Cheesy Crispy Chicken Parmesan (Printer-Friendly)

Crunchy chicken, rich marinara, and bubbly cheese combine for an easy, comforting dinner everyone will love.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced horizontally to yield 4 thin cutlets
02 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
03 - 2 large eggs
04 - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
05 - 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
06 - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided
07 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
08 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
09 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

→ For Cooking and Assembly

10 - 1/2 cup vegetable oil (such as canola or sunflower) for frying
11 - 2 cups marinara sauce
12 - 1 and 1/2 cups shredded whole milk mozzarella cheese
13 - 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure proper melting and browning of cheeses.
02 - Arrange three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with eggs beaten with half of the salt and pepper, and the third with both types of breadcrumbs, half of the Parmesan, chopped parsley, and remaining salt and pepper.
03 - Dredge each chicken cutlet in flour, shake off excess, dip into beaten eggs, then press into the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture to coat thoroughly on all sides.
04 - Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When shimmering, add breaded chicken and fry each side for about 4 minutes until deeply golden but not fully cooked. Drain on a rack or paper towels.
05 - Spread 1 cup marinara sauce at the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange fried chicken on top. Spoon remaining marinara over each piece. Sprinkle with mozzarella and the reserved Parmesan.
06 - Place dish in preheated oven and bake 10–15 minutes, or until cheese is bubbling and lightly golden and chicken registers 165°F (74°C) internal temperature.
07 - Scatter fresh basil over hot cheese just before serving. Serve immediately with pasta, crusty bread, or roasted vegetables.

# Helpful Hints:

01 - Double coating and frying the chicken keeps the crust extra crispy under sauce and cheese.
02 - Letting the chicken rest after frying helps maintain a crunchy texture when baked.
03 - Use high quality, low-sugar marinara for best depth of flavor.
04 - Store leftovers refrigerated up to 2 days and reheat in an oven to restore crispiness.
05 - Substitute gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version; dairy-free cheese alternatives can be used if needed.

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