Crispy Chicken Parmesan

Ingredients:

  • 6 boneless chicken breast halves
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/3 cup flour
  • 1½ cups panko bread crumbs
  • ¾ cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
  • ½ teaspoon dried parsley
  • ½ teaspoon dried basil
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper
  • ¼ cup vegetable oil
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter
  • Topping
    • 8 ounces mozzarella (cut into 12 slices)
    • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
    • Fresh basil (chopped)
  • Marinara
    • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes (no seasonings added)
    • ½ tablespoon sugar
    • ½ tablespoon chicken bouillon
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon onion powder
    • 1 teaspoon dried basil
    • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
    • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ¼ teaspoon pepper
    • Dash-¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Pasta (optional)

Directions

Preheat oven to 450° F. Line a baking tray with foil (for easy cleanup) and spray with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside. Roll out a piece of parchment paper (for breaded chicken to rest before frying). Set aside.

Place chicken breast halves between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper and pound chicken to an even thickness of ¼-½ inch. Set aside.

Line up 3 shallow dishes. In one bowl add flour, in a second bowl whisk the eggs and in the third bowl mix panko, ¾ cup Parmesan cheese and all chicken seasonings.

Working with one chicken cutlet at a time, dip both sides of the chicken into the flour, followed by the egg (let excess drip off) followed by the panko. Press the panko firmly into the chicken so it’s evenly coated and breadcrumbs stick. Place finished chicken on prepared parchment paper. Let rest 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, prepare the marinara by combining all of the marinara ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Decrease heat to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes then keep warm on low until ready to use, stirring occasionally. (You will not use all of the Marinara on the chicken.)

Melt butter in olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Once very hot, lower the heat to medium (350° F) and fry 3 cutlets at a time until they are golden and crispy on each side, about 3-4 minutes per side. Place fried cutlets on prepared baking sheet. Repeat with remaining chicken.

Top each cutlet with ¼-1/3 cup marinara followed by 2 slices mozzarella. Sprinkle evenly with ¼ cup Parmesan.

Bake at 450° F for 10-15 minutes (depending on thickness of chicken) or until chicken is cooked through.

Garnish with fresh basil and serve with pasta and remaining marinara if desired.

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