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Crispy Chicken Parmesan Recipe Perfect for Easy Homemade Meals

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A quick and easy crispy chicken parmesan recipe featuring a golden crust, melty mozzarella, tangy marinara, and fresh basil for a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to about 1/2 inch thickness
  • Salt and black pepper, to season
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (can substitute gluten-free flour)
  • 2 large eggs, beaten, room temperature
  • 1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup marinara sauce (homemade or quality store-bought)
  • 1 cup shredded or sliced mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves, washed and dried
  • Olive oil for frying (about 1/4 inch depth in skillet)
  • Optional: 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (for breadcrumb mix)
  • Optional: Red pepper flakes (to add to marinara for heat)
  • Optional: Fresh oregano or thyme (for additional herb flavor)

Instructions

  1. Trim excess fat from chicken breasts. Place each breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper and gently pound to about 1/2 inch thickness. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
  2. Set up three shallow dishes: one with 1/2 cup flour, one with 2 beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of 1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Stir breadcrumb mixture well; add garlic powder if desired.
  3. Dredge each chicken breast first in flour, shaking off excess, then dip into beaten eggs, letting excess drip off, and finally press firmly into breadcrumb mixture to coat all sides. Set aside on a plate.
  4. Heat about 1/4 inch of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking (around 350°F). Test by dropping a breadcrumb in; it should sizzle immediately.
  5. Carefully place breaded chicken breasts in hot oil. Fry 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Fry in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding. Use tongs to flip gently.
  6. Transfer fried chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Let rest for 2 minutes to keep crust crisp.
  7. Preheat oven broiler to high. Place fried chicken breasts in an oven-safe baking dish. Spoon about 2 tablespoons marinara sauce on each breast, then top with a generous handful of shredded mozzarella cheese.
  8. Broil chicken for 2-4 minutes, watching closely until cheese is bubbly and slightly browned. Keep oven door slightly ajar if possible to prevent overheating.
  9. Remove from oven and scatter fresh basil leaves on top of each chicken breast. The residual heat will release basil aroma without wilting it.
  10. Serve immediately with your favorite sides such as garlic butter pasta or a fresh green salad.

Notes

Pound chicken evenly for tender, juicy results. Press breadcrumb mixture firmly to ensure crust sticks. Maintain medium oil temperature to avoid greasy or burnt crust. Drain chicken on paper towels to keep crisp. Broil cheese carefully to prevent burning. Add fresh basil after cooking for best aroma and color. Baking instead of frying is possible but results in less crispiness. Reheat leftovers in oven to restore crispiness; avoid microwave.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken parmesan, crispy chicken, easy chicken recipe, homemade chicken parmesan, basil chicken, weeknight dinner, comfort food

Find it online: https://emmaoven.com/crispy-chicken-parmesan-recipe-perfect-for-easy-homemade-meals/