4boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 ½ lbs. total)
½cupall-purpose flour
Kosher salt and ground black pepper
2largeeggs, lightly beaten
1teaspoongarlic salt
1cupItalian-style seasoned breadcrumbs
½cupgrated Parmesan cheese
2tablespoonsolive oil
2cupsmarinara sauce
1cupgrated mozzarella cheese
Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley or basil; squeeze of fresh lemon juice; extra Parmesan cheese
Optional, for serving: cooked pasta and additional marinara sauce
Instructions
Bread the Chicken
Preheat the oven to 400°F. If your chicken breasts are particularly thick and large, cut them in half lengthwise. Working with one chicken breast at a time, place the chicken in between two pieces of wax paper or plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the chicken to ¼-inch thickness. Generously season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper. Set aside. Place flour in a shallow bowl and season the flour with salt and pepper. In a separate shallow bowl, combine eggs and garlic salt. In a third shallow bowl, combine breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. Working with one piece of chicken at a time, lightly coat both sides of the chicken with the flour, shaking off the excess. Dip the chicken in the egg, shake again, and then coat with the Parmesan breadcrumbs.
Pan Fry the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add 2 pieces of the chicken and cook until the coating is crispy and golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove to a sheet pan. Repeat with the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil and 2 chicken breasts.
Bake the Chicken
Transfer the sheet pan to the oven and bake until the chicken is cooked through and an instant-read thermometer reads 165°F, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the oven and spoon marinara sauce on top of each piece of chicken.
Finish with Cheese
Sprinkle with mozzarella and return to the oven until the cheese melts, about 2 more minutes.
Video
Notes
I typically purchase thinly-sliced chicken breasts or "chicken cutlets" at the grocery store to save some time on the prep work.I like Rao's store-bought marinara for easy weeknight meals, but you can also use a homemade marinara sauce.