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Homemade Ina Gartens perfect Chicken Parmesan photo

Ina Gartens perfect Chicken Parmesan

A classic, crisp chicken parmesan with marinara and melted cheese that's simple and satisfying.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 4 skinless boneless chicken breasts halved horizontally to make 8 cutlets
  • 1 tsp kosher salt or to taste
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper freshly ground
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour for dredging
  • 2 large eggs beaten
  • 1 cup plain breadcrumbs or panko
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese divided
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano optional
  • 1/4 cup olive oil for frying
  • 2 cups marinara sauce homemade or store-bought
  • 8 slices mozzarella cheese or 2 cups shredded
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • Baking Sheet
  • Wire Rack
  • Large Skillet
  • Meat mallet or rolling pin
  • Shallow Bowls
  • Tongs
  • Oven

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a wire rack on a baking sheet and set aside.
  2. Slice each chicken breast horizontally to make two thin cutlets. Pound lightly between plastic wrap to an even thickness, about 1/2 inch.
  3. Season both sides of the cutlets with 1 tsp kosher salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  4. Set up a dredging station with three shallow bowls: flour in the first, beaten eggs in the second, and breadcrumbs mixed with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan and dried oregano (if using) in the third.
  5. Dredge each cutlet in flour, shaking off excess, dip into the beaten eggs, then coat evenly with the breadcrumb mixture. Place on the prepared rack.
  6. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the cutlets in batches until golden brown, about 2–3 minutes per side. Transfer browned cutlets back to the wire rack on the baking sheet.
  7. Spoon about 1/4 cup marinara over each cutlet, then top with a slice of mozzarella (or shredded mozzarella) and a sprinkle of remaining Parmesan.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the chicken is cooked through, about 10–12 minutes.
  9. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use thin cutlets for even cooking.
  • Panko gives extra crispiness.
  • Dry-bring breadcrumbs with Parmesan for more flavor.
  • Cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
  • Leftovers keep 2–3 days refrigerated.