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Chicken Parmesan Recipe (Best EVER!)

Chicken Parmesan Recipe (Best EVER!)

This family-perfected chicken parmesan recipe creates tender breaded chicken topped with rich tomato sauce and melted cheese. The triple-dipping breading method ensures a crispy exterior while keeping the chicken moist inside. Whether pan-fried traditionally or baked for a healthier option, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results perfect for family dinners or special gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 33 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 3 chicken breasts (sliced in half length-wise to create 6 cutlets)
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (can also use gluten-free flour blend or white whole wheat)
  • 3 eggs, whisked
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 tsp each salt & pepper
  • 2 tsp Italian herb blend (thyme, oregano, basil, rosemary)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 6 slices Mozzarella
  • 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1/3 cup parmesan cheese, shredded
  • 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped

Equipment

  • cast iron skillet or pan
  • Baking dish
  • rolling pin or meat hammer
  • shallow bowls

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 425F
  2. Tenderize chicken: place chicken cutlets/breasts in a large ziplock bag or between two sheets of parchment paper. Firmly pound with a rolling pin or the smooth side of a meat hammer (chicken thickness should be 1/2 inch). Remove cutlets from the bag and pat dry with paper towels.
  3. Breadcrumbs: In a shallow dish, mix all of breadcrumb ingredients together.
  4. Assembly line: Set up a line of shallow bowls/dishes with flour, whisked eggs, and breadcrumbs.
  5. Bread the chicken: First, coat the chicken in flour on both sides, then shake off the excess flour that isn't sticking. Transfer to whisked eggs, then dip into the breadcrumbs. Use your hands to gently pack the breadcrumbs onto each side of the chicken. Repeat until all the cutlets have been breaded.
  6. Brown the chicken: Heat 3 tablespoons of oil at a time in a cast iron skillet or pan on LOW to MEDIUM heat. Brown chicken for 2-3 minutes on both sides until the breading is golden.
  7. Layer and bake: arrange browned chicken in a large baking dish or pan. Layer first with mozzarella slices then tomato sauce over top. Bake uncovered in the oven for 14 minutes - remove from oven then sprinkle with shredded parmesan cheese. Then broil on HIGH for 1 minute until the cheese is melted and browned. Sprinkle with fresh basil and serve!

Notes

For a healthier version, bake instead of pan-fry. Use fresh basil for best flavor. Can be made ahead by breading chicken hours in advance and refrigerating before baking.