Ingredients
For the Chicken Coating
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ⅓ cup plain breadcrumbs
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons sea salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Chicken
- 3 large chicken breasts, butterflied, then cut into 6 cutlets
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
Sauce and Toppings
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced into 12 thin slices
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400° F and position the rack in the center.
- Prepare Breading Stations: Set up three shallow bowls. Beat the eggs in one, place the flour in the second, and combine panko, plain breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese in the third.
- Season Chicken: Mix garlic powder, sea salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning in a small bowl. Season all over the chicken cutlets with this mixture.
- Bread the Chicken: Dredge each chicken cutlet first in flour, shaking off excess, then dip into the egg wash, letting excess drip off. Finally, press the cutlet into the breadcrumb mixture ensuring full coverage. Repeat for all cutlets.
- Pan-Fry Chicken: Heat ¼ cup olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Fry 3 cutlets for about 2 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer to a baking sheet. Add remaining oil and repeat with remaining chicken.
- Assemble and Bake: Top each fried chicken cutlet with ¼ cup marinara sauce and 2 slices of mozzarella cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-14 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh basil, extra Parmesan cheese, and optional red pepper flakes before serving.
Notes
- Butterflying the chicken breasts ensures even cooking and allows for a tender cutlet.
- Using a combination of panko and plain breadcrumbs along with Parmesan creates a crispy and flavorful coating.
- Adjust baking time if chicken cutlets are thinner or thicker than usual.
- For spicier heat, add more red pepper flakes to taste, or omit if preferred mild.
- Ensure internal temperature of chicken reaches 165°F for food safety.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Frying and Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
