Description
Irresistible classic chicken parmigiana delivers Italian-American comfort on a plate, promising crispy golden chicken beneath rich marinara and melted cheese. Passionate cooks can savor each perfectly layered bite, bringing restaurant-quality magic directly to home kitchens.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (halved to make 4 cutlets)
Breading and Seasoning:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Sauce and Cheese Topping:
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup olive oil (for frying)
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Butterfly and tenderize chicken breasts by slicing them horizontally and gently pounding to ensure uniform thickness, promoting even cooking and optimal texture.
- Create a strategic three-station coating setup: first dredge cutlets in flour to absorb moisture, then immerse in seasoned egg wash for adhesion, and finally coat thoroughly with herbed breadcrumb mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
- Heat olive oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet until shimmering, then carefully place breaded cutlets, allowing each side to transform into a golden, crisp exterior without overcrowding the pan.
- Prepare a baking vessel by spreading a thin marinara layer, creating a flavorful foundation for the chicken cutlets to rest upon before adding a generous blanket of melting mozzarella and sharp Parmesan cheese.
- Transfer the assembled dish to a preheated oven, allowing the cheese to melt luxuriously and develop a slightly caramelized surface, intensifying the overall flavor profile.
- Finish the dish with a delicate sprinkle of freshly torn basil leaves, presenting a visually appealing and aromatic classic chicken parmigiana that pairs wonderfully with complementary side dishes.
Notes
- Slice chicken breasts carefully to ensure uniform thickness, preventing uneven cooking and dry edges.
- Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound cutlets gently, creating tender and consistent pieces that cook evenly.
- Add extra crunch by double-dipping cutlets in breadcrumb mixture for a thicker, crispier coating that stays golden and crisp.
- Experiment with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour for a low-carb version that maintains the classic crispy texture.
- Pat chicken completely dry before coating to help breading adhere better and create a crispier exterior.
- Control oil temperature between 350-375°F to prevent burning and ensure perfectly golden chicken without greasy results.
- Swap marinara for lighter tomato sauce to reduce calories and create a healthier version of this classic dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 577
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 1043 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 46 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 151 mg