Crispy Chicken Parmigiana with Marinara and Mozzarella
A Crispy, Cheesy Italian-American Classic Everyone Loves
Chicken Parmigiana (a.k.a. Chicken Parmesan) is a beloved dish of breaded chicken cutlets smothered in rich marinara sauce and gooey melted cheese. With roots in Southern Italian cuisine, it became a comfort food icon in Italian-American households and trattorias around the world.
⏱️ Recipe Overview
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Servings: 4
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Prep Time: 20 min
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Cook Time: 25 min
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Total Time: 45 min
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Difficulty: Easy
🛒 Ingredients
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2 large chicken breasts (halved horizontally to make 4 cutlets)
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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1/2 cup all-purpose flour
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2 eggs, beaten
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1 cup breadcrumbs
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan
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1 ½ cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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Olive oil for frying
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Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
👨🍳 Instructions
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Prep the chicken:
Season cutlets with salt and pepper. Dredge in flour, dip in eggs, then coat in breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan. -
Fry the cutlets:
In a skillet, heat olive oil. Fry cutlets 2–3 min per side until golden brown. Transfer to a baking dish. -
Assemble and bake:
Spoon marinara over each cutlet, top with mozzarella. Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 15–20 min until cheese is bubbly. -
Garnish and serve:
Sprinkle with fresh basil. Serve with pasta, salad or on a toasted bun.
🎯 Gourmet Tip
Use a mix of mozzarella and provolone for extra melty texture. Want a crispier cutlet? Bake the breaded chicken on a wire rack before adding the sauce!