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Crispy Smash Chicken Parmesan Recipe with Burrata on Garlic Focaccia

crispy smash chicken parmesan - featured image

A quick and easy crispy chicken parmesan sandwich featuring smashed chicken breasts, creamy burrata, and garlicky focaccia, perfect for a satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded flat)
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup finely grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 1 ball (~4 oz) burrata cheese, drained
  • 1 loaf garlic focaccia (about 8x4 inches)
  • A handful fresh basil, torn (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: red pepper flakes for heat

Instructions

  1. Place each chicken breast between two sheets of parchment paper and gently smash to about ½ inch thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin.
  2. Set up dredging stations: one bowl with flour, one with beaten eggs seasoned with salt and pepper, and one with panko breadcrumbs mixed with grated parmesan and black pepper.
  3. Dredge each chicken breast in flour, shake off excess, dip into egg wash, then press firmly into breadcrumb mixture to coat evenly.
  4. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat until hot but not smoking (about 350°F).
  5. Cook chicken breasts 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy, and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  6. Warm marinara sauce in a small saucepan or microwave.
  7. Slice garlic focaccia horizontally and toast lightly until just crisp.
  8. Assemble sandwich by spooning marinara on bottom half of focaccia, placing hot chicken on top, then tearing burrata over the chicken. Add fresh basil and red pepper flakes if desired.
  9. Top with focaccia lid, press gently, slice into portions, and serve immediately while warm.

Notes

Use panko breadcrumbs mixed with parmesan for extra crunch. Maintain oil temperature around 350°F to avoid greasy or burnt chicken. Let chicken rest after cooking to keep edges crispy. Tear burrata by hand for rustic texture. For gluten-free, substitute almond flour and gluten-free panko. For dairy-free, replace burrata with cashew-based cheese or avocado slices.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken parmesan, crispy chicken, burrata, garlic focaccia, quick dinner, easy recipe, Italian sandwich