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- 2 large chicken breasts, flattened to 1/2 inch thickness - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 2 large eggs, beaten - 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crispiness) - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1 cup marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought) - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish - Olive oil, for frying To make your Crispy Cheesy Chicken Parmesan even better, consider adding these ingredients: - A pinch of red pepper flakes for heat - Fresh parsley, chopped, for freshness - A sprinkle of lemon zest for brightness - Sliced mushrooms or roasted red peppers for added texture These options can elevate your dish and impress your family. If you need to make this dish fit different diets, here are some options: - For gluten-free, use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs. - For dairy-free, swap the cheeses with vegan alternatives. - If you're avoiding eggs, try using a mixture of flour and water for breading. These swaps help everyone enjoy this tasty meal! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by flattening the chicken breasts to about 1/2 inch thick. This step helps them cook evenly. You can use a meat mallet or a rolling pin for this. Place the chicken between two sheets of plastic wrap to avoid mess. Once flattened, set them aside. Now, it’s time to bread the chicken. First, mix the flour with a pinch of salt and pepper in a shallow dish. In a second dish, beat the eggs until smooth. In a third dish, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Take each chicken breast and dip it in the flour, shaking off any extra. Next, dip it in the egg, coating it well. Finally, press the chicken into the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure it’s fully coated for that crispy texture. Heat about 1/4 inch of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the breaded chicken breasts. Fry them for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown. After frying, place the chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spoon marinara sauce over each piece, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top. Now, bake the chicken in the preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes. Look for bubbly cheese that is lightly browned. Once done, let the chicken rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, and enjoy your meal! To get that perfect crunch, use panko breadcrumbs. Panko is lighter and gives a better texture. Make sure you flatten the chicken breasts to 1/2 inch thick. This helps them cook evenly. Coat each piece well in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs. Let them rest for a few minutes before frying. This makes the coating stick better. When frying, use enough oil. Heat the oil until it shimmers. This shows it's hot enough. Fry the chicken for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. For great melting cheese, use fresh mozzarella. Shred it right before you use it. This keeps it moist. When you spoon the marinara sauce, use a good amount. This helps the cheese melt evenly. Bake the chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes. This ensures the cheese gets bubbly and slightly brown. You can cover the dish with foil for the first 10 minutes. This helps melt the cheese faster without burning it. Adding herbs and spices can boost flavor. Use 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and Italian seasoning in the breadcrumb mixture. You can also sprinkle fresh basil on top before serving. This adds a fresh taste. Try adding crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat. You can even mix in some dried oregano or thyme. These simple tweaks give your dish a unique touch. Pro Tips Use Panko Breadcrumbs: For the crispiest texture, opt for panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. They provide a delightful crunch that elevates your chicken parmesan. Let the Chicken Rest: After frying, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring each bite is tender and juicy. Experiment with Cheese: While mozzarella is traditional, feel free to mix in other cheeses like provolone or fontina for added flavor and creaminess. Homemade Marinara: If time permits, make your own marinara sauce. Fresh ingredients can greatly enhance the flavor of your dish and make it even more special. {{image_2}} You can switch up the sauce for your Chicken Parmesan. Instead of marinara, try pesto. Pesto gives a fresh twist with its basil and garlic. You can also use alfredo sauce. Alfredo adds a creamy, rich flavor that pairs well with chicken. Each sauce brings a new taste that your family will love. While mozzarella is a classic choice, you can try other cheeses too. Gouda melts nicely and adds a smoky flavor. Provolone gives a bit of a tangy taste. If you like blue cheese, sprinkle it on top for a bold kick. Mixing cheeses can create a fun flavor adventure. Serve your Chicken Parmesan with pasta for a hearty meal. Spaghetti or fettuccine works great. A side salad brightens the plate and adds crunch. You can also serve it with garlic bread for a classic touch. Pairing these sides makes dinner special and filling. After your meal, let the chicken cool. Place any leftovers in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. The chicken may lose some crispiness, but it will still taste great. You can enjoy it as a quick lunch or dinner. To reheat, I suggest using the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet. Cover it loosely with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 15 minutes or until warm. This method helps restore some crispiness. You can also use a microwave, but the chicken may turn soft. If you want to keep the chicken longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible. You can freeze the chicken for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat as mentioned before. Enjoy your Crispy Cheesy Chicken Parmesan anytime! Yes, you can make Chicken Parmesan in advance. Prepare the chicken and bread it. Then, keep it in the fridge for a few hours. You can also freeze it after breading. Just remember to cook it fully when you're ready. This saves time on busy days. To make Chicken Parmesan gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs. Use gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs. Look for brands that you trust. These small changes keep the dish tasty and safe for those with gluten issues. Crispy Cheesy Chicken Parmesan pairs well with many sides. Try serving it with spaghetti, salad, or garlic bread. You can also add steamed veggies for color and nutrition. These sides make the meal complete and enjoyable for everyone. This blog post walks you through making Crispy Cheesy Chicken Parmesan. We discussed key ingredients, simple instructions, and tips for perfecting the dish. You learned about optional flavors, storing leftovers, and serving ideas. Crispy, cheesy chicken can fit various diets and taste preferences. Don't hesitate to experiment with sauces and cheeses. With these insights, enjoy cooking and impress your family or friends with your delicious meals!

Crispy Cheesy Chicken Parmesan

A deliciously crispy and cheesy chicken dish topped with marinara sauce and mozzarella.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 2
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large chicken breasts, flattened to 1/2 inch thickness
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
  • 1 2 grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 2 salt
  • 1 4 black pepper
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
  • Olive oil, for frying

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a shallow dish, mix the flour with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  • In another shallow dish, beat the eggs until smooth.
  • In a third shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  • Dip each flattened chicken breast first into the flour, shaking off excess, then into the beaten eggs, and finally press into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring an even coating.
  • In a large skillet, heat about 1/4 inch of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the breaded chicken breasts to the skillet. Fry for about 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
  • Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  • Spoon a generous amount of marinara sauce over each chicken breast, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
  • Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Notes

Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness.
Keyword cheesy, chicken, crispy, parmesan