Ingredients

The following ingredients have 4 Servings
  • 16 oz. spaghetti
  • 1 24-oz. jar marinara sauce (see note)
  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (~1½-2 pounds total)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1½ cups panko-style Italian breadcrumbs
  • ¾ cup Parmesan cheese (grated and divided)
  • 2 large eggs (beaten)
  • 1 cup vegetable or canola oil
  • ¼ cup fresh basil leaves (chopped)
  • 4 slices mozzarella cheese

Instruction

  • Preheat oven to 425°F.
  • Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
  • Meanwhile, spray a 9”x13” baking pan with nonstick spray. Spread half of marinara sauce into bottom of pan; set pan aside.
  • Working with one chicken breast at a time, lay it between two pieces of plastic wrap and then pound thin using a kitchen mallet until ~ ½” thick. (Tip: A rolling pin works great here…just make sure to clean it with soap and water afterwards!) Repeat with remaining chicken breasts.
  • Spread flour onto large plate.
  • On a separate plate, combine the breadcrumbs with ½ cup of Parmesan cheese.
  • Pour beaten egg into a separate shallow bowl.
  • Using a large skillet, add oil and place over medium-high heat. (Tip: To determine when oil is hot enough, drop a pinch of breadcrumbs into the oil. If it bubbles up immediately, then the oil is hot enough. If the oil begins to smoke at any point, immediately reduce heat.)
  • Working with one piece of chicken at a time, dip both sides of the chicken first into the flour, then into the beaten egg and then finally into the breadcrumb mixture. Place the chicken into the skillet. (Note: I typically do this in 2 batches of 2 breasts each so as not to overcrowd the skillet.)
  • Fry chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, or until both sides are golden brown. Remove chicken from skillet and place on top of the marinara sauce in the prepared baking pan.
  • Pour remaining marinara sauce on top of chicken breasts. Sprinkle chopped basil on top and then lay sliced mozzarella over chicken. Finally, sprinkle remaining ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese on top.
  • Bake at 425° for 10-15 minutes, or until cheese has fully melted and started to brown.
  • Serve over cooked spaghetti.