Prepare the Chicken: Start by prepping the chicken breasts. If they are particularly thick, slice them horizontally to create thinner cutlets. Season both sides with salt and pepper. This simple seasoning adds flavor to the chicken and forms a delicious base.
Bread the Chicken: Set up a breading station. In one shallow dish, place the flour. In another dish, beat the eggs. In a third dish, mix the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, oregano, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. Dip each chicken breast first into the flour, then into the egg, and finally coat it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing down gently to ensure it sticks well.
Fry the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the breaded chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. Transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Make the Sauce: In a small saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the marinara sauce, dried basil, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Assemble the Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the fried chicken breasts in a baking dish. Spoon marinara sauce over each piece of chicken, making sure it’s generously covered. Sprinkle a generous amount of mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce, followed by a light sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.