Instructions

• Make the tomato sauce: heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and fry until transparent, about 3 minutes. Add the 2 teaspoons minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
• Add the 14 ounces tomato puree (Passata), 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs and 1 teaspoon sugar (optional). Stir, cover, and simmer about 8 minutes until slightly thickened. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed; keep the sauce warm or set aside.
• In a shallow dish whisk together 2 large eggs, 1 tablespoon minced garlic, 2 tablespoons chopped parsley and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cover with plastic wrap.
• Add the 6 chicken fillets (chicken breasts halved) to the egg mixture, turning to coat both sides. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes (or up to overnight for deeper flavor).
• In a separate shallow bowl combine 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup Italian/golden breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon garlic powder and 1 teaspoon onion powder.
• Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a baking tray or baking dish and set aside.
• Remove a marinated fillet from the egg mixture, letting excess drip off, then press it into the breadcrumb mixture to coat both sides. Repeat with remaining fillets.
• Heat 1/2 cup olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot and shimmering. Fry the breaded chicken fillets until golden and crispy, about 4–5 minutes per side. Transfer the fried fillets to the prepared baking tray.
• Spoon about 1/3 cup of the warm tomato sauce over each fillet.
• Top each fillet with the mozzarella (use slices or shredded to cover each piece) and evenly sprinkle the 1/3 cup shredded Parmesan over the chicken. Sprinkle the 2 tablespoons chopped basil or parsley on top.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling and the chicken is cooked through.
• Remove from the oven and let rest a couple of minutes before serving.