Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1.5 lbs)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 1/2 cups Italian breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/3 cup olive oil for frying
For Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
- Fresh basil leaves
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prep chicken: Pound chicken breasts to 1/2-inch even thickness. Use heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out hearts. Pat dry.
- Set up breading: Place flour in first shallow bowl. Whisk eggs and milk in second bowl. Mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and paprika in third bowl.
- Bread chicken: Dredge each heart in flour, then egg mixture, then breadcrumbs, pressing firmly. Let rest 5-10 minutes.
- Fry chicken: Heat olive oil in large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken hearts 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer to baking dish.
- Add toppings: Preheat oven to 375°F. Spoon marinara over each chicken heart. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Bake: Bake 10-12 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Let rest 3-5 minutes.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately over pasta or with salad.
Notes
- Even thickness: Pound chicken uniformly for even cooking throughout.
- Rest after breading: Let coated chicken sit 5-10 minutes before frying for better adhesion.
- Oil temperature: Test with a breadcrumb—should sizzle immediately but not burn.
- Don’t oversauce: Use 2-3 tablespoons per heart to keep coating crispy.
- Make ahead: Bread chicken up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate.
- Freezing: Freeze breaded uncooked chicken up to 3 months. Fry from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes.
- Baking option: Bake breaded chicken at 400°F for 20-25 minutes instead of frying.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Pan-Fried, Baked
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free