Crispy Chicken Parmesan With Marinara and Mozzarella
Golden-breaded chicken breasts topped with rich marinara sauce and melted mozzarella. Classic comfort food, perfect on its own or served with pasta.
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Baking dish (9x13 inches)
- Medium saucepan
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs
- Paper towels or cooling rack
- Air fryer (optional for variation)
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs Italian-style preferred
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Olive oil for frying
- For the Marinara Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Handful of fresh basil leaves chopped (optional)
- For Assembly:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
- Cooked spaghetti or pasta for serving (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Step 2: Dredge and Bread
- Set up bowls with flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan. Dip chicken in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs, pressing to coat.
Step 3: Fry Until Golden
- Heat olive oil in a skillet. Fry chicken 3–4 minutes per side until golden. Drain on paper towels.
Step 4: Make Marinara Sauce
- Heat olive oil in a saucepan. Sauté garlic, then add tomatoes, oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer 15–20 minutes. Add basil if using.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
- Preheat oven to 375°F. In a baking dish, layer sauce, chicken, more sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Bake 15–20 minutes until cheese is bubbly.
- Optional Air Fryer Step:
- Air fry breaded chicken at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway. Then assemble and bake as above.
Step 6: Serve
- Serve hot over pasta or as-is. Garnish with fresh basil.
Notes
Use fresh mozzarella for best melt.
Let the dish rest 5 minutes before serving.
Can be made ahead by prepping components separately.
Air fryer version is great for a lighter option.