The Chicken Parm So Good Rach Calls It "Stupid"!

Step 1

For the tomato sauce, in a pot, toast the garlic in EVOO until golden

Step 2

Add the onions and cook until soft

Step 3

While the onions are cooking down, add the granulated garlic and oregano, season with salt and pepper and stir to release their aromatics

Step 4

Next, add the tomato paste and cook until it turns a lighter rust color

Step 5

Add the tomatoes, bring to a boil, then very gently simmer on low for 3 hours, stirring occasionally

Step 6

For the fried chicken breasts, preheat the oven to 400°F

Step 7

Thoroughly dry the chicken breasts with a paper towel

Step 8

Working with one at a time, place a breast between 2 pieces of plastic and flatten by pounding to an even ½ inch thickness

Step 9

Repeat with remaining breasts

Step 10

Generously season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper

Step 11

Put the flour in a large shallow bowl

Step 12

Whisk together the eggs and place in a large shallow bowl

Step 13

Place the breadcrumbs in another large shallow bowl

Step 14

Dip a piece of chicken in the flour, shaking off any excess

Step 15

Next, dip in the egg wash, making sure to coat completely and let any excess drain off

Step 16

Lastly, dip in the breadcrumbs, pressing to coat evenly

Step 17

Repeat the process with the remaining pieces

Step 18

Heat ½ cup of the vegetable oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat

Step 19

Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place 2 pieces of chicken in the pan and fry until the first side is golden brown and crispy, 2 to 3 minutes

Step 20

Turn down the heat to medium, flip the chicken and cook until golden brown

Step 21

Transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to briefly drain the excess oil, then place on a wire cooling rack set on top of a sheet pan

Step 22

Discard the excess oil and wipe the pan clean

Step 23

Add the remaining ½ cup oil and repeat the same process with the remaining 2 pieces of chicken

Step 24

For building the chicken Parmigiana, line a 13" x 9" baking pan with some tomato sauce and top with the fried chicken

Step 25

Equally distribute more tomato sauce over the chicken and top with the sliced mozzarella followed by the mozzarella cubes

Step 26

Bake until the cheese is melted and chicken has an internal temperature of 165°F, 10 to 12 minutes

Step 27

Turn the oven to broil and broil the cheese until lightly browned

Step 28

Top with more warmed tomato sauce, if you like

Step 29

Generously top with shaved Parmesan and finish with parsley