Chicken Parmesan

1. ▢
   Set your oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a baking dish or add a thin layer of marinara sauce to the bottom so the chicken does not stick.
2. ▢
   Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board. If they are very thick, slice each breast in half horizontally to make thinner cutlets. Cover the chicken with plastic wrap or parchment paper, then gently pound it with a meat mallet until it is about 1/2 inch thick. Season both sides with salt and black pepper.

Set up the breading station

1. ▢
   Prepare three shallow bowls or plates:

   In the first bowl, add the flour and season it with a little salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. In the second bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. In the third bowl, mix together the Italian bread crumbs, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh basil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.

Coat the chicken

1. ▢
   Working with one piece of chicken at a time, coat it in the flour first. Shake off any extra flour. Dip the chicken into the beaten eggs, making sure both sides are covered. Press the chicken into the breadcrumb mixture until it is fully coated. Gently press the crumbs onto the chicken so they stick well.

Fry until golden and crispy

1. ▢
   Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken. Cook for about 5 minutes per side, or until the outside is golden brown and crispy. Chicken does not need to be fully baked in the pan if it will finish in the oven, but it should reach 165°F internal temperature before serving.

Add sauce and cheese

1. ▢
   Transfer the fried chicken to the prepared baking dish. Spoon marinara sauce over each piece of chicken. Add mozzarella cheese on top, then sprinkle with the remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Pour any extra marinara sauce around the chicken in the baking dish.
2. ▢
   Bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
3. ▢
   For extra color, broil for 2 minutes at the end, but watch closely so the cheese does not burn.
4. ▢
   Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with extra fresh basil if desired. Serve hot with pasta, garlic bread, steamed vegetables, or a simple side salad.