In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, minced garlic, parsley, salt, black pepper, and onion powder. This mixture will marinate the chicken and infuse it with flavor.
Add the chicken breasts to the egg mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated. Cover with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes, or even overnight for a deeper flavor.
While the chicken marinates, prepare the breadcrumb mixture. In a separate shallow bowl, combine the Panko breadcrumbs, Italian breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder. This will create a delicious coating for the chicken.
Preheat your oven to 430°F (220°C). Lightly grease an oven tray or baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and set it aside.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot and shimmering. This is the perfect temperature for frying.
Carefully take each marinated chicken breast and dip it into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Gently shake off any excess.
Once the oil is hot, place the coated chicken into the skillet. Fry until golden and crispy, about 4 to 5 minutes on each side. Ensure they are cooked through and have a beautiful golden exterior.
After frying, place the cooked chicken on the prepared baking tray. Top each piece with about 1/3 cup of the marinara sauce, followed by 2-3 slices of mozzarella cheese and about 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and melted, and the chicken is completely cooked through.
While the chicken is baking, prepare the marinara sauce. In a medium-sized pot, heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until transparent, about 3 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Add the tomato puree, salt, black pepper, dried Italian herbs, and sugar if using. Cover with a lid and let it simmer for about 8 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
