Ingredients
Method
Step-by-Step
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
