Smashed Chicken Parmesan Texas Toast: A Deliciously Crispy & Cheesy Delight

Craving comfort food that’s both satisfying and easy to make? Look no further than this Smashed Chicken Parmesan Texas Toast recipe! It takes all the classic flavors of chicken parmesan and combines them with the crispy, buttery goodness of Texas toast. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner, a weekend lunch, or even a game-day snack. It’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, and the best part is, you can customize it to your liking.

## Why This Recipe Works

This recipe is a winner for several reasons:

* **Crispy Chicken:** The “smashed” technique creates maximum surface area for browning, resulting in incredibly crispy and flavorful chicken cutlets.
* **Flavorful Bread:** Texas toast provides a sturdy and buttery base that soaks up all the delicious sauce and cheese.
* **Quick and Easy:** This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
* **Customizable:** You can easily adapt this recipe to your dietary needs and preferences by using gluten-free bread, different cheeses, or adding your favorite toppings.
* **Kid-Friendly:** Even picky eaters will love this fun and cheesy twist on a classic.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start cooking, gather these ingredients:

* **Chicken Cutlets:** About 1.5 pounds, thinly sliced (about 1/4 inch thick). You can buy pre-cut chicken cutlets or slice your own from chicken breasts.
* **Texas Toast:** 6-8 slices, frozen or fresh. If using frozen, thaw slightly before using.
* **All-Purpose Flour:** 1/2 cup, for dredging the chicken.
* **Italian Seasoning:** 2 teaspoons, divided (1 teaspoon for the flour, 1 teaspoon for the breadcrumbs).
* **Garlic Powder:** 1 teaspoon, divided (1/2 teaspoon for the flour, 1/2 teaspoon for the breadcrumbs).
* **Salt and Black Pepper:** To taste.
* **Eggs:** 2 large, lightly beaten.
* **Panko Breadcrumbs:** 1 cup, for coating the chicken.
* **Grated Parmesan Cheese:** 1/2 cup, divided (1/4 cup for the breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup for topping).
* **Olive Oil:** 2-3 tablespoons, for cooking the chicken.
* **Marinara Sauce:** 1.5 – 2 cups, your favorite brand or homemade.
* **Shredded Mozzarella Cheese:** 1.5 – 2 cups. You can also use a blend of mozzarella and provolone.
* **Fresh Basil:** Chopped, for garnish (optional).

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **Large Skillet or Frying Pan:** For cooking the chicken.
* **Shallow Dishes:** 3 shallow dishes or plates for dredging the chicken.
* **Meat Mallet or Heavy Pan:** For smashing the chicken.
* **Baking Sheet:** For baking the Texas toast.
* **Tongs:** For handling the chicken.
* **Spatula:** For serving.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make this delicious Smashed Chicken Parmesan Texas Toast:

**Step 1: Prepare the Chicken**

1. Place the chicken cutlets between two sheets of plastic wrap or in a zip-top bag.
2. Using a meat mallet or the bottom of a heavy pan, gently pound the chicken to an even thickness of about 1/4 inch. This will help the chicken cook quickly and evenly.
3. In a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. In a second shallow dish, lightly beat the eggs.
5. In a third shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder. Mix well.

**Step 2: Bread the Chicken**

1. Dredge each chicken cutlet in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Shake off any excess flour.
2. Dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, making sure it’s fully coated.
3. Press the egg-coated chicken into the panko breadcrumb mixture, ensuring the breadcrumbs adhere to all sides. Gently press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to help them stick.

**Step 3: Cook the Chicken**

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The oil should shimmer but not smoke.
2. Carefully place the breaded chicken cutlets into the hot skillet, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if necessary.
3. Cook the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
4. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and place it on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

**Step 4: Prepare the Texas Toast**

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Arrange the Texas toast slices on a baking sheet.
3. Spread a generous amount of marinara sauce over each slice of Texas toast.
4. Top the sauce with shredded mozzarella cheese.

**Step 5: Assemble and Bake**

1. Place a cooked chicken cutlet on top of each cheesy Texas toast slice.
2. Sprinkle the remaining grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the Texas toast is heated through.

**Step 6: Serve**

1. Remove the Smashed Chicken Parmesan Texas Toast from the oven and let it cool slightly.
2. Garnish with fresh chopped basil, if desired.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy!

## Tips for the Best Smashed Chicken Parmesan Texas Toast

* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** When cooking the chicken, avoid overcrowding the skillet. Cooking in batches ensures that the chicken browns evenly and doesn’t steam.
* **Use Quality Ingredients:** Using high-quality ingredients, such as fresh chicken, good marinara sauce, and real Parmesan cheese, will make a noticeable difference in the flavor of the dish.
* **Adjust the Seasoning:** Taste the breadcrumb mixture and the marinara sauce, and adjust the seasoning to your liking. You can add more Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, or pepper.
* **Don’t Overbake:** Keep a close eye on the Texas toast while it’s baking in the oven. Overbaking can result in dry or burnt toast.
* **Get Creative with Toppings:** Feel free to add your favorite toppings to the Texas toast, such as sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, or pepperoni.
* **Make it Spicy:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture or the marinara sauce for a spicy kick.
* **Use Air Fryer:** Instead of cooking the chicken in a skillet, you can air fry it. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook the breaded chicken for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until golden brown and cooked through.

## Variations and Substitutions

* **Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and gluten-free Texas toast to make this recipe gluten-free.
* **Dairy-Free:** Use dairy-free cheese and dairy-free butter substitute on the Texas toast to make this recipe dairy-free.
* **Vegetarian:** Substitute the chicken cutlets with eggplant slices or thick slices of portobello mushrooms. Bread and cook them as you would the chicken.
* **Different Cheeses:** Experiment with different cheeses, such as provolone, mozzarella, or a blend of Italian cheeses.
* **Homemade Marinara Sauce:** Use your favorite homemade marinara sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
* **Garlic Bread:** Use garlic bread instead of Texas toast for even more garlic flavor.

## Serving Suggestions

This Smashed Chicken Parmesan Texas Toast is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to make it a complete meal:

* **Side Salad:** Serve with a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette dressing.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Pair it with roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts.
* **Pasta:** Serve alongside a small portion of pasta with marinara sauce.
* **Garlic Knots:** Accompany the Texas toast with warm garlic knots.
* **Soup:** Enjoy it with a bowl of tomato soup or minestrone soup.

## Make Ahead Instructions

You can prepare certain components of this recipe ahead of time to save time on the day you plan to serve it:

* **Bread the Chicken:** You can bread the chicken cutlets up to 24 hours in advance. Store them in a single layer on a baking sheet covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator.
* **Prepare the Marinara Sauce:** If you’re making homemade marinara sauce, you can prepare it a day or two in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

## Storage Instructions

* **Leftovers:** Store leftover Smashed Chicken Parmesan Texas Toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
* **Freezing:** While you can freeze the assembled Texas toast, the texture of the bread may change slightly. To freeze, wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: Approximately 600-800 per serving (depending on ingredients and portion size).
* Protein: 30-40 grams
* Carbohydrates: 50-70 grams
* Fat: 30-40 grams

## Conclusion

This Smashed Chicken Parmesan Texas Toast recipe is a delicious and easy way to enjoy the flavors of chicken parmesan in a fun and satisfying format. With its crispy chicken, buttery Texas toast, and cheesy topping, it’s sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, follow the instructions, and get ready to enjoy a truly unforgettable meal!

Enjoy your cheesy, crispy, and oh-so-satisfying Smashed Chicken Parmesan Texas Toast!