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Crispy chicken parmesan on a white plate topped with marinara and melted mozzarella, crispy breaded edges showing, with basil and spaghetti

Cousin Mike's Crispy Chicken Parmesan

Crispy chicken parmesan that stays crunchy under the cheese — the trick is frying the cutlets deep golden first and keeping the sauce off the crust. Restaurant-quality chicken parm you can actually nail at home.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts about 1.5 lbs
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt plus more for seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
  • 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese divided
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 cup neutral oil for frying, plus more as needed
  • 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce preferably homemade
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella sliced (or 2 cups shredded low-moisture)
  • fresh basil for serving

Method
 

  1. Slice each chicken breast in half horizontally to make 4 cutlets. Place between plastic wrap and pound to an even 1/2-inch thickness. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
  2. Set up three shallow dishes: flour in the first; eggs beaten in the second; and in the third, combine the panko, Italian breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup of the Parmesan, garlic powder, oregano, and a pinch of salt.
  3. Dredge each cutlet in flour and shake off the excess, then dip in egg, then press firmly into the breadcrumb mixture on both sides so it is fully coated.
  4. Heat about 1/4 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Fry the cutlets until deep golden brown and crisp, 3–4 minutes per side, until cooked through (165°F). Work in batches so you do not crowd the pan. Drain on a wire rack — not paper towels — to keep the crust crisp.
  5. Position an oven rack near the top and heat the broiler. Spread a thin layer of marinara across the bottom of a baking dish. Set the fried cutlets on top, then spoon just 1–2 tablespoons of sauce over the center of each, leaving the edges exposed so they stay crisp.
  6. Top each cutlet with mozzarella and the remaining Parmesan. Broil 3–5 minutes, watching closely, until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and browned in spots.
  7. Rest 2 minutes, then finish with torn fresh basil. Serve with extra warm marinara on the side and a pile of pasta.

Notes

For the crispiest result, never let the fried cutlets sit in sauce — assemble and broil right before serving. Fry the cutlets ahead of time and hold them on a rack, then sauce, cheese, and broil at the last minute. Fresh mozzarella tastes best but should be patted dry to avoid a watery top. Serve over pasta with Cousin Mike's Homemade Marinara Sauce and Homemade Garlic Bread.