Easy Chicken Parmesan

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 ½ lbs. total)
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• Kosher salt and pepper
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1 cup Italian-style seasoned breadcrumbs
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
• Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley or basil; squeeze of fresh lemon juice; extra Parmesan cheese
• Optional, for serving: cooked pasta and additional marinara sauce

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. If your chicken breasts are particularly thick and large, cut them in half lengthwise. Working with one chicken breast at a time, place the chicken in between two pieces of wax paper or plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the chicken to ¼-inch thickness. Generously season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper. Set aside.
3. Place flour in a shallow bowl and season the flour with salt and pepper. In a separate shallow bowl, combine eggs and garlic salt. In a third shallow bowl, combine breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
4. Working with one piece of chicken at a time, lightly coat both sides of the chicken with the flour, shaking off the excess. Dip the chicken in the egg, shake again, and then coat with the Parmesan breadcrumbs.
5. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add 2 pieces of the chicken and cook until the coating is crispy and golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove to a sheet pan. Repeat with the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil and 2 chicken breasts.
6. Transfer the sheet pan to the oven and bake until the chicken is cooked through and an instant-read thermometer reads 165°F, about 5-7 minutes.
7. Remove from the oven and spoon marinara sauce on top of each piece of chicken. Sprinkle with mozzarella and return to the oven until the cheese melts, about 2 more minutes.