Chicken Parmesan

Ingredients

Ingredients

• 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut in half horizontally to make 6 breast halves
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, divided
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup panko bread crumbs
• 1 cup italian style bread crumbs, or panko
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 24 oz marinara sauce, or homemade
• 6 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
• fresh basil leaves, for serving

Instructions

1. Butterfly chicken breasts: Place one hand on top of the breast and carefully run a knife through the center of the meat to create two, even, thin breast halves. Pound each half to an even thickness of about 1/4-inch using a meat mallet or rolling pin.
2. Season chicken generously with salt on both sides. Place on a wire rack set over a baking sheet and refrigerate uncovered for 30 minutes.
3. In a shallow bowl, add the all-purpose flour. In another shallow bowl, beat the eggs well. In a third shallow bowl, combine breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup parmesan, garlic powder, dried oregano, and dried basil; stir to mix.
4. Remove chicken from refrigerator. Dredge each piece in the flour, shaking off excess. Dip into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off, then press into the breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides evenly. Place breaded chicken back on the wire rack and refrigerate for another 30 minutes.
5. Preheat broiler and position oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source.
6. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add breaded chicken in batches and shallow fry for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 155-160°F. Transfer to a wire rack set over a baking sheet.
7. Spoon a thin layer of marinara sauce over each piece of chicken, followed by slices of fresh mozzarella and a sprinkle of remaining parmesan cheese.
8. Broil for 3-5 minutes, or until cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. Watch closely to avoid burning.
9. Garnish with fresh chopped basil. Serve over hot cooked spaghetti noodles, with extra sauce, if desired.