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Crispy Authentic Chicken Parmesan

crispy authentic chicken parmesan recipe - featured image

A quick and easy homemade chicken parmesan recipe featuring a crispy panko and Parmesan crust, melty mozzarella, and tangy marinara sauce. Perfect for a comforting dinner that feels special without the fuss.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (68 ounces / 170-225g each), pounded to even thickness
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • ½ cup (60g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten, room temperature
  • 1 cup (100g) panko breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup (50g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 6 ounces (170g) mozzarella cheese, sliced or shredded
  • 1½ cups (350ml) marinara or tomato sauce, seasoned with garlic, basil, and a pinch of sugar
  • A handful of fresh basil leaves, torn for garnish

Instructions

  1. Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound the chicken to about ½-inch (1.3 cm) thickness.
  2. Lightly season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper.
  3. Set up three shallow bowls: place flour in the first, beaten eggs in the second, and combine panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning in the third.
  4. Coat each chicken breast first in flour, shaking off excess, then dip into the egg wash, and press firmly into the breadcrumb mixture to cover completely.
  5. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
  6. Preheat your oven broiler to high. Spoon a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish to prevent sticking. Place the browned chicken breasts on top.
  7. Spoon marinara sauce generously over the chicken, then top each with slices or shredded mozzarella cheese.
  8. Place the baking dish under the broiler for 3-5 minutes, watching closely until the cheese melts and bubbles with golden spots.
  9. Remove from oven, sprinkle with fresh torn basil leaves, and serve immediately.

Notes

Use room temperature eggs for better breading adhesion. Control heat to avoid burning the crust. If crust isn’t crispy enough after broiling, crisp again briefly in the pan. Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent steaming. Leftovers reheat best in oven or toaster oven to maintain crispiness. Gluten-free panko or almond flour can substitute breadcrumbs. Dairy-free cheese alternatives can be used for a dairy-free version.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken parmesan, crispy chicken, homemade chicken parm, easy dinner, Italian comfort food, panko crust, mozzarella, marinara sauce