Classic Italian Chicken Parmesan

A crispy and cheesy chicken dish with homemade marinara sauce, perfect for a hearty and flavorful meal.

Recipe Details

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Servings: 6

Full Ingredient List

  • 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
  • 1 c panko bread crumbs
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 c finely grated Parmesan
  • 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
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Marinara Sauce

Tools and Equipment

  • Medium pot
  • Spoon

Ingredients

Quantity Name Preparation Notes Substitutions
3 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 small, finely chopped yellow onion finely chopped
6 cloves, finely chopped garlic finely chopped
1 (28-oz) can crushed tomatoes
2 large sprigs basil
to taste Kosher salt
to taste Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium pot over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add onion and garlic, stir to combine, and reduce heat to low. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Stir in crushed tomatoes and basil. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened and flavors have melded, about 30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, then discard basil. (Tips: Avoid burning by stirring occasionally.)

Chicken

Tools and Equipment

  • Shallow bowls
  • Meat mallet
  • Large heavy pot
  • Wire rack
  • Baking sheet
  • Deep-fry or instant-read thermometer

Ingredients

Quantity Name Preparation Notes Substitutions
1 c panko bread crumbs
1 tsp garlic powder
2 c, divided finely grated Parmesan
3/4 c all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
6 (1/4"-thick) boneless, skinless chicken cutlets about 1.5 lb total
1 c shredded mozzarella
1 c vegetable or canola oil
for serving Chopped fresh basil
to taste Kosher salt
to taste Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a shallow bowl, combine panko, garlic powder, and 1 cup Parmesan. Into another shallow bowl, pour flour. In a third shallow bowl, beat eggs with 1 tablespoon water. (Tips: Set up a dredging station for efficient breading.)
  2. Step 2: Pat chicken dry; season with salt and pepper. Dip into flour, shaking off excess, then into egg, then into panko mixture, gently pressing to adhere. (Tips: Ensure even coating for optimal crispiness.)
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, mix mozzarella and remaining 1 cup Parmesan.
  4. Step 4: Heat broiler. In a large, heavy pot over medium heat, heat oil until a deep-fry or instant-read thermometer registers 350°. Set a wire rack on a baking sheet. (Tips: Maintain oil temperature for consistent frying.)
  5. Step 5: Working one at a time, fry chicken until one side is golden brown, about 1 minute. Flip and continue to fry until golden brown on the other side, about 1 minute more. Transfer to prepared rack. Repeat with remaining chicken. (Tips: Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot.)
  6. Step 6: Spoon some marinara over chicken. Sprinkle with cheese mixture. Broil until cheese is melted and brown spots form, about 2 minutes. (Tips: Keep a close eye to prevent burning.)
  7. Step 7: Divide chicken among plates. Top with basil. Serve with remaining marinara on the side. (Tips: Present attractively with fresh basil garnish.)

Additional Information

Notes: Serve with a side of pasta, mashed potatoes, or a simple vegetable for a complete meal.

Tags

Italian Comfort Food Dinner