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The Best Crispy Baked Chicken Parmesan: An Easy Weeknight Story

chicken parmesan recipe - Tasty
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Create a classic Italian-American comfort meal with this easy, oven-baked Chicken Parmesan recipe. You achieve a crispy, golden crust and juicy interior without frying, making it perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for coating)
  • 1 cup marinara sauce (homemade or high-quality jarred)
  • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced or torn
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
  2. Prepare the chicken: Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap. Pound them to an even 1/2-inch thickness using a meat mallet. Season both sides of the cutlets with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  3. Set up your breading station using three shallow dishes. Place flour in the first dish. Whisk the eggs in the second dish. Combine the Panko breadcrumbs and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese in the third dish.
  4. Dredge each cutlet first in the flour, shaking off any excess. Dip the floured cutlet into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Finally, press the cutlet firmly into the Panko mixture to coat both sides completely.
  5. Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the breaded cutlets for 2-3 minutes per side until they are golden brown. This step builds the crispy texture you want.
  6. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce over each chicken cutlet. Top generously with slices or pieces of mozzarella cheese.
  7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F or 74°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  8. Remove from the oven. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese over the melted mozzarella. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  9. Garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve this restaurant-style chicken parmesan immediately over your favorite pasta or with a side salad.

Notes

  • For an extra crispy baked chicken parmesan, lightly spray the tops of the breaded cutlets with cooking spray before baking.
  • Use high-quality, thick marinara sauce; this makes a big difference in the final flavor profile.
  • If you prefer a different preparation, this recipe works well for an air fryer chicken parmesan by cooking at 380°F for 10-12 minutes, adding cheese for the last 3 minutes.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.unfoldrecipes.com/best-chicken-parmesan-recipe-easy-bake/