Chicken Parmigiana Recipe
Chicken cutlet, melted mozzarella in marinara sauce.
Was this page helpful?
Help improve this recipe for others.
Send this recipe to your inbox.
We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.
Ingredients
Disclosure: Some product links may be affiliate links. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Chicken Cutlets
Marinara Sauce
Assembly & Cheese
Method
Chicken Cutlets
Prepare chicken
Place each chicken breast between two pieces of plastic wrap or in a large zip-top bag. Using a meat mallet or heavy skillet, pound breasts to an even thickness about 1/2 inch. Trim any large thin edges. Pat dry with paper towels.
Season and set up breading stations
Season both sides of the pounded chicken with 1.5 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp garlic powder. Place flour in a shallow dish. In a second shallow dish, whisk together 2 eggs and 2 tbs milk until combined. In a third shallow dish, mix 1.5 cups breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, and 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning.
Bread the cutlets
Dredge each seasoned breast first in flour, shaking off excess; then dip in the egg wash; then press into the breadcrumb mixture, coating thoroughly and pressing so crumbs adhere. Set breaded cutlets on a wire rack.
Fry the cutlets
In a large skillet over medium heat, warm 1/2 cup vegetable oil and 1 tbsp unsalted butter until shimmering (about 350°F if using a thermometer). Fry 2 cutlets at a time, careful not to overcrowd, until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Adjust heat as needed to avoid burning. Transfer fried cutlets to a paper-towel-lined tray or wire rack to drain and keep warm. Repeat with remaining cutlets.
Marinara Sauce
Cook aromatics
While frying or after frying the last cutlets, heat 2 tbs olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook until fragrant, ~30 seconds.
Simmer the sauce
Stir in 28 oz crushed tomatoes and 2 tbs tomato paste. Add 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried basil, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp sugar. Bring to a gentle simmer, reduce heat to low, and simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, to thicken and develop flavor. Taste and adjust seasoning. Stir in torn fresh basil leaves if using, in the last minute of simmering.
Assembly & Baking
Preheat oven
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly oil a baking dish or use a 9x13-inch pan.
Assemble chicken parmigiana
Spread a thin layer (about 3/4 to 1 cup) of the marinara sauce on the bottom of the baking dish to prevent sticking. Place 4 fried chicken cutlets in the dish in a single layer. Spoon about 1/2 to 3/4 cup marinara over each cutlet, spreading to cover but leaving some edges exposed. Top each cutlet with approximately 2 oz (about 1/4 cup) mozzarella (sliced or shredded). Sprinkle the 1/4 cup grated Parmesan evenly across the tops.
Bake to melt cheese
Bake in the preheated oven until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling and the sauce is hot, about 8-12 minutes. For a lightly browned top, place under the broiler for 1-2 minutes — watch carefully to avoid burning.
Garnish and serve
Remove from oven and let rest 3 minutes. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top and additional grated Parmesan if desired. Serve each cutlet hot with extra marinara on the side. Recommended serving: over pasta, with a side salad, or with garlic bread.