Description
Crispy golden chicken parmesan brings classic Italian comfort straight to dinner tables with irresistible layers of melted cheese and marinara sauce. Quick weeknight magic meets restaurant-quality flavors that will delight you and satisfy hearty appetites.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs or 680 g)
Coating Ingredients:
- 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup (100 g) breadcrumbs (Italian seasoned preferred)
- ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Spices:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup (60 ml) vegetable oil, for frying
Topping:
- 2 cups (500 ml) marinara sauce
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Serving (optional):
- Cooked spaghetti or your favorite pasta
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to a scorching 400F (200C), preparing a canvas for culinary transformation.
- Place chicken breasts between plastic wrap sheets, gently pound them to an even 1/2-inch thickness, ensuring uniform cooking potential.
- Create a strategic breading station with three distinct zones: seasoned flour, whisked eggs, and a harmonious blend of breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, and Italian herbs.
- Meticulously coat each chicken piece by first dusting with flour, then immersing in egg, and finally encrusting with the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing firmly to create a robust exterior.
- Warm vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat, creating a golden cooking environment.
- Carefully introduce chicken to the hot oil, allowing each piece to transform into a crispy, amber-hued delicacy, approximately 2-3 minutes per side.
- Transfer the fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate, letting excess oil retreat.
- Spread a generous layer of marinara sauce across the bottom of a baking dish, creating a flavorful foundation.
- Arrange the crisp chicken pieces atop the sauce, then lavish with additional marinara, ensuring complete coverage.
- Generously crown each chicken piece with molten mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan, promising a decadent cheese experience.
- Slide the dish into the preheated oven, allowing 15-20 minutes for the cheese to melt into a bubbling, golden masterpiece and the chicken to reach a safe 165F (74C) internal temperature.
- Garnish with vibrant fresh basil leaves, transforming the dish into a visual and gustatory delight.
- Serve immediately, accompanied by twirling spaghetti or a crisp green salad, inviting eager diners to indulge.
Notes
- Use thin-sliced chicken breasts to reduce pounding time and ensure even cooking throughout the meat.
- Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help the breading stick better and create a crispier exterior.
- Maintain oil temperature around 350F when frying to prevent soggy or greasy chicken breasts.
- Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko for a celiac-friendly version of the dish.
- Let chicken rest for a few minutes after frying to help retain moisture and prevent the crispy coating from becoming soggy.
- Add red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for an extra kick of heat and flavor complexity.
- Choose low-moisture mozzarella to prevent excess liquid when baking and ensure a perfectly melted cheese topping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg