Description
Crispy Chicken Parmesan with Melted Mozzarella, Garlic Tomatoes & Fresh Basil is a comforting dinner featuring golden Parmesan-panko chicken, bubbling mozzarella, juicy garlic tomatoes and fresh basil. It is crisp, cheesy, savoury and simple enough for a weeknight meal.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken cutlets
2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 cup (100 g) panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1 large egg, beaten
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1 tbsp olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 tsp dried oregano
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1½ cups (150 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, paprika, garlic powder and dried oregano. Place the beaten egg in a separate bowl.
3. Season the chicken cutlets with salt and black pepper. Dip each cutlet into the beaten egg, then press it firmly into the Parmesan-panko mixture until evenly coated on both sides.
4. Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the coated chicken and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crisp. Transfer the chicken to the prepared baking sheet if needed.
5. Arrange the halved cherry tomatoes around the chicken. Toss the tomatoes with olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt and black pepper.
6. Roast for 10–12 minutes, until the tomatoes soften and begin to blister.
7. Remove the chicken from the oven and top each crispy cutlet with shredded mozzarella and a little grated Parmesan.
8. Return the chicken to the oven and bake for another 5–7 minutes, until the mozzarella is melted, bubbling and lightly golden.
9. Remove from the oven and scatter fresh basil over the chicken and roasted garlic tomatoes.
10. Serve immediately with the juicy roasted tomatoes spooned around the chicken. Finish with extra Parmesan and fresh basil if desired.
Notes
Press the Parmesan-panko mixture firmly onto the chicken so the crust stays in place.
Give the chicken enough room to brown properly and avoid overcrowding the pan.
Once the mozzarella is melted and lightly golden, the chicken is ready to serve.
Serve immediately while the chicken is at its crispiest.
If using chicken breasts instead of cutlets, slice them into thinner cutlets or bring them to an even thickness so they cook consistently.
The cherry tomatoes are roasted with olive oil, minced garlic and oregano, which gives them a juicy and savoury flavour.
The roasted garlic tomatoes are already included as a side, but the chicken can also be served with favourite vegetables, a simple green salad or another light side dish.
Mozzarella provides the melted cheese layer while Parmesan adds savoury flavour to the crust and topping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American