Chicken Parmesan

Crispy cutlets, bubbling mozzarella. The key: don't bake it in sauce.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves: 4

Ingredients

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  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1½ cups panko breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup parmesan, grated
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
  • Fresh basil for serving

Instructions

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  1. Preheat oven to broil. Line a baking sheet with foil.
  2. Pound chicken to ¼" even thickness between plastic wrap. This ensures even cooking.
  3. Set up breading station: flour in one dish, beaten eggs in second, panko mixed with parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt in third.
  4. Dredge each cutlet: flour → egg → panko mixture. Press panko firmly to adhere.
  5. Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high. Fry cutlets per side until golden brown and cooked through (165°F). Work in batches.
  6. Transfer cutlets to baking sheet. Spoon marinara around (not over) chicken—keep the breading exposed.
  7. Top each cutlet with mozzarella slices.
  8. Broil until cheese is melted and bubbly. Watch carefully.
  9. Serve topped with fresh basil and extra sauce on the side.

Notes

  • The soggy mistake: Most recipes bake chicken IN the sauce. This makes breading soggy. Sauce goes around, not on top.
  • Pound it thin: ¼" thickness cooks evenly and stays tender. Thick pieces overcook on outside.
  • Fresh mozzarella: Melts better than shredded, creates better texture.
  • Make it a sub: Slice and pile on hoagie roll with extra sauce and cheese.
  • Storage: Best fresh. Reheat on wire rack in 375°F oven to restore crispness.

Adapted from Natasha's Kitchen