These golden, crunchy chicken cutlets are layered with bubbly melted mozzarella, rich marinara sauce, and fresh basil for the ultimate comfort-food dinner. Crispy on the outside, juicy inside, and packed with flavor in every bite.
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Protein: 42g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fat: 14g
- Calories: ~370 kcal
Ingredients
For the Crispy Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to even thickness)
- ยฝ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- ยฝ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- Olive oil spray
For the Topping
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup warm marinara sauce
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
1. Prep the Coating Station
- Preheat your oven to 200ยฐC (400ยฐF).
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper or place a wire rack on top for extra crispiness.
Prepare 3 bowls:
- Bowl 1: Flour + salt + pepper
- Bowl 2: Beaten eggs
- Bowl 3: Panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper
2. Coat the Chicken
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
- Coat each piece in flour, then egg, then press firmly into the Panko-Parmesan mixture until fully coated.
- Arrange on the prepared tray and lightly spray the tops with olive oil.
3. Bake Until Crispy
- Bake for 15โ20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- The coating should be deeply golden and crispy, and the chicken fully cooked through.
4. Melt the Cheese
- Remove the tray from the oven and switch the oven to broil/grill mode.
- Top each chicken cutlet with mozzarella cheese.
- Broil for 2โ3 minutes until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly and lightly golden.
5. Style & Serve
- Arrange the crispy chicken on a serving platter.
- Spoon warm marinara sauce across the center.
- Garnish with fresh basil and chopped parsley for that fresh restaurant-style finish.
Pro Tip
For the crispiest texture, let the breaded chicken rest for 5 minutes before baking. This helps the coating stick better and creates that beautiful crunchy crust.