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Darby's Daily Balance

Lighter Chicken Parmesan

lighter chicken parmesan with crispy crust and melty mozzarella.

Ingredients

  • 1.5–2 lbs air-chilled chicken breasts, thinly sliced + pounded to even thickness
  • 2 cups panko breadcrumbs (or your favorite breadcrumbs)
  • 1.5 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 ball fresh mozzarella, thinly sliced
  • ½–1 cup marinara sauce (depending on how saucy you like it)
  • olive oil (enough to fill the pan 1–2 inches)
  • Italian herbs + seasonings (to taste)
  • 2 eggs (whisked)
  • fresh basil (for topping)

Method

  1. 1

    Set up your dredging station: Bowl 1: whisked eggs; Bowl 2: panko, Parmesan, Italian herbs, seasonings.

  2. 2

    Dip each chicken cutlet into the egg, then coat fully in the panko-Parmesan mixture. Set aside.

  3. 3

    Heat 1–2 inches of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. When hot, fry chicken 3.5–4.5 minutes per side, until golden and crispy.

  4. 4

    Let cutlets cool slightly while you preheat the oven to 350°F.

  5. 5

    Top each piece with marinara, a sprinkle of Parmesan, and a thick slice of mozzarella. Bake 20–25 minutes, depending on thickness.

  6. 6

    Serve warm. I love it with a simple arugula salad for a lighter, balanced meal — but pasta, rice, or roasted veggies are all perfect too.