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Classic Crispy Pan-Fried Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Close-up of crispy chicken parmesan cut in half, showing melted mozzarella cheese stretching over rich tomato sauce.
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Make restaurant-quality Chicken Parmesan with a perfectly crispy crust, juicy chicken, savory marinara, and melted mozzarella. This Italian American comfort food classic is easy enough for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

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  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 1/2 cups seasoned breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for breading)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup olive oil or vegetable oil, for frying
  • 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce (high quality recommended)
  • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced or shredded
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap. Pound them to an even 1/2-inch thickness using a meat mallet. Season both sides lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. Set up the breading station: Prepare three shallow dishes. Place flour in the first. Whisk eggs in the second. In the third dish, combine the breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and oregano.
  3. Dredge the chicken: Coat each cutlet first in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into the egg mixture, letting excess drip off. Finally, press firmly into the breadcrumb mixture to coat both sides completely.
  4. Pan-fry the chicken: Heat the oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully place two cutlets in the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Remove chicken and place on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil. Repeat with remaining cutlets.
  5. Assemble for baking: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange the crispy chicken cutlets over the sauce.
  6. Top the chicken: Spoon a generous amount of marinara sauce over each cutlet. Top each piece with slices or a layer of mozzarella cheese, followed by a sprinkle of the remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese.
  7. Bake until done: Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden, and the chicken is heated through.
  8. Serve immediately: Garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve this cheesy chicken main dish over pasta or with a side salad.

Notes

  • For a baked chicken parmesan recipe without frying, skip step 4. After breading, place the cutlets on a lightly oiled baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 15 minutes. Then, proceed with topping and baking as described in steps 5 through 7. This provides a lighter, no-fry crispy chicken parmesan.
  • To achieve restaurant quality texture, use panko breadcrumbs mixed with the standard breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
  • If you prefer a quicker meal, use thinner chicken cutlets, which will reduce the pan-frying and baking time.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookerycommand.com/chicken-parmesan-recipe-crispy-dinner/