Chicken Parmigiana with Panko Crumbs & Easy Tomato Sauce!

 

Ingredients:

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• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded thin
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 4 large eggs, beaten with 2 tablespoons water
• 2 cups Panko bread crumbs
• 1 cup canola oil
• Tomato Sauce, recipe follows
• 1 package sliced Mozzarella (1 slice per chicken breast or you can buy shredded Mozzarella and sprinkle over the top, whatever you prefer!)
• Garlic salt
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan
• Fresh basil or parsley leaves, for garnish --optional!

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

2. Season chicken on both sides with salt and pepper.

3. (Use 3 separate containers for flour, egg & Panko crumbs) Cover each breast in the flour and tap off excess, then dip in the egg and let excess drip off, then cover both sides in the Panko crumbs.

4. Divide the oil between 2 large saute pans (or cook 2 chicken breasts at a time in 1 pan so that you have less dishes!) and heat over high heat until almost smoking.

5. Add 2 chicken breasts to the pan and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 2 minutes per side.
6. Transfer to a baking sheet and top each breast with some tomato sauce, a slice of the mozzarella, garlic salt, and a tablespoon of Parmesan.

7. Bake in the oven until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from the oven and garnish with basil or parsley leaves.

Tomato Sauce:

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• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large Spanish onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, smashed with some salt to make a paste --or minced garlic in a jar!
• 2 (28-ounce) cans plum tomatoes--pureed in blender
• 1 (16-ounce) can crushed tomatoes (w/Italian Herbs works perfect!)
• 1 small can tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Italian Seasonings --or more, to taste.
• 2 teaspoons chili powder or chili pepper flakes --for a little kick!
• Salt and pepper to taste!

Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add onions and garlic and cook until soft. Add pureed tomatoes with their juices, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, 1 cup water, Italian seasonings, Chili powder or flakes, and bring to a boil. Season, to taste, with salt and pepper. Reduce heat and cook until slightly thickened, about 30 minutes.

**Serve with Spaghetti and Salad-- yum!