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Chicken Parmesan Recipe (Best EVER!)

Chicken Parmesan Recipe (Best EVER!)

This chicken Parmesan recipe combines crispy breaded chicken cutlets with homemade marinara sauce and melted cheese for a comforting Italian-American classic. The secret lies in using panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness and fresh ingredients for authentic flavors. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this dish brings people together around the table.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 450
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

  • medium saucepan
  • large skillet
  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Wire rack
  • baking sheet
  • shallow dishes
  • meat thermometer

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Make marinara sauce: Heat olive oil in saucepan, cook onion until soft (5 min), add garlic until fragrant (1 min), add crushed tomatoes and basil sprigs, season with salt and pepper, simmer uncovered for 20 minutes
  2. Set up breading station: three dishes with flour, beaten eggs, and panko bread crumbs mixed with garlic powder and 1 cup Parmesan
  3. Season chicken cutlets with salt and pepper, dredge in flour, dip in eggs, then coat with panko-Parmesan mixture
  4. Place breaded cutlets on wire rack over baking sheet
  5. Heat vegetable oil in skillet until hot (when breadcrumb sizzles), fry cutlets 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F
  6. Return cooked cutlets to wire rack to drain excess oil
  7. Preheat oven to 400°F, spread 1/2 cup marinara in 9x13-inch baking dish
  8. Arrange fried chicken cutlets in single layer, spoon additional sauce over each, sprinkle with remaining Parmesan and mozzarella
  9. Bake 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly, optionally broil last 1-2 minutes for browning

Notes

Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness that stays crunchy. Pound chicken to even thickness for uniform cooking. Let chicken rest after frying before assembling. For lighter version, bake breaded cutlets instead of frying.