Ingredients
Chicken breasts (boneless, skinless), about 2 large ones, pounded to even thickness
Panko breadcrumbs, for that ultra crisp texture
All purpose flour, for the first dredge
Eggs, beaten well so the coating sticks
Marinara sauce, use a good quality store bought or homemade
Mozzarella cheese, fresh or shredded; I love using fresh for creaminess
Parmesan cheese, freshly grated for salty, nutty flavor
Seasonings, salt, pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, a pinch of oregano
Oil for frying, vegetable or canola, enough to shallow fry
Instructions
1-Pound and season the chicken: Pound chicken breasts to an even 1/2 inch thickness and season both sides with salt and pepper.
2-Set up the breading station: Prepare three shallow dishes: flour, beaten eggs, and panko mixed with Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt.
3-Bread the chicken: Dredge chicken in flour, shake off excess, dip in egg, then press firmly into the panko mixture until fully coated.
4-Rest the breaded chicken: Let the breaded chicken rest on a plate for 10 minutes to help the coating stick during frying.
5-Fry the chicken: Heat about 1/4 inch of oil in a skillet over medium‑high heat, then fry chicken 3‑4 minutes per side until deep golden brown, without overcrowding.
6-Assemble with sauce and cheese: Transfer fried chicken to a baking dish, spoon marinara sauce over each piece, and top with mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
7-Bake to finish: Bake at 400°F for 15‑20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and internal temperature reaches 165°F, then serve immediately.
Last Step:
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💡 Press the breadcrumbs firmly into the chicken and let the breaded pieces rest for 10 minutes before frying to keep the coating from falling off.
🌡️ Use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken reaches 165°F internally for perfectly juicy results every time.
🔄 For a lighter version, skip the frying and bake the breaded chicken at 400°F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway, then add sauce and cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Resting Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop and Oven
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 breaded chicken breast half with sauce and cheese
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 48g
- Cholesterol: 165mg