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Chicken Parmesan

Chicken Parmesan

The ultimate comfort food, Chicken Parmesan combines crispy chicken cutlets with savory marinara and gooey cheese for an easy weeknight dinner. You'll crave this delicious dish again and again, so whip it up tonight!
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 570
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 6 boneless chicken breast halves
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/3 cup flour
  • 1 1/2 cups panko bread crumbs
  • 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese grated on smallest hole
  • 1/2 tsp dried parsley dried
  • 1/2 tsp dried basil dried
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 8 oz. mozzarella cut into 12 slices
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • chopped fresh basil
  • 1 (28 oz.) can crushed tomatoes no seasonings added
  • 1/2 TBS sugar
  • 1 chicken bouillon
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • Dash-1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Equipment

  • Wooden Spoon
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Oven
  • Grater
  • Skillet
  • Frying Pan
  • Chef's Knife
  • Saucepan
  • Baking Sheet

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 450 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup and spray it with nonstick cooking spray. This helps prevent the chicken from sticking and makes for a simple post-cooking cleanup.
  2. Roll out a piece of parchment paper to place the breaded chicken on while it rests before frying. This is crucial to keep the breading intact and allows for even frying.
  3. Take your chicken breast halves and place them between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a meat mallet or any heavy object to pound the chicken to an even thickness of 1/4 to 1/2 inch. This ensures even cooking and tenderizes the meat.
  4. Now, set up your breading station with three shallow dishes: in the first bowl, add flour; in the second, whisk the eggs; and in the third, mix the panko, 3/4 cup of Parmesan cheese, and the seasonings for the chicken.
  5. Take one chicken cutlet at a time and dip both sides into the flour, ensuring it’s fully coated. Shake off any excess, then dip into the egg, allowing any drips to fall back into the bowl. Finally, coat the chicken with the panko mixture, pressing firmly so the breadcrumbs adhere well.
  6. Once coated, place the breaded chicken on the prepared parchment paper. Let the chicken rest for about 15 minutes, which helps the breading stick better during frying.
  7. While the chicken is resting, it’s time to prepare the 5 Minute Marinara. In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine all the Marinara ingredients. Stir and let it come to a gentle simmer for about 5 minutes. Once done, keep it warm on low heat until you're ready to use it.
  8. In a large skillet, melt butter and add olive oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is shimmering and hot, carefully lower the heat to medium (around 350 degrees F) and fry 2 to 3 cutlets at a time. Cook until they are golden brown and crispy, about 3 to 4 minutes on each side. Transfer the fried cutlets to the prepared baking sheet.
  9. Once all the chicken is fried, it’s time to assemble! Top each cutlet with 1/4 to 1/3 cup of the Marinara sauce, followed by 2 slices of mozzarella. Sprinkle evenly with 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese.
  10. Finally, bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken, or until it is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with fresh chopped basil and serve with pasta and the remaining Marinara sauce if desired.

Notes

For best results, use freshly grated Parmesan and mozzarella found in the specialty cheese section. This enhances the flavor significantly and ensures the best melt. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days, and reheat in the oven for the best texture.