Chicken Parmesan

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it with a bit of olive oil.
2. Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound with a meat tenderizer or rolling pin until they are about 1/2 inch thick. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
3. Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, place the flour. In the second bowl, beat the eggs. In the third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
4. Dredge each chicken breast first in the flour, shaking off any excess, then dip in the beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture.
5. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the breaded chicken breasts. Cook each side for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Ensure not to overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. Use a kitchen thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
6. Place the browned chicken breasts into the prepared baking dish. Pour the marinara sauce evenly over each breast, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.
7. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. If you like extra crispy cheese, switch your oven to broil in the last few minutes. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
8. Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh basil before serving, if desired. Pair this dish with pasta or a fresh salad for a complete meal.