The Art of Chicken Parmesan Perfection

Preparation Mastery

Learn the essential technique of pounding chicken to even thickness, ensuring tender, juicy results and preventing dry, overcooked edges while mastering the art of the perfect breading station setup.

Three-Step Breading

Master the classic flour-egg-breadcrumb coating technique that creates an incredibly crispy, golden exterior that adheres perfectly and stays crunchy even after baking with sauce.

Pan-Frying Perfection

Develop the skill of achieving the ideal golden-brown crust through proper oil temperature control and timing, creating maximum crispiness while keeping chicken moist inside.

Layering and Assembly

Learn the proper technique for layering marinara and cheese to ensure even coverage and perfect melting, creating the signature appearance of classic chicken parmesan.

Oven Finishing

Master the final baking step that melds all components together, melting cheese to bubbly perfection while ensuring chicken reaches safe temperature without overcooking.

Mastering the Perfect Chicken Parmesan

Pounding Technique: Use even pressure when pounding chicken to ensure uniform thickness for consistent cooking. Place chicken in a plastic bag to prevent splatter.

Oil Temperature: Test oil temperature by dropping a breadcrumb in - it should sizzle immediately. Too hot and breading burns; too cool and it absorbs oil.

Cheese Selection: Use low-moisture mozzarella for best melting results. Fresh mozzarella contains too much water and can make the dish watery.

Make-Ahead Magic: Bread the chicken cutlets up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerate on a wire rack. This helps the coating adhere better during cooking.

Customization Options: Add red pepper flakes to marinara for spicy kick, or use a blend of mozzarella and provolone cheese for deeper flavor.

Storage Solution: Store leftovers in airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in 350°F oven for 15 minutes to restore crispiness - avoid microwave.

Classic Crispy Chicken Parmesan with Homemade Marinara Sauce and Melted Mozzarella Cheese

Name: Classic Crispy Chicken Parmesan with Homemade Marinara Sauce and Melted Mozzarella Cheese
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: For the Chicken:; 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to 1/2-inch thickness; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs, beaten; 2 cups Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1/2 cup olive oil for frying; For the Sauce and Topping:; 2 cups marinara sauce, homemade or store-bought; 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Fresh basil leaves for garnish; For Serving:; 1 pound pasta (spaghetti, penne, or rotini); For Special Equipment:; Meat mallet or rolling pin; Three shallow bowls for breading station; Large oven-safe skillet or baking dish

The ultimate chicken parmesan featuring tender breaded chicken cutlets, rich homemade marinara sauce, and perfectly melted mozzarella cheese. This Italian-American classic combines the crispy golden breadcrumb coating with the tangy tomato sauce and creamy cheese, creating an unforgettable comfort food experience that elevates the classic chicken dish to extraordinary heights perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or any time you crave the perfect balance of crispy, saucy, and cheesy goodness.

Prep Time

20 Minutes

Cook Time

25 Minutes

Total Time

45 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

Custard Cream

For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to 1/2-inch thickness

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 large eggs, beaten

2 cups Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

Salt and black pepper to taste

1/2 cup olive oil for frying

For the Sauce and Topping:

2 cups marinara sauce, homemade or store-bought

1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

For Serving:

1 pound pasta (spaghetti, penne, or rotini)

For Special Equipment:

Meat mallet or rolling pin

Three shallow bowls for breading station

Large oven-safe skillet or baking dish

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap and pound to an even 1/2-inch thickness using a meat mallet.

Set up your breading station with three shallow bowls: one with flour seasoned with salt and pepper, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.

Dredge each chicken breast in flour, shaking off excess, then dip in beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing to adhere.

Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add breaded chicken breasts and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.

Remove skillet from heat and spoon marinara sauce over each chicken breast, then top with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.

Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly and chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

While chicken bakes, cook pasta according to package directions in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and toss with remaining marinara sauce.

Remove chicken from oven, let rest for 3 minutes, garnish with fresh basil, and serve hot over pasta or alongside with extra marinara sauce.

Classic Crispy Chicken Parmesan with Homemade Marinara Sauce and Melted Mozzarella Cheese

JUE

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

The Art of Chicken Parmesan Perfection

Classic Crispy Chicken Parmesan with Homemade Marinara Sauce and Melted Mozzarella Cheese

Ingredients

Instructions