Prep Time: 40 mins | Cook Time: 40 mins | Total Time: 1 hr 20 mins | Yield: 5 Servings
Oh, my! You have got to give this recipe a try, I’m telling you! My only tip to you is to be very generous with the amount of cheese that you are going to add. Just do it and thank me later. Enjoy!
Ingredients:
2 small boneless skinless chicken breasts
32 ounces marinara sauce
¾ c vegetable oil
2 tbsp butter
¾ lb. rigatoni pasta
¾ c flour
3 c mozzarella cheese, shredded & separated
2 Eggs
1/3 c Parmesan cheese, finely grated
1 ½ c Italian breadcrumbs
Fresh Parsley, to garnish
2 tsp seasoned salt
1/4 tsp pepper
Directions:
Refer to the directions provided on the package of the pasta on how to cook it. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process, then put it back inside the pot.
Add about 32 ounces of the sauce, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, and 1/3 of Parmesan cheese. Toss until well combined.
Use paper towels to pat dry the chicken breasts. Slice each into 1/2-inch pieces.
For the Breading:
In a mixing bowl, add 2 tsp seasoned salt, 1/4 tsp pepper, and 3/4 cup flour. Whisk until well mixed.
In another mixing bowl, add cracked eggs and whisk until creamy.
In another mixing bowl, add 1 1/5 cups of breadcrumbs.
Coat each chicken strip with the flour mixture, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs. Shake off any excess. Repeat the process with the rest of the chicken strips.
Place a pan on the stove and turn the heat to medium-high.
Add 1/4-inch of oil and allow it to become hot.
Add the chicken strips and cook until they turn golden brown. Make sure to cook the chicken in batches.
Remove from the pan onto a clean plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Slice into small cuts.
To Bake:
Prepare the oven and preheat to 190 degrees C or 375 degrees F.
Apply cooking spray in a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
Add 1/3 of the sauce to the bottom of the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
Put 1/2 of the chicken strips over the sauce.
Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella and 1/3 of the Parmesan cheese over the chicken. Repeat the process until everything is arranged in layers.
Place it inside the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes or until the cheese turns golden brown.
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top.
Serve and enjoy!
Note:
This is best served with Garlic Bread with Cheese.