Chicken Parm - Fun For the Whole Family

My wife absolutely loves Chicken Parm. It's really kind of an addiction for her, and even though I'm personally not the biggest fan of it myself, the preparation has become something quite enjoyable around the Schroeder household. I think it is really important to involve my son in the cooking process. It's important for him to understand that food just does not appear on his plate and I never want him to accept processed prefab food to be a legitimate option. So this is what we do:

4 Chicken Breasts or Boneless-Skinless Thighs

Take the Breast or Thigh and Lay it on a wooden cutting board and then cover it with a multi-layered piece of film. We really don't want raw chicken all over, especially not a small child. Then, give your child the meat hammer and guide them through pounding the meat out. Maksim and I like to make songs up while we bludgeon the dinner or go for doing patterns. If the kid is getting too carried away just guide their motions until they get in the groove. Toss in a fresh piece as needed and set aside when ready.

Next pour these ingredients into a large Ziploc bag:

1 Cup of Flour
1 Teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
1 Teaspoon Granulated Garlic
1 Teaspoon Granulated Onion
1 Teaspoon Basil
1 Teaspoon Oregano

Let your child do the dumping after you measure out the spices. We're talking big fun in a little world. Then add in the chicken breasts and shake, shake, shake it all up. This too lends itself to singing. The sillier the better.

In a small bowl add & mix:

3 Whole Eggs
1/3 Cup Milk

In another bowl pour:

2 Cups Unseasoned Bread Crumbs
1/2 Cup Shredded Parm

Heat a Saute Pan half-full of oil on Medium High - Not for Children
Once the oil is hot Dip the breasts one at a time in the egg wash and then drudge it thoroughly in the bread crumbs. Watch for holes in the crust and try to make sure it is completely covered. Then carefully place the breast in the hot oil and watch it sizzle. I usually send Maksim to set the table or clean up while this goes on.

After the chicken is all fried, place them in a baking dish and scoop a healthy spoon of Marinara over each Breast. Cover the sauce with Shredded Parm & Mozarella and pop the pan in an oven at 350 degrees for about a half hour. I'm guessing on the time and thinking in terms of an action packed game of indoor basketball.

Serve with pasta and red sauce. Everybody's happy. Everybody had fun.