2boneless, skinless chicken breasts, about ½ lb. each
¼cupcornstarch
4largeeggs
3cupsItalian style bread crumbs
½cupparmesan cheese
2tablespoonolive oil
2tablespoonbutter
2cupsshredded mozzarella
For the Homemade Marinara:
2tablespoonolive oil
1tablespoonminced garlic
¼cupchopped onion
115 oz. cantomato sauce
¼cuptomato paste
1teaspoonbalsamic vinegar
1tablespoonbrown sugar
¼teaspoonsalt
¼teaspoonpepper
1tablespoondry red wine*
1teaspoonred pepper flakes , optional
Instructions
Preheat oven to 450°.
Slice each of the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in half horizontally. Cover with plastic wrap and use a meat tenderizer to pound to an even thickness, about ¼" thick.
Prepare 3 shallow bowls. One with the cornstarch, one with the eggs, and one with both the bread crumbs and the parmesan cheese.
Coat the chicken on each side with each of the mixtures, starting with the cornstarch, then the eggs, and then the breading/cheese mixture. Repeat a second time.
Melt the butter in a saucepan with olive oil. Working in batches if needed, add the chicken and fry for about 5 minutes per side until crispy.
Spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and add the chicken. Top with the shredded mozzarella cheese.
Bake for 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and the chicken is cooked through.
Make the Homemade Marinara:
Heat the olive oil in a large pot. Add the chopped onion and saute 5 minutes until soft. Add the minced garlic and saute an additional minute.
Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, vinegar, brown sugar, salt and pepper, and dry red wine. Add the red pepper flakes if using. Bring to a boil and then simmer on low until ready to use.
Notes
*Use an inexpensive dry red wine such as cabernet sauvignon, pinot noir, or merlot.