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Homemade Chicken Parmesan with 5 Minute Marinara photo

Chicken Parmesan with 5 Minute Marinara

Crispy breaded chicken cutlets topped with quick marinara and melted mozzarella for a classic, weeknight-friendly Chicken Parmesan.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 6 boneless chicken breast halves about 6 cutlets
  • 2 eggs beaten
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups panko bread crumbs
  • 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese for breading; grated on smallest hole
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt for breading mix
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella cut into 12 slices
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese for topping
  • chopped fresh basil for garnish
  • 1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes no seasonings added
  • 1/2 tablespoon sugar
  • 1/2 tablespoon chicken bouillon
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder for marinara
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder for marinara
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil for marinara
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt for marinara
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper for marinara
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes or a dash

Equipment

  • Meat mallet or rolling pin
  • 3 shallow bowls or dishes
  • baking sheet lined with foil
  • Large Skillet
  • Medium Saucepan
  • Parchment Paper
  • Tongs or spatula

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and spray or oil lightly; set aside. Lay out a sheet of parchment for resting breaded chicken.
  2. Place each chicken breast half between plastic wrap or parchment and pound to an even 1/4–1/2 inch thickness with a meat mallet or rolling pin; set aside.
  3. Set up three shallow dishes: bowl 1 with 1/3 cup flour; bowl 2 with the beaten eggs; bowl 3 with panko, 3/4 cup grated Parmesan, 1/2 tsp each dried parsley, dried basil, salt, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and 1/4 tsp pepper, mixing to combine.
  4. Working one cutlet at a time, dredge in flour, shake off excess, dip in egg, then press into the panko mixture until evenly coated. Place breaded cutlets on the parchment and let rest 15 minutes.
  5. While chicken rests, make the 5-minute marinara: combine crushed tomatoes, 1/2 tbsp sugar, 1/2 tbsp chicken bouillon, 1 tsp each garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, 1/2 tsp each dried oregano, dried thyme, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes in a medium saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium-high, then lower heat and cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Keep warm.
  6. Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high until shimmering, then reduce slightly to maintain a medium frying temperature. Fry 2–3 cutlets at a time until deep golden and crisp, about 3–4 minutes per side. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet.
  7. Spoon about 1/4–1/3 cup marinara over each fried cutlet, top with two slices of mozzarella and sprinkle with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan divided among the cutlets.
  8. Bake in the preheated 450°F oven 10–15 minutes, until chicken is cooked through and cheese is melted. Garnish with chopped fresh basil and serve with remaining marinara if desired.

Notes

  • Cut large chicken breasts in half to make even cutlets.
  • Use the smooth side of a meat mallet or a can to pound chicken.
  • Do not substitute panko with Italian breadcrumbs for best crispiness.
  • Keep one hand dry for breadcrumbs to prevent them from getting gummy.
  • Heat oil until shimmering but not smoking and avoid overcrowding the pan.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan and fresh mozzarella for best results.