ cup vegetable oil (or olive oil for frying)
- ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ¾ cup regular breadcrumbs
- ½ cup parmesan cheese (grated)
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
Toppings
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- ½ cup parmesan cheese (grated)
- 2 leaves basil (chopped)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 425℉ to get it ready for baking the chicken topped with cheese and sauce.
- Pound the chicken: Place one chicken breast at a time between two pieces of parchment paper and pound using the flat side of a meat mallet until about ½ inch thick. Repeat for each breast to ensure even cooking.
- Prepare dredging stations: Place the flour in a shallow plate, beaten eggs in another, and combine panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs, grated parmesan, salt, and pepper in a third shallow plate.
- Coat the chicken: Dredge each chicken breast first in flour ensuring both sides are coated, then dip in beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture. Transfer each prepared piece to a baking sheet.
- Fry the chicken: Heat the oil in a large skillet or frying pan until it reaches between 375℉ and 400℉. Fry the chicken breasts in batches, adding two pieces at a time, cooking about 4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and place on a baking sheet.
- Top with sauce and cheese: Spoon about ¼ cup of marinara sauce over each fried chicken piece. Sprinkle ¼ cup mozzarella cheese and ¼ cup parmesan cheese on top of each.
- Bake the chicken: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes or until the cheese has melted completely and is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped basil leaves over the baked chicken Parmesan. Serve hot, ideally over cooked spaghetti or your favorite pasta.
Notes
- This Chicken Parmesan recipe delivers crispy, golden chicken covered with rich marinara and a cheesy topping that melts perfectly in the oven.
- Using both panko and regular breadcrumbs provides an extra crispy texture.
- Pounding the chicken breasts thin aids in even cooking and tenderness.
- Frying the chicken before baking locks in moisture and creates a flavorful crust.
- Fresh basil adds a bright finishing note and complements the tomato sauce beautifully.
- Serve over spaghetti or your preferred pasta for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 346 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 777 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 102 mg
