Chicken Parmesan with Fresh Tomato Sauce

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

  • Salt and black pepper to taste

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour, for dredging

  • 3 large eggs

  • 2 cups fine breadcrumbs

  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1/2 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, shredded

  • Olive oil for frying

For the Fresh Tomato Sauce:

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups ripe tomatoes, diced

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

  • 1/4 cup fresh oregano, chopped

  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

  • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

  • Salt and black pepper to taste

  • Pinch of sugar (optional)

For Assembly:

  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

  • High-quality balsamic glaze, for drizzling

Instructions:

For the Fresh Tomato Sauce:

  1. Prepare Tomatoes:

    • In a bowl, combine diced tomatoes, minced garlic, chopped basil, chopped oregano, chopped parsley, extra-virgin olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Add a pinch of sugar if the tomatoes are not very sweet. Mix well and let it sit at room temperature for flavors to meld.

For the Chicken:

1.      Preheat Oven:

    • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

2.      Prepare Chicken:

    • Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. Dredge each chicken breast in flour, dip in beaten eggs, and coat thoroughly with a mixture of breadcrumbs and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

3.      Pan-Fry Chicken:

    • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Pan-fry the breaded chicken breasts until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Place the cooked chicken on a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

4.      Assemble Parmesan:

    • Place the pan-fried chicken on a baking sheet. Spoon a generous amount of fresh tomato sauce over each chicken breast. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.

5.      Bake:

    • Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

To Serve:

1.      Garnish:

    • Remove the Chicken Parmesan from the oven. Garnish with fresh basil leaves.

2.      Serve and Drizzle:

    • Serve the Chicken Parmesan over a bed of pasta or with a side of crusty bread. Drizzle with high-quality balsamic glaze and sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Presentation Tips:

  • Plate the Chicken Parmesan on individual serving plates for an elegant presentation.

  • Serve with a side of sautéed vegetables or a light salad to balance the richness.