What’s better than chicken parmesan, one of the best dishes ever? The Best Crispy Chicken Parmesan, that’s what! Pan frying the chicken until golden and crisp ensures each bite has the satisfying crunch you want, even as it puts on its finest suit of homemade marinara, melty mozzarella, and sharp parmesan. You’re going to need the perfect pasta to ensure you can enjoy this Best Crispy Chicken Parmesan to the fullest: no other pasta will suffice!
Ingredients
For the sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- kosher salt, to taste
- freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 (28-ounce) can fire-roasted crushed tomatoes, undrained
For the chicken:
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken cutlets, or chicken breasts, cut in half
- kosher salt, to taste
- freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 4 ounces parmesan cheese (about 1 cup), grated and divided
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 1/2 cups canola oil, for frying
- 6 ounces mozzarella cheese (about 1 1/2 cups), grated
Directions
Step 1 –Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Step 2 –Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat.
Step 3 –Add the onion and season it with the salt and the pepper.
Step 4 –Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft, about 4-6 minutes.
Step 5 –Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 6 –Add the tomatoes and bring the mixture to a boil.
Step 7 –Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until the sauce has thickened, about 28-30 minutes.
Step 8 –Season the chicken with the salt and the pepper.
Step 9 –Beat the eggs until frothy in a bowl.
Step 10 –In a second bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup of the parmesan, the garlic powder, the salt, and the pepper.
Step 11 –Heat the canola oil in a large cast iron pan or Dutch oven over medium heat until the temperature reaches 350 degrees F with an instant-read thermometer.
Step 12 –Dredge the chicken in the egg, allowing the excess to drip off, and then in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing to help adhere.
Step 13 –Gently lower the chicken into the hot oil and fry, turning once, until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-6 minutes.
Step 14 –Arrange the chicken in the bottom of an 8×8-inch broiler-safe baking dish.
Step 15 –Top the chicken with the marinara sauce, the mozzarella, and the remaining parmesan.
Step 16 –Bake until warmed through, about 10-12 minutes.
Step 17 –Switch the oven to broil and broil until the cheese is golden brown, about 1-2 minutes.
Step 18 –Serve.
