Chicken Parmesan – Crispy, Saucy & Cheesy 🍗🧀🍅
(A classic Italian-American dish featuring crispy breaded chicken, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese—perfectly served with pasta or garlic bread!)
Ingredients:
🔹 For the Chicken:
2 large chicken breasts, halved lengthwise (to make 4 cutlets)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko or Italian-style)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)
¼ cup olive oil, for frying
🔹 For the Sauce:
2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1 teaspoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 teaspoon sugar (if the sauce is too acidic)
¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
🔹 For Topping:
1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded or fresh slices
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Pat chicken cutlets dry and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
2. Bread the Chicken:
Set up a breading station:
Bowl 1: Flour
Bowl 2: Beaten eggs
Bowl 3: Breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes.
Dredge each chicken piece in flour, then egg, then coat with breadcrumb mixture.
3. Fry Until Crispy:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Fry chicken 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
Place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
4. Make the Sauce:
In the same pan, heat 1 teaspoon olive oil over medium heat.
Add garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté for 30 seconds.
Stir in marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
Add sugar (if needed) and fresh basil.
5. Assemble & Bake:
Spread a layer of marinara sauce in a baking dish.
Place fried chicken cutlets on top.
Spoon a little more sauce over each cutlet.
Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Bake uncovered for 12-15 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and golden.
6. Garnish & Serve:
Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley.
Serve with spaghetti, garlic bread, or a side salad.
Tips for the Best Chicken Parmesan:
✅ Use Panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness.
✅ Don’t drown the chicken in sauce—keep it crispy!
✅ Broil for 2-3 minutes at the end for an extra golden top.