Chicken Parmesan

1. Cut each breast into two cutlets (reducing the thickness by half, not the width or length). Gently pound out the cutlets with a meat mallet (or juice glass or rolling pin or whatever gets the job done) until flattened and even in thickness. Season both sides with salt, pepper and garlic powder. Set aside.
2. Combine eggs and water in medium bowl and whisk well; set aside.
3. Combine bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic powder and salt in a shallow bowl or pie plate; set aside.
4. Heat 1/4-inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium to medium-high heat. You want the oil to be hot enough to fry but not hot enough to burn the parmesan cheese and bread crumbs so don’t crank it up as high as you normally would to fry something breaded in flour.
5. Dip each cutlet in egg wash and shake off any excess. Dredge chicken in bread crumb mixture and shake off any excess. Fry chicken on both sides until golden brown. Cook in batches so not to overcrowd the pan. Set fried chicken aside to drain on paper towels or cooling racks. 
6. When all the chicken is cooked, pour half of the marinara sauce in a 13×9 baking pan then arrange chicken cutlets in a single layer over sauce. Top chicken with mozzarella then bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until cheese is melted. 
7. Meanwhile, heat remaining marinara and cook pasta in liberally salted water per manufacturer’s instructions for al dente preparation.
8. Serve chicken with pasta and sauce from pan and remaining marinara sauce. Garnish with fresh grated parmesan and parsley if desired. 

• If I want to stretch this to 6 servings, I add one 8-oz. can of garlic & basil tomato sauce to the marinara to make the sauce go a little farther and prepare a whole pound of pasta.
• I don’t pour all the marinara in the pan because I don’t want the chicken to be submerged in it. I just pour enough to cover the bottom of the pan.
• I mean the bread crumbs in the can. You can use plain bread crumbs too but add a little Italian seasoning and/or oregano to it.
• Yes, you can use the green can of grated parmesan. It just won’t be quite as good. 
• I know y’all have heard me preach about shredding your own cheese but it’s so incredibly true when it comes to mozzarella. Please buy some quality mozzarella and shred it yourself for this dish. I promise you won’t regret it!

Original Recipes visit: Chicken Parmesan @ southyourmouth.com