Chicken Parmesan is a beloved Italian-American classic: crispy, juicy chicken cutlets layered with tangy marinara and melty mozzarella. This version uses panko for extra crunch and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan for savory depth. Frying the chicken before baking ensures a golden crust that holds up under the sauce and cheese. Finished with fresh basil, it's a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for a cool Ontario evening. Serve it over spaghetti, with a crisp green salad, or on a toasted bun for a delicious sandwich variation.
Ingredients
Instructions
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment or foil.
Slice chicken breasts in half horizontally to make 4 thin cutlets. Pat dry, then season both sides with salt and pepper.
Prepare a breading station: Place flour in one shallow bowl, beat egg in a second bowl, and combine panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, oregano, and a pinch of salt in a third bowl.
Dredge each cutlet in flour, shake off excess, dip in egg, then coat thoroughly in the panko-Parmesan mixture, pressing to adhere.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Fry cutlets until golden and crisp, about 2-3 min per side (do in batches if needed). Transfer to the prepared baking sheet.
Spoon marinara sauce evenly over each cutlet. Top with mozzarella cheese.
Bake for 10-12 minutes until cheese is bubbly and cutlets are cooked through.
Garnish with chopped basil and serve hot, ideally with pasta, salad, or crusty bread.