Ingredients
For the Breading:
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ⅓ cup plain breadcrumbs
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
Seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1½ teaspoons sea salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Main Ingredients:
- 3 large chicken breasts, butterflied, then cut into 6 cutlets
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced into 12 thin slices
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- Red pepper flakes, optional
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F and position the rack in the center for even baking.
- Prepare the Breading Stations: Set up three shallow bowls or rimmed plates; beat the eggs in one, place flour in the second, and combine panko breadcrumbs, plain breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese in the third.
- Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, sea salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Rub this seasoning evenly over all sides of the chicken cutlets.
- Bread the Chicken: Dredge each chicken cutlet first in the flour, shaking off excess, then dip into the beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off. Finally, press the cutlet into the breadcrumb mixture to fully coat both sides. Repeat for all pieces.
- Brown the Chicken: Heat ¼ cup of olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add three cutlets and cook about 2 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer browned cutlets to a baking sheet. Add remaining oil to the skillet and brown the rest of the chicken.
- Top with Sauce and Cheese: Spoon about ¼ cup of marinara sauce onto each browned chicken cutlet. Then place two slices of fresh mozzarella on top of each piece.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-14 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F) and the cheese has melted and lightly browned.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and sprinkle with chopped fresh basil, additional Parmesan cheese, and optional red pepper flakes. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Butterflying the chicken breasts and cutting into cutlets ensures even cooking and more surface area for breading.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to verify chicken is cooked to 165°F to ensure food safety without overcooking.
- If you prefer a lighter version, you can bake the breaded chicken cutlets before adding sauce and cheese instead of pan-frying.
- Fresh mozzarella works best for creamy melt, but shredded mozzarella can be a convenient substitute.
- Leftovers can be reheated in a 350°F oven to maintain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American