Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Dish

The first step in preparing Chicken Parmesan is preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature is essential for getting the chicken to bake to a crispy, golden perfection. While the oven is heating up, prepare your 9×13-inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with olive oil or non-stick cooking spray. This will help the chicken from sticking to the dish as it bakes and will make cleanup easier.

Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station

The breading is key to achieving that satisfying crunch that makes Chicken Parmesan so irresistible. To do this, set up a breading station with three shallow bowls. In the first dish, place the all-purpose flour. This flour will form the base of the breading and help the eggs stick to the chicken. In the second bowl, crack two large eggs and beat them with a fork until smooth. Finally, in the third shallow dish, combine the Panko breadcrumbs, seasoned breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will form the crispy outer layer of the chicken, so make sure all ingredients are well-combined.

Step 3: Prepare the Chicken

Chicken breasts can vary in size, so it’s important to flatten them for even cooking. Place each chicken breast on a flat surface, and using the flat side of a meat mallet, gently pound the chicken to a ½-inch thickness. If the chicken breasts are very large, you can cut them in half horizontally to make them thinner. After pounding, pat the chicken dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This will ensure that the breading sticks properly. Once dry, season both sides of the chicken with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper to add a simple yet flavorful base.

Step 4: Breading the Chicken

Now that your chicken is prepared and the breading station is ready, it’s time to coat the chicken breasts. Start by dipping each piece into the flour, making sure it is fully coated on all sides. Shake off any excess flour to ensure the coating is light. Then, dip the chicken into the beaten eggs, ensuring the chicken is evenly coated. Finally, coat the chicken with the breadcrumb mixture. Gently press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken so they stick, making sure the entire surface is covered.

Step 5: Fry the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat 4 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is shimmering (but not smoking), carefully add the breaded chicken breasts to the pan. Fry the chicken for about 2 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown. Since the chicken won’t be fully cooked at this point, you’re only looking to achieve a crispy, golden crust. The chicken will finish cooking in the oven, so don’t worry about it being cooked through just yet. Once browned, remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Step 6: Assemble the Chicken Parmesan

Now it’s time to assemble the dish. Pour 1 ½ cups of marinara sauce into the bottom of your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to cover the surface. Next, place the browned chicken breasts on top of the sauce. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce onto each chicken breast, covering it in the center. Now, sprinkle each piece of chicken with mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese. The mozzarella will melt into a gooey, melty layer, while the Parmesan adds a nutty, salty flavor that perfectly complements the other ingredients.

Step 7: Bake the Chicken Parmesan

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when checked with an instant-read thermometer. The cheese should be melted, bubbly, and slightly golden around the edges. If you want a crispier cheese top, feel free to broil the dish for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end of baking. Just keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t burn.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Once the Chicken Parmesan is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil and parsley for a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor. Chicken Parmesan is traditionally served over a bed of pasta, but you can also serve it with a side of garlic bread, steamed vegetables, or a crisp green salad. For an added touch, you can drizzle extra marinara sauce over the chicken or serve it on the side for dipping.