Pesto Chicken Parmesan (Printable Version)

Crispy breaded chicken layered with pesto, marinara, and melted cheeses for a comforting Italian-inspired meal.

# List of Ingredients:

→ Chicken

01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - Salt and pepper to taste

→ Breading

03 - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
04 - 2 large eggs
05 - 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
06 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

→ Toppings

07 - 1/2 cup basil pesto
08 - 1 cup marinara sauce
09 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
10 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
11 - Fresh basil leaves for garnish, optional

# How-To Steps:

01 - Set oven to 375°F and allow to reach temperature.
02 - Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, pound chicken breasts to uniform thickness. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
03 - Arrange three shallow plates or dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with Italian breadcrumbs.
04 - Coat each chicken breast in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into beaten egg, then thoroughly coat with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
05 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add breaded chicken and cook 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown. Chicken will finish cooking in the oven.
06 - Move browned chicken breasts to a baking dish in a single layer.
07 - Spread 1 to 2 tablespoons basil pesto over each chicken breast. Top with a few tablespoons of marinara sauce.
08 - Distribute mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over each piece.
09 - Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and cheese is melted and bubbly.
10 - Remove from oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve immediately with pasta, garlic bread, or side salad.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • That magical moment when breaded chicken meets melty cheese and your kitchen smells like an Italian trattoria.
  • It feels fancy enough to impress guests but comes together faster than ordering takeout, leaving you wondering why you don't make it more often.
02 -
  • Don't skip the initial searing step—it creates a golden crust that stays crispy even under the cheese, rather than turning soggy in the oven.
  • The chicken finishes cooking in the oven, not the skillet, so browning it for just three to four minutes per side prevents it from drying out by the time the cheese melts.
03 -
  • Panko breadcrumbs give you extra crunch and stay crispy longer than regular breadcrumbs, especially if you're making this ahead and reheating it.
  • Use quality pesto and marinara since they have nowhere to hide—they're the stars supporting your perfectly breaded chicken.
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