While developing this recipe, I wondered: Why are we, citizens of the world, so obsessed with chicken Parmesan? After discussing with the food team, testing multiple variations, and summoning various
Italian (-American) gods, I realized the reason is simple: It’s fatty, umami-licious, and has that perfect crispy AND melt-in-your-mouth texture. Though we’ve done it many different ways here, this classic recipe is the chosen one, the holy grail. It has everything you want in chicken Parm, full stop—fried cutlets shrieking with crispiness, a perfect blend of mozzarella and Parm, and a sauce that is full of life with basil and just enough sweetness.
Ingredients
Marinara Sauce
- 3 tbsp.extra-virgin olive oil
- 1small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 6cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1(28-oz.) can crushed tomatoes
- 2large sprigs basil
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
Chicken
- 1 c.panko bread crumbs
- 1 tsp.garlic powder
- 2 c.finely grated Parmesan, divided
- 3/4 c.all-purpose flour
- 2large eggs
- 6(1/4″-thick) boneless, skinless chicken cutlets (about 1 1/2 lb. total)
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 c.shredded mozzarella
- 1 c.vegetable or canola oil
- Chopped fresh basil, for serving
Directions
-
Marinara Sauce
- Step 1
In a medium pot over medium heat, heat oil. Add onion and garlic, stir to combine, and reduce heat to low. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, 10 minutes. Uncover and cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is translucent, softened, and fragrant, about 5 minutes more.
- Step 2Stir in tomatoes and basil. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened and flavors have melded, about 30 minutes; season with salt and pepper. Discard basil.
- Step 1
-
Chicken
- Step 1In a shallow bowl, combine panko, garlic powder, and 1 cup Parmesan. Into another shallow bowl, pour flour. In a third shallow bowl, beat eggs with 1 tablespoon water.
- Step 2Pat chicken dry; season with salt and pepper. Dip into flour, shaking off excess, then into egg, then into panko mixture, gently pressing to adhere.
- Step 3In a small bowl, mix mozzarella and remaining 1 cup Parmesan.
- Step 4Heat broiler. In a large, heavy pot over medium heat, heat oil until a deep-fry or instant-read thermometer registers 350°; if it smokes a bit, that’s okay. Set a wire rack in a baking sheet.
- Step 5Working one at a time, fry chicken until one side is golden brown, about 1 minute. Flip and continue to fry until golden brown on the other side and the sound of the frying chicken gets slightly louder—this is the moisture evaporating from the chicken—about 1 minute more. Transfer to prepared rack. Repeat with remaining chicken. Spoon some marinara over chicken. Sprinkle with cheese mixture.
- Step 6Broil, watching carefully, until cheese is melted and brown spots form, about 2 minutes.
- Step 7Divide chicken among plates. Top with basil. Serve with remaining marinara alongside.
