Italian Lovers Chicken Parmesan

Crazycook in PA's Note:

This isn't the quickest chicken parmesan recipe in the world but so worth it! Skinless, boneless chicken breasts are lightly breaded and baked in a homemade, slightly sweet tomato sauce with fresh basil. This can also be made with whole chicken breasts or I've even fixed it with veal. I serve it with a side of pasta and a nice green salad.

• Total Time: 1 hrs 20 mins
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 1 hrs 10 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 8

• 4 chicken breasts , skinless and boneless, pounded to 1/4 inch thickness
• 4 tablespoons olive oil , divided
• 1 small red bell pepper , finely chopped
• 1 celery rib , finely chopped
• 1 garlic clove , minced
• 1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes , undrained
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon parsley , chopped
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil or 1 teaspoon dried basil leaves , crushed
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1⁄8; teaspoon black pepper
• 1 egg
• ¼ cup flour
• 2⁄3; cup fine dry breadcrumb
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese , shredded
• 2⁄3; cup parmesan cheese , freshly grated

Directions:

1. To make tomato sauce:.
2. Heat 1 TB oil in medium saucepan over medium heat.
3. Cook and stir bell pepper, onion, celery and garlic in hot oil 5 minutes.
4. Stir in tomatoes and juice, broth, tomato paste, parsley, sugar, basil, salt and black pepper.
5. Cover and simmer over low heat 20 minutes.
6. Uncover and cook over medium heat for 20 minutes more or until sauce thickens, stirring frequently.
7. Set aside.
8. Beat egg in a shallow bowl.
9. Spread flour and bread crumbs on a separate plate.
10. Dip chicken pieces first in flour, then in egg, then in bread crumbs, pressing firmly to coat chicken evenly.
11. Heat butter and 2 TB oil in large skillet over medium-high heat.
12. Add chicken and brown well on both sides.
13. Preheat over to 350 degrees.
14. Remove chicken to an ungreased 9x13 inch baking dish.
15. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over chicken.
16. Spoon reserved tomato sauce evenly over cheese.
17. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over tomato sauce.
18. Drizzle remaining 1TB oil over top.
19. Bake, uncovered for approximately 30 minutes or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 170 degrees.