Ingredients
Chicken Cutlets
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ cup olive oil (for frying)
Toppings
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the chicken after frying.
- Prepare Chicken Cutlets: Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create thin cutlets for even cooking and easier breading.
- Season: Generously season both sides of each chicken cutlet with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Set Up Breading Stations: Place flour in one bowl; in a second bowl, whisk eggs with water; in a third bowl, combine Italian-style breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and dried Italian seasoning.
- Bread the Chicken: Dredge each chicken cutlet first in the flour, then dip into the egg mixture, and finally coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture to ensure a crispy crust.
- Pan-Fry: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry each cutlet for 3–4 minutes per side until they develop a golden brown crust.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Once fried, place the chicken cutlets in a baking dish to prepare for the finishing bake.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Spoon marinara sauce evenly over each cutlet and top generously with shredded mozzarella cheese to melt during baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the hot chicken Parmesan with fresh basil or parsley and serve immediately for the best taste and presentation.
Notes
- For best results, pound chicken breasts to an even thickness before breading to ensure uniform cooking.
- Using freshly grated Parmesan cheese significantly enhances the flavor compared to pre-grated varieties.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, a crisp salad, or garlic bread.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days for best quality.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Frying, Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American