Wild Eats & Treats!

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• Cooking spray

Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Gently pound each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper until they are of even thickness, about half an inch thick. Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station

In three separate shallow dishes, prepare the breading components. Place the flour in the first dish. In the second dish, beat the eggs with a pinch of salt. In the third dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper flakes.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

Dip each chicken breast into the flour first, ensuring it is fully coated and shaking off any excess. Next, dip the chicken into the beaten eggs, followed by the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the breadcrumbs to the chicken. Repeat this process for each chicken breast.

Step 4: Sear the Chicken

In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Carefully add the breaded chicken breasts to the skillet, and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and crisp. You may need to do this in batches if your skillet is not large enough to hold all the chicken at once.

Step 5: Bake the Chicken

Once all the chicken is seared to perfection, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Let the chicken bake for about 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 6: Add the Marinara Sauce and Cheese

Remove the skillet from the oven (be careful—it’s hot!). Pour the marinara sauce evenly over each chicken breast, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Return the skillet to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes. Before serving, sprinkle fresh basil leaves over the top for an aromatic and colorful garnish. Enjoy your Chicken Parmesan hot alongside a fresh salad or pasta for a complete meal.

Recipe Summary

Chicken Parmesan is a delightful, savory dish that combines perfectly breaded and crispy chicken with rich marinara sauce and gooey mozzarella cheese. This recipe yields 4 servings, with each serving containing approximately 450 calories. Preparation and cooking time total around 45 minutes, making it an excellent option for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend feast.