Italian-style Parmesan Chicken
Indulge in the delectable delight of our Chicken Parmesan—an iconic Italian favorite. You'll savor every bite as tender chicken breasts are coated in a crispy Parmesan breadcrumb crust, bathed in tangy marinara sauce, and adorned with melted mozzarella cheese. This comforting culinary masterpiece is guaranteed to satisfy your deepest cravings with its irresistible flavors and comforting textures.
Ingredients
- 4 skinless boneless chicken breast halves
- salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs or more as needed
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese divided
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or more if needed
- ½ cup olive oil for frying or as needed
- ½ cup prepared tomato sauce
- ¼ cup fresh mozzarella cut into small cubes
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
- ½ cup grated provolone cheese
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).
- Take your chicken breasts and place them between two sheets of heavy plastic. A resealable freezer bag works well for this. Place the chicken on a solid, level surface and use the smooth side of a meat mallet to pound the chicken until it reaches a thickness of about 1/2-inch.
- Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Then, using a sifter or strainer, evenly coat both sides of the chicken with flour.
- In a shallow bowl, beat the eggs and set it aside. In a separate bowl, combine the bread crumbs and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, mixing them well.
- Take a flour-coated chicken breast and dip it into the beaten eggs, making sure it's thoroughly coated. Then, transfer the breast to the bowl with the bread crumb mixture, pressing the crumbs into both sides of the chicken. Repeat this process for each breast. Allow the chicken to rest for 10 to 15 minutes.
- In a large skillet, heat about 1/2 inch of olive oil over medium-high heat until it begins to shimmer. Cook the chicken in the hot oil until it turns golden, which should take about 2 minutes per side. Remember, the chicken will finish cooking in the oven.
- Transfer the cooked chicken to a baking dish. Top each breast with 2 tablespoons of tomato sauce. Layer each chicken breast with equal amounts of mozzarella cheese, fresh basil, and provolone cheese. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top and drizzle each breast with 1/2 teaspoon of olive oil.
- Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for approximately 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese turns brown and bubbly, and the chicken breasts are no longer pink in the center. You can use an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center to ensure the chicken has reached a minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
- Enjoy this delectable Chicken Parmesan straight from the oven, with its golden crust, melty cheese, and irresistible flavors!
Notes
Use high-quality prepared tomato sauce for a better end result. You may substitute pesto or dried Italian herbs of your choice for basil, or omit entirely.