Chicken Parmesan

I definitely go through phases with what I like to cook, and I guess it's Italian week here on Kitchen Ambition.  I hope you try the stuffed shells recipe soon because it's totally a keeper! 


Another keeper is this one...Chicken Parmesan is the ultimate comfort food and could not be easier to make.  I've been making variations of this recipe for years; I think it was one of the first things I made for John when we started dating so there's always some nostalgia when I make it now (at least for me...I don't think he remembers!)  I think now I've finally perfected the recipe by adding lots of seasoning to the bread crumb/parmesan mixture including some red pepper flakes for heat.  The most traditional way to serve this is on top of angel hair pasta with some nice garlic bread; we lightened it up a little last night by serving it with some couscous seasoned with olive oil, s+p, and fresh chives.  The recipe is my own, compiled after years of trying different herbs, bread crumb/parmesan ratios, and cooking methods.  I hope you love it as much as we do!

Chicken Parmesan

Serves 2

Ingredients:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 egg, beaten

2/3 cup bread crumbs

1/2 cup finely grated parmesan cheese

1/2 teaspoon thyme

1/2 teaspoon rosemary

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1 cup marinara sauce (homemade or your favorite jar)

2 teaspoons fresh chives, chopped

1/3 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.  Heat 1-2 teaspoons olive oil over medium heat in a large saute pan.

Pound the chicken breasts until they are about 1/2 inch thick.  (This will help them cook more evenly and stay tender).  

Combine the next 8 ingredients (bread crumbs through the pepper) in a medium bowl and set aside.  Place the beaten egg in another bowl.  Using tongs, coat the chicken in the egg first, then the bread/parmesan mixture.  Place immediately in hot pan and cook on each side until brown, about 4 minutes.

Place the chicken in a prepared baking dish and bake for about 10 minutes.  Remove from oven, top with marinara sauce, chives, and mozzarella cheese, and bake until cheese is melted and bubbly (probably another 6-8 minutes).  Remove from oven and enjoy.