Chicken Parmesan w/ Bacon-Infused Marinara
Leave a note

By Sean Patrick
Chicken Parmesan w/ Bacon-Infused Marinara
24 steps
Prep:35minCook:35min
This absolutely delicious (and decadent) Chicken Parm recipe will surely become a favorite the moment your family and friends taste it. From the bacon-infused marinara to the exceptional crunch of the chicken, this dish delivers on all fronts. Let's be honest - this isn't a diet-friendly dish, but it's a splurge that's worth every bite!
Updated at: Mon, 28 Apr 2025 15:02:48 GMT
Nutrition balance score
Good
Glycemic Index
62
Moderate
Glycemic Load
38
High
Nutrition per serving
Calories794.9 kcal (40%)
Total Fat33.1 g (47%)
Carbs62.2 g (24%)
Sugars12.5 g (14%)
Protein60 g (120%)
Sodium1766.4 mg (88%)
Fiber7.1 g (25%)
% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet
Ingredients
4 servings
For The Bacon-Infused Marinara

4 slicesbacon
thick - cut, chopped

1 Tbspolive oil
only if needed, depending on bacon fat

4cloves garlic
minced

1yellow onion
small, finely diced

1 tspcrushed red pepper flakes
optional for a little heat

1 x 28 ozcan San Marzano crushed tomatoes

1 Tbsptomato paste

1 tspsugar
balances the acidity

1 tspdried oregano

1 tspdried basil

½ tspdried thyme

salt
to taste

black pepper
to taste

fresh basil
chopped, plus more for garnish
For The Chicken

2boneless skinless chicken breasts
large, slice in half horizontally for 4 thinner cutlets

¾ cupall-purpose flour

2eggs
large

1 Tbspmilk

1 cupItalian-style breadcrumbs

½ cuppanko breadcrumbs
for extra crunch

½ cupParmesan cheese
grated

salt

pepper

1 tspgarlic powder

1 tsponion powder

olive oil
for frying

1 ½ cupsshredded mozzarella cheese
use a good quality one like low-moisture part-skim
Instructions
Making The Sauce
Step 1
In a large saucepan over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
Step 2
In the bacon fat (add a touch of olive oil if needed), sauté the garlic and onion until soft and fragrant — about 3–4 minutes.
Step 3
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to caramelize it a bit.
Step 4
Add the crushed tomatoes, sugar, oregano, basil, thyme, a pinch of salt, and black pepper.
Step 5
Stir in the crispy bacon pieces.
Step 6
Simmer uncovered on low heat for at least 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally. (Longer if you want it richer!)
Step 7
Stir in the fresh basil at the end.
Step 8
NOTE: For an ultra-smooth sauce, blitz it with an immersion blender for a few seconds after simmering.
Prepare The Chicken
Step 9
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Step 10
Pound the chicken cutlets slightly to even thickness (about ½-inch thick).
Step 11
Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Step 12
Dredge each piece in flour, shaking off the excess.
Step 13
Dip into beaten eggs (with 1 tbsp milk whisked in).
Step 14
Coat with a mixture of Italian breadcrumbs, panko, and Parmesan cheese.
Step 15
Heat a generous layer of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Step 16
Fry chicken cutlets until golden and crispy (about 2–3 minutes per side). Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
Assemble and Bake
Step 17
Spread a thin layer of the bacon marinara sauce in a baking dish.
Step 18
Arrange the crispy chicken cutlets on top.
Step 19
Spoon more sauce over each piece (don’t drown them — you still want crispy bits!).
Step 20
Sprinkle a generous handful of mozzarella cheese over each cutlet.
Step 21
Optional: Dust a little extra Parmesan over everything for that golden cheesy crust.
Step 22
Bake for 12–15 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve
Step 23
Garnish with fresh basil leaves.
Step 24
Serve hot over spaghetti, with garlic bread, or a simple green salad!
Notes
0 liked
0 disliked
There are no notes yet. Be the first to share your experience!