Main Course

Chicken Parmesan

A crispy chicken parmesan cutlet topped with bubbling mozzarella and marinara sauce, garnished with fresh basil, on a white plate
Prep
15 minutes
Cook
30 minutes
Servings
4
Italian AmericanEasyDinnerHigh Protein

About this dish

Crispy, golden chicken cutlets blanketed in rich marinara and melted mozzarella – this classic Italian-American Chicken Parmesan delivers comfort on a plate. Perfect over spaghetti or piled onto a crusty sub roll, it’s a family favorite that’s easier than you think.

Ingredients

UK and US measurements are both included for every recipe.

boneless, skinless chicken breasts

protein

2 large about 500g

Imperial measurement: 2 large about 1 lb

all-purpose flour

grain

1/2 cup (65g)

Imperial measurement: 1/2 cup

kosher salt

spice

1 teaspoon

black pepper

spice

1/2 teaspoon

large eggs

protein

2

Italian-style breadcrumbs

grain

1 1/2 cups (about 170g)

Imperial measurement: 1 1/2 cups

Parmesan cheese, grated

dairy

1/2 cup (50g), plus more for serving

Imperial measurement: 1/2 cup, plus more for serving

low-moisture mozzarella, shredded

dairy

8 ounces (about 2 cups)

Imperial measurement: 2 cups

marinara sauce

other

2 cups (480ml)

Imperial measurement: 2 cups

olive oil

fat

1/4 cup (60ml), for frying

Imperial measurement: 1/4 cup

fresh basil leaves, for garnish

herb

a small handful

Method

1

Flatten the chicken

5 minutes

Butterfly each chicken breast horizontally to create thinner cutlets. Place between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound to an even 1/2-inch thickness.

2

Set up the dredging station

5 minutes

In three shallow dishes, place flour mixed with salt and pepper; beaten eggs; and breadcrumbs combined with the grated Parmesan cheese.

3

Bread the cutlets

5 minutes

Working one at a time, dredge chicken in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into egg, letting excess drip, then press into the breadcrumb mixture coating thoroughly. Transfer to a plate.

4

Cook the cutlets

10 minutes

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken cutlets (working in batches if needed) and cook 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.

5

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread a thin layer of marinara on the bottom of a baking sheet. Arrange chicken on top, then top each with remaining marinara and sprinkle with mozzarella.

15 minutes

Bake 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

6

Serve

0 minutes

Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan, if desired.

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Baking sheet or baking dish
  • Meat tenderizer or heavy pan

Nutrition facts

420 kcal
Calories
42 g
Protein
28 g
Carbohydrates
28 g
Fat
3 g
Fiber
980 mg
Sodium

Tips

  • No need to season flour more than that, but taste your breadcrumbs, some are saltier than others.
  • If you love heat, add a pinch of red chili flakes to the breadcrumb mixture or a drizzle of hot honey before serving.
  • Low-moisture mozzarella melts evenly without turning watery, avoid fresh mozzarella balls here because they release water during baking.
  • Pounding the chicken to an even thickness ensures thorough cooking without drying out—embrace that non-negotiable tenderness.

Serving suggestions

  • Serve hot with spaghetti, zoodles, or on a toasted roll for an epic chicken parm sandwich.

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Chloe Lawson

Recipe by

Chloe Lawson

Specialises in American cuisine

Chloe Walker makes buffalo wings with blue cheese dressing (not ranch, she has standards).

Describe yourself in three words: Spicy, saucy, blue cheese loyalist.