Crispy Chicken Parmesan: A Classic Italian Comfort Dish
Crispy Chicken Parmesan is a timeless Italian-American classic that combines tender chicken cutlets, a golden, crunchy crust, savory marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese. Every bite is a delicious harmony of textures and flavors, perfect for weeknight dinners, romantic meals, or impressing dinner guests. This comforting dish is easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 large eggs
- 3 cloves garlic grated
- 2 tablespoons parsley chopped
- 6 chicken cutlets
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup regular breadcrumbs
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 1 teaspoon basil
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For Cooking and Topping:
- ½ cup avocado oil or any neutral oil for frying
- 24 ounces marinara sauce 1 jar
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Lightly grease a baking dish or baking sheet to prevent sticking.
Marinate the Chicken:
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, grated garlic, chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Dip each chicken cutlet into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Place the coated chicken in a shallow dish and let it marinate for 15–45 minutes to enhance flavor and help the breading adhere.
Prepare the Breading Mixture:
- In another shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, basil, oregano, garlic powder, and salt.
- Mix thoroughly to create a uniform breading.
Bread the Chicken:
- Remove each chicken cutlet from the egg mixture, letting any excess drip off.
- Dip the cutlet into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coating.
- Repeat with all the chicken cutlets and set them aside.
Fry the Chicken:
- Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot and shimmering, fry the breaded chicken cutlets for about 5 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer the cooked chicken to the prepared baking dish.
Top with Sauce and Cheese:
- Spoon about ¼ cup of marinara sauce onto each chicken cutlet.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
Bake the Chicken:
- Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 17–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the chicken from the oven and sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley.
- Serve hot with your favorite sides, such as pasta, salad, or garlic bread.
Notes
- Thin Cutlets: Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness for uniform cooking and a crispy crust.
- Fry First, Bake Later: Frying ensures a crunchy crust, while baking melts the cheese and cooks the chicken through.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly grated Parmesan and high-quality marinara sauce enhance the dish’s flavor.