Description
Classic Chicken Parmesan featuring crispy breaded chicken cutlets topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese, baked to perfection. A comforting Italian-American favorite served best over pasta or spaghetti.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Breading
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved horizontally to make 4 cutlets
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cooking
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Garnish & Serving
- 1/4 cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional)
- Cooked spaghetti or pasta for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the chicken parmesan later.
- Prepare Breading Stations: Place the flour in one shallow bowl, beat the eggs in a second bowl, and mix together the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a third bowl.
- Bread the Chicken: Dredge each chicken cutlet first in the flour, shaking off any excess, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently so it adheres well.
- Fry Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the breaded chicken cutlets for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and are cooked through.
- Assemble for Baking: Place the fried chicken cutlets on a baking sheet. Spoon a generous amount of marinara sauce over each cutlet, then sprinkle evenly with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley if using, and serve hot over cooked spaghetti or your favorite pasta.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the most authentic flavor.
- For a lighter alternative, bake the breaded chicken cutlets at 425°F for about 20 minutes instead of frying.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with garlic bread and a fresh green salad.
- To make gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free versions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop and Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cutlet with sauce and cheese
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
