Chicken Parmesan

Chicken Parmesan is an incredibly easy dinner to make and yet so good. It is really hard to burn or dry out this dinner. Make some garlic rolls or garlic bread and you have a meal fit for a king or better yet, fit for a loved one.

CHICKEN PARMESAN 

(serves 4)

Ingredients:

*1 cup buttermilk

*2 cloves garlic, minced

*1 1/2 pound chicken tenders

*3 tablespoons olive oil

*1 medium onion, chopped

*2 cloves garlic, minced

*3 bay leaves

*2 teaspoons dried basil

*1 quart stewed tomatoes

*1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes

*1 teaspoon sugar

*1 teaspoon sea salt

*2 teaspoons black ground pepper

*1 teaspoon oregano

*1 teaspoon parsley flakes

*1/2 cup all-purpose flour

*2 large eggs, beaten

*1 tablespoon water

*1 1/2 cups dried Italian bread crumbs

*1 1/2 cups freshly grated parmesan cheese

*1/4 cup olive oil

*1 1/2 cups grated mozzarella cheese

Directions:

~In a medium bowl mix buttermilk, garlic and chicken tenders.

~Let marinate for at least one hour.

~Add 3 tablespoons olive oil in a saute pan over medium heat.

~Add onions, garlic, oregano, parsley flakes & bay leaves.

~Cook for 5 minutes until onions are soft.

~Add stewed tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, & basil.

~Cook until the liquid is cooked down and sauce thickens (around 20-30 minutes).

~Add sugar, salt & pepper.

~Reduce heat to a simmer, cover and keep warm.

~Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

~Put flour in a shallow plate and season with salt & pepper.

~In a medium bowl, mix the eggs and water.

~Beat until frothy.

~Put the bread crumbs on a plate, season with salt & pepper.

~Heat 1/4 cup oil in a large oven-proof skillet.

~Remove chicken from buttermilk.

~Dredge lightly in flour.

~Dip chicken into the egg wash and coat completely. Let excess drip off.

~Dredge chicken into the bread crumbs.

~When the oil is not, add the chicken and fry for 4 minutes on each side until golden brown, turning only once.

~Add the tomato sauce over the chicken and sprinkle with mozzarella & parmesan cheese.

~Bake for 15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly.

~Serve with your favorite cooked pasta.

Variations:

`Substitute dried basil or a 1/2 bunch of bail leaves

`Substitute chicken tenders for 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts (pounded to 1/4 inch thick).

`Substitute the homemade tomato sauce for store bought spaghetti sauce (much easier, but not as good).

Helpful Hint:

If the sauce won't thicken up enough for your liking, add 1/8 - 1/4 cup tomato paste.