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Why recreate the wheel? Right? I actually made this and then watch an episode of Guy's Big Bite featuring basically the same recipe. So why bother re-typing it all up? The following is Guy's recipe, earily similar to mine... Hhhmmm... Only real differences? I used Angel Hair Pasta and if I could add one thing, make sure to use FRESH Mozzarella. No, you don't have to make it, but get it from your grocer freshly made. Normally a day or 2 old. Big difference in flavor and texture. Also, use Panko bread crumbs. HUGE difference there is texture. It's more crunchy.

I personally don't understand brining chicken breasts when you're in the mood for a fast meal just getting home from work. This took me about 45 minutes total to throw together.

  • 4 (5-ounce) boneless, skinless, trimmed chicken breasts
  • 1/2 cup kosher salt
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 1/2 cups dried bread crumbs
  • 1 1/2 cups panko bread crumbs
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 pound fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
  • 1/4 pound Parmigiano-Reggiano, plus extra for garnish, grated
  • Olive oil, for frying (about 2 cups)
  • 1 pound penne rigate, cooked al dente
  • Tomato Sauce, recipe follows
  • 1/4 cup minced Italian parsley, for garnish

Lightly pound the chicken breasts to 1/2-inch thickness. Combine the kosher salt, sugar, and 1 quart of water in a 1-gallon size resealable plastic bag; shake until dissolved. Add the chicken breasts and soak at room temperature for 30 minutes.

Place the flour in a medium bowl. Remove the chicken from the brine. Shake off excess moisture and, with tongs, lightly dredge the chicken in the flour. Shake off the excess flour and transfer to a large plate.

Mix the eggs and milk in medium bowl and whisk thoroughly. In a separate bowl combine the bread crumbs, oregano, basil, parsley, sea salt, and pepper. Dredge the chicken in the egg and milk mixture with tongs and let excess mixture drain off. Now dredge the chicken into the bread crumb mixture, and lightly pat down in the bread crumbs to adhere.

Preheat the broiler.

Let the breaded chicken sit for 5 minutes before frying. In a medium saucepan on medium-high heat, add enough olive oil to come 1/3 up the side of the chicken. Cook the chicken in batches until golden brown on both sides. Remove from the pan when cooked and place on a sheet tray. Repeat with remaining chicken.

When all the chicken is cooked, sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top. Place under the broiler until the cheese melts and is golden brown.

Serve chicken over pasta and ladle tomato sauce on top. Garnish with additional Parmesan and parsley.

Tomato Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 yellow onion, minced
  • 4 garlic cloves, crushed
  • 6 cups peeled and diced Roma tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon thinly sliced fresh basil leaves
  • 1/2 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano leaves
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a saucepan. Add the onions and cook until translucent. Add the garlic and cook until almost brown, then add tomatoes. Saute for 30 minutes over low to medium heat. Add the basil and oregano and continue to cook for 30 minutes longer. Puree in a food mill or let cool and puree in a food processor. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

2 comments

Girly Muse said... @ May 12, 2009 8:49 PM

that looks divine. will you make that the next time you come over. or invite me to your house for that? :)

Michelle, Queen of Everything said... @ May 17, 2009 11:23 PM

Guy's from my hood.

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