Description
Italian Chicken Parmesan is a classic, comforting dish featuring breaded and pan-fried chicken cutlets topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese, then finished in the oven to achieve a golden, bubbly crust. Perfect served over pasta, this recipe delivers a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Cutlets
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved horizontally (to make 4 cutlets)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Cooking
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional)
Serving (Optional)
- Cooked spaghetti or pasta, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven – Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and lightly grease a baking dish or oven-safe skillet to prepare for baking the chicken later.
- Prepare Chicken Cutlets – Pound the chicken cutlets to an even thickness if needed to ensure even cooking. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
- Set up Breading Station – Arrange three shallow bowls: one with flour, the second with beaten eggs, and the third with a mixture of Italian-style breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese for coating the chicken.
- Bread the Chicken – Dredge each chicken cutlet first in flour, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat with the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture. Press the coating firmly to help it adhere well.
- Pan-Fry Chicken – Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the breaded chicken cutlets for about 2–3 minutes per side until they are golden brown and crispy. Note that the chicken will finish cooking in the oven.
- Assemble for Baking – Transfer the browned chicken cutlets to the prepared baking dish. Spoon marinara sauce evenly over each cutlet, then top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake the Chicken – Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15–18 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden, and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Optional Broil – For extra golden, bubbly cheese, broil the chicken for 1–2 minutes at the end, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Garnish and Serve – Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley over the top if desired. Serve hot, optionally over cooked spaghetti or your favorite pasta.
Notes
- For a crispier crust, bake the breaded chicken on a wire rack before adding sauce and cheese to allow heat circulation.
- You can use homemade marinara sauce or store-bought for convenience.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- Serving with pasta turns this dish into a complete Italian-inspired meal.
