Name: Lynora's Italian Restaurants Chicken Parmigiana Hero Recipe
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts; 1 cups all-purpose flour; 2 pieces large eggs; 2 tbs milk; 1.5 cups plain breadcrumbs (or panko); 0.25 cups grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning; 1 tsp salt; 0.5 tsp black pepper; 3 tbs olive oil (for frying); 1 tbs olive oil; 0.5 pieces yellow onion, finely chopped; 2 pieces garlic cloves, minced; 14 oz crushed tomatoes (canned); 1 tbs tomato paste; 1 tsp dried oregano; 0.5 tsp sugar; 0.5 tsp salt; 0.25 tsp black pepper; 2 tbs fresh basil, chopped (optional); 2 pieces hoagie rolls or hero rolls; 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced; 0.25 cups grated Parmesan cheese; 6 leaves fresh basil leaves (optional); 2 tbs butter, softened (optional, for toasting rolls)

Method

Chicken & Breading

Prepare Chicken

If chicken breasts are thick, butterfly each breast or pound between plastic wrap to an even 1/2-inch thickness. Pat dry with paper towels and season both sides lightly with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper (these are part of the measured salt/pepper in ingredients).

Set up Breading Station

Place the flour in a shallow dish. In a second shallow bowl, whisk the 2 eggs with 2 tablespoons milk until combined. In a third shallow dish, mix the breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning, remaining 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.

Bread the Chicken

Dredge each chicken piece in flour, shaking off excess, then dip into the egg wash, allowing excess to drip off, and press firmly into the breadcrumb mixture to coat both sides. Set breaded cutlets on a plate and let rest 5 minutes so coating adheres.

Pan-Fry

Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When shimmering, add breaded cutlets (do not overcrowd; cook in batches if needed). Fry 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches about 155-160°F (they will finish cooking in the oven). Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate.

Tomato Sauce

Saute Aromatics

While chicken rests, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped half onion and cook 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook 30-45 seconds until fragrant.

Simmer Sauce

Stir in the tomato paste and cook 1 minute, then add the crushed tomatoes, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper, and 1/2 tsp sugar. Bring to a gentle simmer, reduce heat to low, and simmer uncovered 10-12 minutes to thicken slightly. Stir in the chopped fresh basil at the end. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Assemble & Finish

Preheat & Prepare Rolls

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice hoagie rolls lengthwise, leaving a hinge if you like. If toasting, spread the softened butter on cut sides and place on a baking sheet cut-side up; toast 3-5 minutes in oven until just golden.

Assemble Heroes

Spoon a tablespoon or two of warm tomato sauce onto the bottom half of each roll. Place a fried chicken cutlet on each roll, then spoon 2-3 tablespoons more sauce over the cutlet. Top each cutlet with roughly 4 oz (about half of the 8 oz) sliced fresh mozzarella and sprinkle a tablespoon of grated Parmesan over the cheese.

Melt Cheese

Return assembled sandwiches to the oven on the baking sheet and bake 6-8 minutes, or until mozzarella is melted and cheese is bubbling and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F. If you want a lightly browned top, switch oven to broil for 30-60 seconds watching closely.

Finish & Serve

Remove from oven, add fresh basil leaves if using, close sandwiches, and slice in half if desired. Serve immediately with extra sauce on the side.