Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz/170g each), pounded to ½-inch thickness
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 ½ cups (150g) Italian breadcrumbs
- ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup vegetable oil, for frying
- 2 cups (475ml) marinara sauce (high-quality store-bought or homemade)
- 8 ounces (225g) fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- ¼ cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Pound chicken breasts to even thickness. Season with salt and pepper.
- Arrange flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumb mixture (breadcrumbs, Parmesan, oregano, garlic powder, salt, pepper) in separate shallow dishes.
- Dredge chicken in flour, dip in egg, and coat thoroughly with breadcrumb mixture.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry chicken until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C), about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in the baking dish. Place fried chicken cutlets on top.
- Spoon marinara sauce over each chicken cutlet, then top with mozzarella slices and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden, about 15-20 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately. Enjoy your homemade chicken parm!