Chicken Parmesan

Ingredients

  • 4 skinless boneless chicken breast halves
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup panko bread crumbs or more as needed
  • ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese divided
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or more if needed
  • ½ cup olive oil for frying or as needed
  • ½ cup prepared tomato sauce pasta sauce, etc.
  • ¼ cup fresh mozzarella cut into small cubes
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
  • ½ cup grated provolone cheese
  • 2 teaspoons olive oil

Instructions

  • Preheat an oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).
  • Place chicken breasts between two sheets of heavy plastic (resealable freezer bags work well) on a solid, level surface. Firmly pound chicken with the smooth side of a meat mallet to a thickness of 1/2-inch.
  • Season chicken thoroughly with salt and pepper. Using a sifter or strainer; sprinkle flour over chicken breasts, evenly coating both sides
  • Beat eggs in a shallow bowl and set aside.
  • Mix bread crumbs and 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese in a separate bowl, set aside.
  • Dip a flour-coated chicken breast in beaten eggs. Transfer breast to the bread crumb mixture, pressing crumbs into both sides. Repeat for each breast. Let chicken rest for 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Heat 1/2 inch olive oil in a large skillet on medium-high heat until it begins to shimmer. Cook chicken in the hot oil until golden, about 2 minutes per side. The chicken will finish cooking in the oven.
  • Transfer chicken to a baking dish. Top each breast with 2 tablespoons tomato sauce. Layer each chicken breast with equal amounts of mozzarella cheese, fresh basil, and provolone cheese. Sprinkle remaining Parmesan over top and drizzle each with 1/2 teaspoon olive oil.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until cheese is browned and bubbly and chicken breasts are no longer pink in the center, 15 to 20 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).

Notes

Use high-quality prepared tomato sauce for a better result. You may substitute pesto or dried Italian herbs of your choice for basil or omit entirely.