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Abdul Rehman

Chicken Parmesan Recipe

A reliable chicken parmesan recipe built around a golden panko crust that stays crispy under the sauce. Fried first to set the breading, then oven-finished with marinara and bubbly mozzarella. Ready in 45 minutes.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Cutlets
  • 2 large chicken breasts (about 700g / 1.5 lbs), halved horizontally into 4 cutlets ​
  • 1 cup (100g) panko breadcrumbs ​
  • 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese, divided ​
  • 1 tsp garlic powder ​
  • 1 tsp dried oregano ​
  • 1/2 tsp dried basil ​
  • 1 tsp fine salt, divided ​
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper ​
  • 2 large eggs, beaten ​
  • 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour ​
  • 3 tbsp olive oil ​
For the Sauce and Cheese Topping
  • 1 1/2 cups (360ml) marinara sauce ​
  • 1 1/2 cups (150g) shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese ​
  • 1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese (from divided amount) ​
  • ​ ​ Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional) ​

Method
 

  1. Pound chicken cutlets between plastic wrap to an even 1.5cm (1/2 inch) thickness using a meat mallet.
  2. Set up three bowls in sequence: seasoned flour, beaten eggs, and panko combined with 1/4 cup Parmesan and all dried spices.
  3. Coat each cutlet in flour (shake off excess), dip in egg (let excess drip), then press firmly into panko on both sides. Rest on a plate for 5 minutes.
  4. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Fry cutlets 3 to 4 minutes per side until deep golden brown. Do not crowd the pan. Transfer to a baking dish in a single layer.
  5. Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
  6. Spoon 3 tablespoons of marinara over each cutlet. Divide shredded mozzarella evenly on top, then scatter remaining Parmesan over all four.
  7. Bake 13 to 15 minutes until cheese is golden in spots and chicken registers 74°C (165°F) on a meat thermometer at the thickest point. Rest 3 minutes before serving.