For the Marinara Sauce:
- Sauté Aromatics:
- In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic. Sauté until softened.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings:
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes. Add dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
- Simmer:
- Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat and let it simmer for at least 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add sugar if the sauce is too acidic.
- Adjust Seasoning:
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can use an immersion blender to blend the sauce until smooth.
- For the Chicken:
- Prepare Chicken:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Dredge Chicken:
- Dredge each chicken breast in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into beaten eggs, and then coat with a mixture of breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan.
- Fry Chicken:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Fry the breaded chicken breasts until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Place the chicken on a paper towel to absorb excess oil.
- Assemble and Bake:
- In a baking dish, spread a layer of marinara sauce. Place the fried chicken breasts on top. Spoon more sauce over each chicken breast.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top of each chicken breast.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the chicken is cooked through.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Serve the Crispy Chicken Parmesan over cooked pasta or with a side of crusty bread. Sprinkle with additional grated Parmesan if desired.
Enjoy your delicious and crispy Chicken Parmesan with Homemade Marinara Sauce!