Description
This Crispy Chicken Parmesan recipe features tender, breaded chicken breasts fried to golden perfection, topped with rich marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. Finished in the oven for a bubbly, cheesy topping and garnished with fresh basil, it’s perfect served over pasta or alongside a fresh salad for a classic Italian-American meal.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Oil (for frying, about 1/2 inch depth)
For the Topping:
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken Breasts: Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch using a meat mallet or rolling pin. Season both sides with salt and pepper to taste.
- Set up Breading Stations: Arrange three shallow dishes: one with all-purpose flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, dried oregano, and dried basil.
- Bread the Chicken: Dip each chicken breast first into the flour, shaking off any excess, then into the beaten eggs, and finally press into the breadcrumb mixture ensuring an even coating on all sides.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat about 1/2 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot (about 350°F or 175°C). Carefully place the breaded chicken breasts into the hot oil, cooking in batches if needed. Fry each side for 4–5 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the topped chicken.
- Assemble Chicken Parmesan: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the fried chicken breasts atop the sauce, spoon extra marinara sauce over each piece, and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15–20 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and serve hot. Enjoy over your favorite pasta or with a crisp side salad.
Notes
- For extra crispy chicken, use panko breadcrumbs rather than regular breadcrumbs.
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying to prevent soggy, greasy chicken.
- You can prepare the chicken breasts a day ahead and refrigerate before frying to save time.
- Use fresh mozzarella for a creamier topping but adjust baking time if needed.
- Serve with spaghetti or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Chicken Parmesan, Crispy Chicken, Breaded Chicken, Italian Recipe, Fried Chicken, Chicken with Marinara, Cheesy Chicken
