Crispy Chicken with Mozzarella, Tomato & Basil
Juicy chicken breasts are coated in a golden, crispy crust, then topped with melted mozzarella, fresh tomatoes, and fragrant basil. It’s like a lighter twist on chicken parmesan, but fresher and without heavy sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels restaurant-quality.
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 25 minutes
Total: 40 minutes
Servings:4
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
½ cup flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp dried oregano
Salt & black pepper, to taste
3 tbsp olive oil
1 cup fresh mozzarella, sliced
2 medium tomatoes, sliced
Fresh basil leaves
Optional: balsamic glaze, for drizzling
Instructions
Prep Chicken:
Pound chicken breasts to even thickness. Season with salt and pepper.
Breading Station:
Place flour in one shallow dish, beaten eggs in another, and breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan, garlic powder, oregano in a third.
Dredge chicken in flour, dip in egg, then coat with breadcrumb mixture.
Cook Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C).
Add Cheese & Tomatoes:
Lower heat to medium. Top each chicken breast with mozzarella slices. Cover pan briefly until cheese melts.
Add sliced tomatoes on top and warm slightly.
Finish & Serve:
Remove from skillet, top with fresh basil leaves.
Optional: drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.
Notes & Tips
Use an oven method: After crisping, transfer to a 375°F (190°C) oven for 5 minutes to fully melt cheese.
For extra crunch, mix crushed cornflakes with breadcrumbs.
Pair with a light salad, roasted veggies, or garlic pasta.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use chicken thighs?
A: Yes! Boneless thighs work well — just adjust cooking time slightly.
Q: Can I bake instead of fry?
A: Yes, bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes until golden, then add mozzarella and broil briefly to melt.
Q: Can I make it ahead?
A: Best fresh, but you can prep breaded chicken and refrigerate uncooked for up to 24 hours.
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~470
Protein: 45g
Fat: 22g
Carbs: 24g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 3g