The Best Crispy Chicken Parmesan

I have tried so many recipes for Chicken Parmesan, some good and some bad – but this one is next-level delicious. A simple, tasty tomato sauce smothered over a tender chicken fillet sandwiched between golden crunchy breadcrumbs and melted mozzarella cheese. It is so good and it is so easy.

Ingredients:

For The Chicken:

• 3 large chicken breasts halved horizontally to make 6 fillets
• 1/2 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley
• Salt and pepper to season
• 1 teaspoon garlic or onion powder
• 1/2 cup olive oil for frying

For The Sauce:

• 14 ounces (400 g) tomato puree (Passata)
• 1 large onion chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)

For The Topping:

• 1/3 cup fresh shredded parmesan cheese
• 8 ounces (250 g) mozzarella cheese sliced or shredded
• 2 tablespoons fresh chopped basil or parsley

Instructions:

For The Sauce:

1. In a medium-sized pot, heat the oil. After the onion has become transparent (approximately 3 minutes), add the garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
2. Toss in the tomato puree, season with salt and pepper to taste, as well as the Italian herbs and honey (If using). Cover and cook for about 8 minutes, or until sauce has somewhat thickened.
3. Adjust the salt and pepper to taste if necessary.

For The Chicken:

1. Preheat the oven to 430 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius). Set aside an oven tray (or baking dish) that has been lightly greased with nonstick cooking oil spray.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper. Rotate the chicken fillets in the egg mixture to evenly cover each fillet. Allow marinating for at least 15 minutes after covering with plastic wrap (or overnight night if time allows for a deeper flavor).
3. In a separate shallow bowl, combine bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder when the chicken is ready to cook. To evenly coat the chicken, dip it into the breadcrumb mixture.
4. In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high. Cook the chicken until golden brown and crispy (about 4-5 minutes on each side).
5. Place the chicken on the prepared baking tray/dish and spoon about 1/3 cup of sauce over each breast (sauce recipe above).
6. Add 2-3 pieces of mozzarella cheese and around 2 tablespoons of parmesan cheese to each chicken breast. Basil or parsley can be added as a garnish.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the chicken is thoroughly cooked.

Note:

For a complete dinner, serve with pasta, mashed potatoes, salad, steamed vegetables.