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Chicken Parmesan Recipe (Best EVER!)

Chicken Parmesan Recipe (Best EVER!)

This chicken Parmesan recipe delivers perfectly crispy Parmesan-crusted chicken with vibrant homemade marinara sauce and melted cheese. The combination of panko bread crumbs and quality ingredients creates exceptional texture and flavor. It's Italian-American comfort food perfected through years of kitchen testing.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 3 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 6 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 (28-oz.) can crushed tomatoes
  • 2 large sprigs basil
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 c. panko bread crumbs
  • 1 tsp. garlic powder
  • 2 c. finely grated Parmesan, divided
  • 3/4 c. all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 6 (1/4"-thick) boneless, skinless chicken cutlets (about 1 1/2 lb. total)
  • 1 c. shredded mozzarella
  • 1 c. vegetable or canola oil
  • Chopped fresh basil, for serving

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan
  • large skillet
  • Baking dish
  • Shallow dishes for breading
  • Paper towels

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Make marinara sauce: Heat olive oil in saucepan, cook onion until translucent (5 min), add garlic (1 min), add crushed tomatoes and basil sprigs, season with salt and pepper, simmer 30-60 minutes
  2. Set up breading station: Combine panko bread crumbs, garlic powder, and 1 cup Parmesan in one dish, flour in second dish, beaten eggs in third dish
  3. Pat chicken cutlets dry, dredge in flour, dip in eggs, then coat in Parmesan-panko mixture
  4. Heat oil in skillet until hot (350-375°F), fry chicken 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown
  5. Preheat oven to 400°F, spread sauce in baking dish, arrange fried chicken, top with more sauce and cheeses
  6. Bake 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly

Notes

Use thin chicken cutlets for best results. Panko bread crumbs create superior crispiness. Maintain oil temperature while frying. Can be baked instead of fried for healthier version. Reheat leftovers in oven to maintain crispiness.