Go Back
Chicken Parmesan Recipe (Best EVER!)

Chicken Parmesan Recipe (Best EVER!)

This chicken Parmesan features a crispy golden crust made with panko bread crumbs and Parmesan, layered with homemade marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. The recipe uses 1/4-inch thick chicken cutlets for even cooking and serves 10 people, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings. It's a crowd-pleasing Italian-American classic that reheats beautifully for meal prep.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 3 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 6 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 (28-oz.) can crushed tomatoes
  • 2 large sprigs basil
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 c. panko bread crumbs
  • 1 tsp. garlic powder
  • 2 c. finely grated Parmesan, divided
  • 3/4 c. all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 6 (1/4"-thick) boneless, skinless chicken cutlets (about 1 1/2 lb. total)
  • 1 c. shredded mozzarella
  • 1 c. vegetable or canola oil
  • Chopped fresh basil, for serving

Equipment

  • saucepan
  • large skillet
  • Baking dish
  • 3 shallow bowls

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent (5 min). Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Add crushed tomatoes, basil sprigs, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 20 minutes for flavors to meld.
  3. Set up breading station: flour in first bowl, beaten eggs in second bowl, panko bread crumbs mixed with garlic powder and 1 cup Parmesan in third bowl.
  4. Dredge chicken cutlets: flour first, then egg, then panko-Parmesan mixture. Let rest 5-10 minutes before frying.
  5. Heat 1 cup oil in large skillet over medium-high heat (350-375°F). Fry chicken 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  6. Drain chicken on paper towels. Preheat oven to 375°F. Spread thin layer of marinara in baking dish.
  7. Arrange fried chicken in dish, spoon more marinara over each cutlet, and top with 1 cup mozzarella cheese.
  8. Bake 15-20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Notes

Let breaded chicken rest 5-10 minutes before frying for better coating adherence. Use thermometer to maintain oil temperature at 350-375°F. Can bread chicken and make sauce ahead of time. Serve over pasta or with garlic bread and salad.