Ingredients

  • 8 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup flour
  • 3 large eggs
  • 3/4 cup milk
  • 7 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 teaspoons garlic salt
  • Vegetable oil, for frying
  • 3/4 cup Nancy's Marinara Sauce, recipe follows
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, chopped
  • 1 carrot, peeled and finely chopped
  • 1 stalk celery, chopped
  • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • One 32-ounce can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

Method

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Set a wire rack into a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.
  • Sprinkle the chicken on both sides with salt and pepper.
  • Combine the flour and some salt and pepper in a medium baking dish.
  • In a second baking dish, combine the eggs, milk and minced garlic.
  • In a third dish, combine the panko and garlic salt.
  • Dredge the chicken breasts through the flour mixture, dusting off any excess; then through the egg mixture, letting excess drip off; and then through the panko breadcrumbs, making sure to coat the breasts on each side.
  • Set the breaded chicken breasts on the wire rack and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the breading time to set.
  • Fill a large, deep skillet halfway with vegetable oil and heat to 375 degrees F on a deep-fry thermometer.
  • Using tongs, carefully place the breaded chicken in the hot oil, working in batches to avoid crowding the pan.
  • Fry until light golden on both sides, about 4 minutes.
  • Return the chicken to the wire rack.
  • Dollop 2 tablespoons of Marinara Sauce over each piece of chicken and sprinkle the chicken evenly with the Parmesan and mozzarella.
  • Transfer to the oven and bake until the chicken is cooked through, about 15 minutes.
  • Serve warm.
  • Heat the olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over a medium-high flame.
  • Add the onions and garlic and saute until the onions are translucent, about 10 minutes.
  • Add the carrots and celery, season with salt and pepper and saute until all the vegetables are soft, another 10 minutes.
  • Add the tomatoes and oregano and simmer, uncovered, over low heat until the sauce has thickened, about 1 hour.
  • Season to taste with more salt and pepper.
  • Yield: 8 servings