Extra Crispy Chicken Parmesan
- The ultimate Extra Crispy Chicken Parmesan with a perfectly crunchy exterior that stays crisp even under sauce.
- Juicy chicken breast topped with tangy marinara and melty cheese for a restaurant-quality Italian meal at home.
- A family favorite that’s easier to make than you think!
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 25
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Pan-frying and Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs), pounded thin to ¼-inch thickness
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten with 1 tbsp water
- 1 cup seasoned Italian breadcrumbs
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil for pan-frying
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning, divided
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts between plastic wrap and pound to an even ¼-inch thickness. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Set up three shallow dishes: In the first, combine flour, ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp pepper, and ½ tsp Italian seasoning. In the second, beat the eggs with water. In the third, mix breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese, remaining ½ tsp Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Dredge each chicken piece in flour, dip in egg mixture, then press firmly into the breadcrumb mixture. For extra crispiness, dip back in egg and breadcrumbs a second time.
- Let breaded chicken rest for 5 minutes to help coating adhere.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Cook chicken until golden brown, about 3 minutes per side.
- Transfer chicken to the prepared baking sheet. Spoon marinara sauce over each piece, leaving edges exposed to stay crispy. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internally and cheese is melted and bubbly. For extra color, broil for the final 1-2 minutes.
- Let rest 3-5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Notes
- For maximum crispiness, double-bread the chicken and don’t completely cover with sauce.
- Pre-toasting the breadcrumbs in a dry skillet for a few minutes adds extra crunch and flavor.
- Allow the breaded chicken to rest before frying to help the coating adhere better.
- Leave a border of exposed breading around the edges when adding sauce to maintain crispy edges.
- Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used, portion sizes, and preparation methods.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce and cheese
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 780
- Fat: 25
- Saturated Fat: 9
- Unsaturated Fat: 14
- Carbohydrates: 31
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 43
- Cholesterol: 175
Keywords: Extra Crispy Chicken Parmesan, crispy chicken, parmesan crust, oven baked chicken, Italian chicken recipe