Baked Chicken Marinara

Baked Chicken Marinara - chicken pieces coated with Parmesan and bread crumbs, fried, and topped with melted Mozzarella. A tasty substitute for chicken parmesan.

Ingredients :

Sauce

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• 3 shallots, peeled, finely chopped

• 4 garlic cloves, chopped finely (approximately 4 tablespoons)

• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes

• 2 teaspoons dried oregano

• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

• 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil

Chicken

• 3/4 cup breadcrumbs

• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

• 2 large eggs, beaten

• 9 skinless or skin-on boneless chicken thighs, chopped in half if they are large chunks.

• 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• 3/4 cup grated mozzarella cheese

STEPS :

     1. Make the sauce :

In a heavy big saucepan over medium heat, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil. Cook for about 4 minutes, or until the shallots are tender. After adding the garlic, cook for one more minute.

Combine the tomatoes, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes in a mixing bowl. 10 minutes of simmering is sufficient to thicken the sauce. Salt and pepper to taste, then incorporate the basil. Place aside.

     2. Bread the chicken pieces :

Mix Parmesan and breadcrumbs in separate bowl. Place the flour in a separate bowl and the beaten eggs in another.

Dredge each piece of chicken in flour, then in beaten eggs, and last in the breadcrumb mixture.

     3. Preheat oven to 350°F.

     4. On the stovetop, brown the chicken :

In a large nonstick skillet, heat 4 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat.

Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 4 minutes per side, working in batches if necessary.

     5. Chicken baked with sauce and cheese :

Place the chicken on an oven-safe serving dish. Pour the sauce over the chicken pieces. Sprinkle some mozzarella cheese on top.

Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes, or microwave on high for 10-20 seconds, or until the cheese is melted.