Pollo alla parmigiana (Chicken Parmesan)


Ingredients

4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
2 large eggs
1 cup (48 Teaspoons) panko bread crumbs, or more as needed
¾ cup (36 Teaspoons) grated parmesan cheese, divided
2 tbsp (6 Teaspoons) all-purpose flour, or more if needed
½ cup (24 Teaspoons) olive oil for frying, or as needed
½ cup (24 Teaspoons) prepared passata
¼ cup (12 Teaspoons) fresh mozzarella, cut into small cubes or slices
¼ cup (12 Teaspoons) chopped fresh basil
½ cup (24 Teaspoons) grated provolone cheese or slices
2 tsp olive oil

Method

  1. Preheat an oven to 230 degrees C (450 degrees F).
  2. Place chicken breasts between two sheets of heavy plastic (resealable freezer bags work well) on a solid, level surface. Firmly pound chicken with the smooth side of a meat mallet to a thickness of 1-2 centimeters. Season chicken thoroughly with salt and pepper.
  3. Beat eggs in a shallow bowl and set aside.
  4. Mix bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese and garlic powder in a separate bowl, set aside.
  5. Place flour in a sifter or strainer; sprinkle over chicken breasts, evenly coating both sides.
  6. Dip a flour-coated chicken breast in beaten eggs. Transfer breast to the bread crumb mixture, pressing crumbs into both sides. Repeat for each breast. Let chicken rest for 10 to 15 minutes.
  7. Heat 1-2 centimeters olive oil in a large skillet on medium-high heat until it begins to shimmer. Cook chicken in the hot oil until golden, about 2 minutes per side. The chicken will finish cooking in the oven. You can also deep fry the chicken. Heat oil to 180 degrees C and fry for 2 minutes until golden but not dark.
  8. Transfer chicken to a baking dish. Top each breast with 2 tablespoons passata. Don't overdo the sauce. Layer each chicken breast with equal amounts of mozzarella cheese, fresh basil, and provolone cheese. Sprinkle remaining Parmesan over top and drizzle each with 1/2 teaspoon olive oil. The order of the layers is very important.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven until cheese is browned and bubbly and chicken breasts are no longer pink in the center, 15 to 20 minutes. Serve with pasta covered in the passata