Ingredients

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts about 5oz each
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• ⅔ cup Panko bread crumbs
• ⅔ cup seasoned bread crumbs
• ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon salt divided
• ½ teaspoon black pepper divided
• 4 tablespoons olive oil or as needed
• 24 ounces marinara sauce homemade or jarred
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh basil for garnish
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 425°F.
2. Set up three shallow dishes: add the flour to the first, beat the eggs in the second, and mix the Panko, seasoned breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper in the third.
3. Using the smooth side of a meat mallet, pound the chicken breasts to an even ½-inch thickness. Slice them in half if they’re very large. Blot dry, then season with the remaining salt and pepper.
4. Coat each chicken breast in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into the eggs, then press into the breadcrumb mixture until fully covered.
5. Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for about 2 minutes per side, just until golden. The chicken will finish cooking in the oven.
6. Spread 1½ cups marinara sauce over the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish. Arrange the chicken on top. Spoon 2 tablespoons marinara onto the center of each piece, then sprinkle with mozzarella and shredded Parmesan.
7. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling and the chicken reaches 165°F internally.
8. Finish with fresh basil and parsley. Serve hot, ideally over pasta.

• Chicken size can range from 5–10 oz. Larger breasts may only require two pieces, sliced horizontally to create four thinner portions. Chicken cutlets also work well.
• Make sure the oil is hot and shimmering before adding the chicken for the best crust.
• Go light on the sauce in the baking dish—extra can be warmed and served alongside if needed.