Spicy Chicken Parmesan with Angel Hair Pasta

Ingredients

Sauce

• 3-4 slices thick-cut bacon or pancetta
• 2.5 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 red Fresno or Thai chilies, sliced thin
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 5 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1 28 oz can crushed San Marzano tomatoes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Pinch of sugar
• 1/2 bunch thyme
• 1/4 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano

Chicken

• 4 chicken breasts
• 2 cups flour
• 1 tablespoon salt
• Fresh cracked black pepper to taste
• 2 cups panko
• 4 eggs plus a splash of water
• 3.5 cups mozzarella, grated
• 3/4 cup Parmigiano Reggiano

Noodles

• One box of angel hair pasta

Directions

1. Begin by slicing the bacon or pancetta into ½” wide pieces and sauté in a medium skillet over medium heat with olive oil. Stir frequently.
2. When the bacon is crispy, add in the chilies, red pepper flakes, and garlic cloves. Continue cooking until fragrant.
3. Remove the solids from the pan, chop finely, and return to the pan. Add the tomatoes, salt, pepper, and sugar. Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Optional: Add in thyme and Parmigiano Reggiano. After simmering, set the sauce aside.
5. For the chicken, carefully slice the breasts in half without cutting all the way through. Flatten them to about ½” thick under a piece of plastic wrap.
6. Set up three bowls - one with the panko, one with the eggs and water (beaten), and one with the flour, salt, and pepper (mixed).
7. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, then the egg, then the panko. Make sure to coat thoroughly at each step. Set the coated chicken aside.
8. Heat a large pan or skillet halfway filled with oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F.
9. Carefully add the chicken and fry for 3-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and the internal temperature is 165°F. Let the chicken cool on a wire rack.
10. Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
11. Mix together the mozzarella and Parmigiano Reggiano in a bowl.
12. Arrange the chicken on a foil-lined baking sheet, then cover each piece with the sauce and a generous amount of the cheese mixture.
13. Broil for 5-8 minutes or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.

Protips

Want to see a step-by-step guide on how to make this recipe? Check out this helpful video.