Mom's Chicken Parmigiana

This is my mom's recipe that I used to think was extremely complicated. This recipe is super easy and you can make the chicken cutlets without the parmigiana for a super quick and easy after work dinner.

• Ready In: 1 hr 15 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• Chicken Cutlets

• 1⁄3 cup olive oil or 1⁄3 cup butter
• 4  boneless skinless chicken breast halves
• 1  cup  breadcrumbs, I use Italian style
• 1⁄4 cup  grated parmesan cheese
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1  large egg
• 1  teaspoon water
• 1⁄4 cup flour

• Parmigiana

• 2  tablespoons butter
• 1⁄4 cup  chopped onion
• 3  garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (12 ounce) can tomato paste
• 1  tablespoon  italian seasoning
• 1  teaspoon oregano
• 3 -4  tablespoons  grated parmesan cheese
• 6  ounces mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced
• 1⁄2 cup  grated parmesan cheese

Directions

1. To make the chicken cutlets, heat 1/3 cup olive oil in a heavy 10-12 inch skillet over medium-high heat until shimmery.
2. Gently pound out chicken breasts to flatten slightly.
3. Combine breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper in a wide, shallow bowl.
4. Whisk egg and water in another shallow bowl.
5. Spread 1/4 cup flour on a plate.
6. Coat the chicken with the flour and shake off the excess. Dip in the egg mixture and then coat with the breadcrumb mixture, patting with your fingers to make crumbs stick.
7. Add the chicken to olive oil and cook until lightly browned, 2-3 minutes. Using tongs, turn the cutlets and cook 2-3 minutes more. Add a little more oil if the pan looks dry. Blot the chicken with paper towels.
8. To make the parmigiana; melt butter in a medium pan. Saute onions and add garlic for about 1 minute. Add tomato sauce and paste. Slowly add paste until you get desired thickness, you may not need all of it. Add italian seasoning and oregano. Cook over medium heat until hot.
9. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 13x9 inch pan or shallow baking dish.
10. Spoon 1/2 cup of tomato sauce into the bottom of the pan. Arrange the chicken cutlets over the sauce, slightly overlapping them. Sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese.
11. Spoon 1 cup of tomato sauce over the top of cutlets. Top with mozzarella cheese slices and 1/2 cup parmesan cheese.
12. Cover the pan with aluminum foil and bake until heated through, about 25 minutes. Take foil off and bake another 5 to brown the top.
13. Serve over your favorite pasta!