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Crispy Chicken Parmesan with Melty Cheese

A close-up of a slice of Crispy Chicken Parmesan with Melty Cheese, featuring a golden crust, stretching mozzarella, and rich tomato sauce.
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Follow these steps to make chicken cutlets with a guaranteed crispy crust and perfectly melted cheese topping.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to 1/2 inch thickness
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus 1/4 cup for topping
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil, for frying
  • 2 cups marinara sauce, warmed
  • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a baking sheet.
  2. Set up a standard breading station: Place flour in one shallow dish. Whisk eggs in a second dish. In a third dish, combine panko breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  3. Dredge each chicken cutlet first in flour, shaking off excess. Dip completely in the egg mixture. Finally, press firmly into the panko mixture, ensuring the entire surface is coated. This double coating helps achieve crispiness.
  4. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully place two cutlets in the hot oil. Fry for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Do not overcrowd the pan. Remove and place on a wire rack set over paper towels to drain excess oil. Repeat with remaining cutlets.
  5. Spread a thin layer of warm marinara sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking sheet. Place the fried cutlets over the sauce.
  6. Top each cutlet with a generous layer of marinara sauce, followed by the sliced mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese over the mozzarella.
  7. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit and the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. If the cheese needs more browning, briefly switch the oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
  8. Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately.

Notes

  • For the crispiest result, do not skip the panko breadcrumbs; they absorb less oil than standard breadcrumbs.
  • Ensure your frying oil is hot enough before adding the chicken; this sets the crust quickly.
  • Placing the fried cutlets on a wire rack instead of paper towels allows air circulation, preventing the bottom crust from steaming and becoming soft.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kitchnkudos.com/crispy-chicken-parmesan-with-melty-cheese/