Alright, ready to roll up your sleeves and turn those simple ingredients into a sizzling Italian herbed chicken parmesan masterpiece? Start by prepping your 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts pound them gently until they’re an even thickness. This little trick isn’t just fancy chef stuff; it actually helps the chicken cook evenly, so you won’t end up with one dry overdone edge and one undercooked middle.
After you’ve got those babies ready to go, it’s time for the classic breading station. You’ll need 1 cup of Italian-style breadcrumbs mixed with 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus 1 teaspoon each of dried oregano and dried basil, and half a teaspoon each of dried thyme and garlic powder. Toss in salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. This herby crunch is where all the delicious magic happens.
Next up: the egg and flour setup. Pour your 2 large beaten eggs into one bowl, and put 1 cup of all-purpose flour in another shallow dish. Now, the process is like a relay: first, coat the chicken breast lightly in flour (don’t overdo it), then dip it into the eggs, and finally, press it firmly into that breadcrumb-herb mix. Don’t be shy here the more it sticks, the better your crust will be.
Once coated, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When it’s shimmering, place your breaded chicken in, cooking each side for about 4 to 5 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Remember, patience is key flip carefully to keep that crust intact, because no one wants a crumbly mess.
Here’s the fun part: building the classic layers. Spoon about 1 1/2 cups of rich marinara sauce onto the browned chicken breasts, then pile on 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese like you’re smothering a pizza. Cover the skillet briefly or pop the chicken under a broiler until the cheese melts into gooey, golden perfection. The smell alone is enough to start drooling.
For that final flourish and a fresh herby pop, sprinkle some fresh basil leaves on top if you’re feeling fancy. Serve this comforting, crispy, and cheesy dish with a side of spaghetti or a green salad, and you’ve got a dinner that’s as hearty as it's satisfying and all without a ton of fuss.
To easily grate fresh Parmesan cheese for superior flavor, a durable Rotary Cheese Grater is a convenient tool.