🍗 Classic Chicken Parmesan Recipe

🧂 Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 2 large eggs

• 1 tablespoon water

• 1 ½ cups Italian-style breadcrumbs (or plain breadcrumbs + 1 tbsp Italian seasoning)

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• Olive oil or vegetable oil, for frying

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes

• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• Salt and pepper, to taste

For Topping:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

1. Slice chicken breasts horizontally (butterfly) to make thinner cutlets.

2. Place between plastic wrap and pound to even thickness (about ½ inch).

3. Season both sides with salt and pepper.

2. Bread the Chicken

1. Place flour in one shallow dish.

2. In a second dish, whisk eggs with 1 tablespoon water.

3. In a third dish, combine breadcrumbs and ½ cup Parmesan cheese.

4. Dredge each chicken breast in flour → egg → breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to coat.

3. Fry the Chicken

1. Heat ¼ inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

2. Fry each piece 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.

3. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate. (They don’t need to be cooked through — they’ll finish in the oven.)

4. Make the Sauce

1. In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat.

2. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).

3. Stir in crushed tomatoes, sugar, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.

4. Simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

5. Assemble the Dish

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.

3. Place fried chicken cutlets on top.

4. Spoon sauce over each piece.

5. Sprinkle with mozzarella and remaining Parmesan cheese.

6. Bake

• Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly and chicken is cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C).

7. Garnish & Serve

• Sprinkle with chopped parsley or basil before serving.

• Serve hot with spaghetti, garlic bread, or a fresh salad.