Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 2 pounds (900g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Breading Station

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons water
• 2 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil

For Frying

• ½ cup vegetable oil or olive oil

For Assembly

• 3 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Optional for Serving

• Spaghetti or linguine
• Garlic bread
• Fresh basil leaves
• Extra Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create thinner cutlets.

Place the cutlets between sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound them to an even thickness of about ½ inch.

Season both sides with:

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Italian seasoning

Allow the chicken to rest for 10 minutes while preparing the breading station.

Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station

Place the flour in one shallow bowl.

In a second bowl, whisk together:

• Eggs
• Water

In a third bowl combine:

• Breadcrumbs
• Parmesan cheese
• Oregano
• Basil

Arrange the bowls in order: flour, egg mixture, breadcrumb mixture.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

Coat each chicken cutlet in flour, shaking off excess.

Dip into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip away.

Press firmly into the breadcrumb mixture until completely coated.

Place the breaded cutlets on a tray and let them rest for 10 minutes.

This helps the coating adhere better during cooking.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Once hot, carefully add the chicken cutlets.

Cook for 3–4 minutes per side until:

• Golden brown
• Crispy
• Nearly cooked through

Work in batches if necessary.

Transfer the cooked cutlets to a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Spread about 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of the dish.

Arrange the fried chicken cutlets in a single layer.

Step 6: Add Sauce and Cheese

Spoon the remaining marinara sauce over each piece of chicken.

Top evenly with:

• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese

The chicken should be generously covered but not completely submerged in sauce.

Step 7: Bake

Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes.

The cheese should become:

• Melted
• Bubbly
• Lightly golden

The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 8: Garnish and Rest

Remove from the oven.

Sprinkle with:

• Fresh parsley
• Extra Parmesan cheese

Allow the Chicken Parmesan to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Homemade Marinara Sauce (Optional)

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a saucepan.
2. Sauté garlic for 1 minute.
3. Add tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and sugar.
4. Simmer for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Use immediately or cool and store.

Delicious Variations

Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches

Serve the chicken on toasted rolls with extra marinara and mozzarella.

Spicy Chicken Parmesan

Add:

• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

To the breadcrumb mixture or sauce.

Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

Air fry breaded chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes before topping with sauce and cheese.

Finish cooking until the cheese melts.

Gluten-Free Chicken Parmesan

Use:

• Gluten-free flour
• Gluten-free breadcrumbs

For a gluten-free version.

Expert Tips

Pound the Chicken Evenly

Uniform thickness ensures even cooking.

Use Freshly Grated Parmesan

Fresh cheese provides better flavor and melting quality.

Don’t Over-Sauce

Too much sauce can make the breading soggy.

Let the Breading Rest

Resting before frying helps create a crisp, durable coating.

Finish in the Oven

Baking ensures the chicken stays juicy while the cheese melts perfectly.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Chicken Parmesan with:

• Spaghetti
• Fettuccine
• Garlic bread
• Caesar salad
• Roasted vegetables
• Buttered green beans
• Mashed potatoes

Perfect for:

• Family dinners
• Sunday suppers
• Holiday meals
• Date nights
• Special occasions

Storage

Refrigerator

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer

Freeze cooked Chicken Parmesan for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through to maintain crispness.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Approximate values:

• Calories: 620
• Protein: 48g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fat: 34g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 980mg