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Easy Chicken Parmesan Recipe with Crispy Breaded Chicken

Easy Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Crispy pan-fried chicken cutlets are finished with marinara, mozzarella, and Parmesan for a comforting dinner that serves four. The chicken stays crunchy because the sauce is spooned mostly around and underneath the breading.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

Chicken
  • 2 large, about 1½ pounds total Large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 teaspoon, divided Kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon, divided Black pepper
Breading
  • ½ cup All-purpose flour
  • 2 large Large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon Water
  • 1 cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup, divided Finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon Garlic powder
For Cooking and Topping
  • ¼ cup Olive oil or neutral cooking oil
  • 1½ to 2 cups Marinara sauce
  • cups Shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tablespoons, chopped, optional Fresh parsley or basil

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Heat the oven to 425°F. Slice the chicken breasts horizontally into four cutlets, place them between sheets of plastic wrap, and gently pound them to an even thickness of about ½ inch.
  2. Season both sides of the chicken with the divided kosher salt and black pepper. Set out three shallow bowls: flour in the first, beaten eggs mixed with water in the second, and breadcrumbs mixed with ¼ cup Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder in the third.
  3. Dredge each cutlet in flour, shaking off the excess. Dip it into the egg mixture, then press it firmly into the breadcrumb mixture so the coating covers every surface.
  4. Heat the oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the breaded chicken for about 2–3 minutes per side, working in batches if needed, until the coating is golden brown.
  5. Spoon the marinara sauce into the skillet and around the chicken. Keep most of the sauce underneath or beside the cutlets instead of completely covering the crispy tops.
  6. Sprinkle the chicken with the shredded mozzarella and the remaining Parmesan. Transfer the oven-safe skillet to the 425°F oven and bake for 12–15 minutes.
  7. Check the thickest part of the chicken with an instant-read thermometer; it should reach 165°F. If desired, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end, watching closely, until the cheese is lightly browned and bubbling.
  8. Remove the skillet from the oven and rest the chicken for about 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil, then serve with pasta, salad, or garlic bread.

Notes

Panko gives the coating extra crunch, while regular Italian breadcrumbs create a more traditional texture. Freshly grated Parmesan blends into the breading especially well. Leftovers should be refrigerated and reheated in a hot oven or air fryer to help restore crispness.