Prepare Chicken Cutlets: If your chicken breasts are thick, slice them in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets. Place each cutlet between two pieces of plastic wrap and use a meat mallet to gently pound them to an even thickness of about 1/4-inch. Season both sides of the chicken cutlets with salt and pepper.

Set Up Breading Station: Prepare three shallow dishes. In the first dish, place the all-purpose flour. In the second dish, place the beaten eggs. In the third dish, combine the Italian-style breadcrumbs with 1/4 cup of the grated Parmesan cheese.

Bread Chicken: Working with one cutlet at a time, dredge it in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, press the cutlet firmly into the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture, ensuring it's fully coated on all sides. Place the breaded chicken on a clean plate or wire rack.

Pan-Fry Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You should have enough oil to generously coat the bottom of the pan. Once the oil is hot (it should shimmer), carefully place 2 breaded chicken cutlets in the skillet (avoid overcrowding). Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a wire rack to drain. Repeat with the remaining chicken cutlets, adding more oil if needed.

Assemble for Baking: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange the fried chicken cutlets in a single layer in a baking dish (9x13 inch or similar).

Add Sauce & Cheese: Spoon a generous amount of marinara sauce over each chicken cutlet. Top each with a portion of the shredded mozzarella cheese and a sprinkle of the remaining 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese.

Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F / 74°C), the sauce is bubbly, and the cheese is melted and golden brown.

Rest & Serve: Let the chicken parmesan recipe rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped basil or parsley, if desired. Serve hot, traditionally with spaghetti or your favorite pasta.