Chicken Parmesan

 

Tender, juicy chicken with marinara sauce and cheese. Flavorful and delicious, especially when cooked low and slow in the oven.

Cooking chicken in a low and slow oven is perfect for those who work or want to sit down and enjoy a meal that is ready and waiting in the oven.  Of course, you can bake this dish at 400° if you prefer for 15 to 20 minutes or until the meat is fully cooked, but oftentimes the meat is tough.

Ingredients

3 chicken breasts cut in half horizontally
1/2 c. flour
2 eggs
1 Tbs. minced garlic or 3 garlic cloves
1 Tbs. parsley
salt and pepper to taste
1 1/2 c. seasoned bread crumbs
1/2 c. Parmesan cheese
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. onion powder
1/2c. oil
3 c. marinara sauce
1 c. mozzarella cheese
1/3 c. Parmesan cheese

Directions

Heat oven to 425°. Or, if you want to start the chicken early in the day before you go to work, heat the oven to 175°. One 9 x 13-inch baking dish or large casserole dish.

In a shallow dish, whisk eggs, garlic, parsley, salt and pepper.  

Place the chicken in the egg mixture. Turn the chicken to get all sides coated with the egg mixture.  Cover with plastic wrap and allow the chicken to marinate for at least 15 minutes. You can also refrigerate overnight for more flavorful chicken meat.

In a low sided dish, combine bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder and onion powder.  Mix the dry ingredients well.  Dredge the chicken breasts in the flour mixture, coating all sides.

In a large cast iron skillet, heat oil over medium high heat.  Fry the chicken pieces until they are golden brown, turning them to brown on all sides. This takes about 4 or 5 minutes on each side. 

Pour half the marinara sauce into the bottom of a baking dish or casserole dish.  Place the chicken on the marinara sauce in a single layer. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top of each piece of chicken. Cover the dish with a lid or a sheet of foil.

Bake 7 to 8 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and has an internal temperature of 165°.

Remove from oven. Turn the heat up to 350°.  Top the chicken with mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese. Return to the oven and bake 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve over noodles if desired.