Simple Italian Chicken Parmigiana (Print Version)

Crispy chicken, rich marinara, and melty mozzarella create a comforting Italian classic for any occasion.

# Ingredients:

→ Chicken Preparation

01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - Salt, to taste
03 - Ground black pepper, to taste

→ Breading Station

04 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
05 - 2 large eggs, beaten
06 - 1 1/2 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
07 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

→ Sauce & Toppings

08 - 1 cup marinara sauce
09 - 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
10 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
11 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional)

→ Cooking

12 - Olive oil, for frying

→ Serving (Optional)

13 - Pasta of choice, cooked

# Steps:

01 - Set oven to 375°F (190°C) and allow to preheat fully before baking.
02 - Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Dredge each piece in flour, coat in beaten eggs, and then press into a mixture of breadcrumbs and 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese.
03 - Heat a thin layer of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear each chicken breast for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
04 - Spread a layer of marinara sauce in a baking dish. Arrange fried chicken over sauce. Spoon remaining marinara over chicken, then top with mozzarella and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese.
05 - Bake chicken uncovered for 20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbling. For a crisp top, broil for an additional 2–3 minutes as needed.
06 - Garnish with basil or parsley if desired. Serve hot with cooked pasta, garlic bread, or side salad.

# Notes:

01 - Pound chicken breasts to even thickness for uniform cooking and optimal texture.