cheesy crispy chicken parmesan (Printer-Friendly)

Crispy chicken, tangy marinara, and gooey cheese make this the perfect family comfort food for weeknights or guests.

# What You'll Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 to 1.25 pounds total), sliced horizontally for thinner cutlets

→ Breading

02 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
03 - 2 large eggs
04 - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
05 - 1/2 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
06 - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
07 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
08 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ For Frying

09 - 1/3 cup vegetable oil (such as sunflower or canola)

→ Assembly and Finish

10 - 1 1/3 cups marinara sauce
11 - 1 1/2 cups shredded whole milk mozzarella cheese
12 - 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
13 - 3 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Set oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure even melting and golden cheese.
02 - Arrange three shallow dishes: one with all-purpose flour; a second with eggs whisked together with a pinch of salt and pepper; and a third with combined panko breadcrumbs, Italian-style breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, and additional seasoning.
03 - Dredge each chicken piece in flour, ensuring a thin, even layer; dip immediately into the beaten egg, then coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture by pressing firmly on all sides.
04 - Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, fry each breaded chicken piece for 3-4 minutes per side until deeply golden and crisp. Transfer to a rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.
05 - Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in the base of a large ovenproof dish. Add the fried chicken in a single layer. Spoon remaining marinara over the cutlets, then top with mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
06 - Place dish in the preheated oven. Bake 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden, bubbling, and chicken registers 165°F (74°C) at the thickest point.
07 - Immediately scatter fresh basil over the bubbling cheese. Serve hot, either on its own, with pasta, or alongside crusty bread.

# Extra Suggestions:

01 - Double-coating cutlets in flour and breadcrumbs yields an extra-crispy crust, which stands up well to the sauce and cheese.
02 - Rest chicken five minutes after frying before baking to preserve crunch.
03 - Homemade or premium marinara with low sugar enhances tomato flavor.

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